Built-in grinder on your espresso machine straining, buzzing, or fully stuck? A jammed grinder is usually clogged with oily grounds or a hard object among the beans, and clearing it is straightforward once you power down.
Here is why the grinder jams and how to free it.
This article will teach you:
- What jams a grinder
- Why oily beans are a problem
- How to clear it safely
- How to prevent jams
Why the Grinder Jams
- A small stone or debris among the beans.
- Oily dark-roast beans gumming the burrs.
- Packed grounds in the chute.
- A grind set too fine for the motor.
What You’ll Need
- A brush and vacuum
- Grinder cleaning tablets
- Your owner’s manual
How to Clear a Jammed Grinder
- Unplug it. Never clear a grinder with power connected.
- Empty the hopper. Remove beans and check for stones or debris.
- Clean the burrs. Brush and vacuum the burrs and chute clear.
- Coarsen slightly. Back the grind off a notch if it keeps stalling.
Pro Tip: Very oily dark-roast beans coat and clog burrs faster than any other cause. If you grind dark roasts, clean the burrs more often and consider a slightly coarser setting.
When to Look a Little Deeper
Because grind quality affects the shot, it helps to check related issues, and reviewing shots with no crema, low pressure, or a machine that will not pump can reveal related faults.
When to Call a Pro
If the burrs are clear and free of debris but the grinder motor will not turn, the motor or gear has failed and needs service.
Wrapping Up
A jammed grinder is usually debris or oil. Here’s the recap:
- Unplug before clearing.
- Empty the hopper and check for stones.
- Clean the burrs and chute.
- Coarsen the grind if it stalls.
Clear the burrs first, and the grinder usually frees up. You’ve got this.