Beans stuck in the chute and the grinder straining to move them? A bean jam is one of the most common grinder problems, usually caused by oily roasts or a stray object, and it clears in a few minutes.
Here is why beans jam and how to clear them.
This article will teach you:
- Why beans jam a grinder
- How oil and debris contribute
- How to clear the jam
- How to prevent it
Why the Beans Jam
- Oily dark-roast beans sticking together.
- A stone or stem among the beans.
- A grind set very fine choking the burrs.
- An overfilled hopper.
What You’ll Need
- A brush and vacuum
- Grinder cleaning tablets
- Your owner’s manual
How to Clear a Bean Jam
- Unplug it. Always unplug before reaching near the burrs.
- Empty the hopper. Remove beans and check for stones or debris.
- Clear the chute. Brush and vacuum grounds packed in the burrs and chute.
- Adjust the grind. Coarsen slightly if a fine setting keeps jamming.
Pro Tip: Buy beans from a source that screens out debris, since a single small stone can jam and even chip burrs. If you grind oily roasts, clean more often to prevent sticky clogs.
When to Look a Little Deeper
Because jams stall the mechanism, it helps to check related parts, and reviewing a grinder that will not spin, a stuck burr, or a stuck motor can reveal the cause.
When to Call a Pro
The jam itself is DIY. If clearing it reveals chipped burrs or a motor that no longer turns, those parts need replacing.
Wrapping Up
Bean jams are usually oil or debris. Here’s the recap:
- Unplug before clearing.
- Empty the hopper and check for stones.
- Brush out the chute and burrs.
- Coarsen the grind if needed.
Clear the chute, and grinding resumes. You’ve got this.