Quick Tips for Cleaning Flat and Conical Burr Grinders
One of the simplest tasks for automatic coffee grinders is cleaning them. However, neglecting this process for too long can result in a deep cleaning that takes over ten minutes. Over time, various debris can accumulate inside an electric grinder, including dust, tiny grains of sand, and remnants from the grinding process, such as ashes and oils.
Yes, oils. When grinding coffee beans, especially on a fine setting, light oils responsible for the rich aroma are released. Over time, these oils build up, leading to an unpleasant flavor in your coffee that you might not have experienced before. Additionally, dirt and residue entering the grinder can strain the motor, causing it to weaken, overheat, or eventually malfunction.
In this article, I’ll share my experience cleaning electric grinders. For manual grinders, the cleaning method is identical, but manual models are generally much easier to maintain than electric ones.
Top Mistakes to Avoid:
- Avoid Frequent Deep Cleaning: Do not deep clean electric burr grinders unless they haven’t been cleaned for a long time. Frequent deep cleaning can cause wear on parts and scratches on sensitive components of the coffee machine. While it’s true that some wear occurs with regular use, it’s better for your grinder to wear from prolonged use rather than from improper cleaning.
- Read the Coffee Grinder Manual: Before removing any parts, always read the user manual provided with your electric grinder. It contains important instructions on how to disassemble and reassemble the parts in the correct order, along with the tools required. This can save you significant trouble, especially if it’s your first time working with a grinder.
- Check for Warranty Limitations :Refer to the manual to see if cleaning your grinder with certain materials, such as rice, voids the warranty. High-quality grinders are designed specifically for coffee beans, and grinding harder materials like rice can damage the blades.
- Avoid Using a Toothbrush: While a toothbrush may seem convenient, it often leaves scratches, particularly on stainless steel burrs. Fixing such damage requires professional skills and tools, so it’s better to avoid this altogether.
Tools and Stuff you Need
- Hot, Soapy Water: Use sparingly for deep cleaning, as it complicates the cleaning process and may affect flavor retention.
- Microfiber Cloth: Excellent for drying parts after washing, as it absorbs moisture quickly without leaving residue.
- Soft Brush: A brush specifically designed for coffee grinders is ideal. If your grinder didn’t come with one, use a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging parts.
- Cotton Swabs: Perfect for reaching tight spaces that brushes or fingers can’t access.
- Old Coffee Beans: Essential for restoring the grinder’s flavor after cleaning with soap or water.
- Grinder Cleaning Pellets: Optional tablets made for removing oils and residues, suitable for both home and commercial grinders.
The 8 Steps:
These steps are easy and not complicated at all, and are suitable for cleaning electric coffee grinders and manual coffee grinders. There are some slight differences since the manual coffee grinder is easier to clean, but we will focus on how to clean electric coffee grinders, especially those that have conical burrs or flat burrs. I didn’t talk about blade grinders because cleaning them is no different than cleaning burr grinders.
1. Un-plug your grinder
Always disconnect your coffee grinder from power before beginning the cleaning process. This simple yet essential step protects you from potential electric shocks or accidental injuries.
Additionally, leaving the grinder plugged in while cleaning could damage its motor if moisture or cleaning tools make contact with electrical components.
Even if you only plan to perform a quick cleaning, unplugging ensures complete safety for both you and the machine. Remember, electrical appliances are not designed to be tampered with while connected to power, and skipping this precaution could lead to costly repairs or personal harm.
2. Quick cleaning: vacuum or air pressure
For routine maintenance, quick cleaning is the easiest way to keep your grinder in good condition. Open the hopper and use a vacuum or compressed air to remove coffee grounds, dust, and other debris that might accumulate in the grinding chamber or burrs.
This method is ideal if you clean your grinder regularly, as it prevents residue buildup that could affect performance and flavor. If using compressed air, ensure it’s food-safe and avoid blowing debris into hard-to-reach areas.
However, if your grinder has gone a long time without cleaning, this method might not be enough, and a deeper clean will be required. Consistently performing quick cleaning helps extend the life of your grinder and maintain the quality of your coffee.
3. Run the Grinder Empty
After completing the initial vacuuming or air pressure cleaning, plug in your grinder and run it for no more than 30 seconds without adding coffee beans or any other material. This action helps loosen and eject any remaining particles that may be trapped in the burrs or grinding chamber.
It’s particularly useful for dislodging fine coffee grounds that stick to the surface due to static electricity or oils. Be sure to unplug the grinder immediately after this step to avoid accidental operation while you continue with the deeper cleaning process. Running the grinder empty periodically can also help improve performance and reduce strain on the motor.
4. Remove Parts with Care
Disassembling your coffee grinder properly is crucial to avoid damaging sensitive components. Begin by removing the hopper, then carefully detach the grinding chamber and burrs. Refer to your grinder’s instruction manual for detailed guidance, as disassembly methods can vary depending on the model.
Some grinders may require specific tools to safely remove parts, while others are designed for easy manual disassembly. Handle each part gently to prevent scratches or dents, especially on burrs, which directly impact the quality of your grind. Place all removed parts on a clean, dry surface to keep them organized and protected while cleaning.
5. Deep Cleaning Essentials: Soap, Brushes, and Microfiber Towels
For a thorough deep clean, focus on removing oils, residues, and stubborn coffee particles that accumulate over time. Start with hot, soapy water to dissolve grease and loosen stuck debris. Submerge removable parts, like the hopper and grinding chamber, but avoid immersing electrical components.
Use a microfiber towel to rinse and dry parts, as its fine fibers prevent streaks or leftover water spots. For less soiled components, a soft cleaning brush can be effective without the need for water. Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembly to prevent moisture from causing rust, electrical issues, or flavor contamination in future uses.
6. Putting It All Back Together
Reassembling your coffee grinder is as important as cleaning it. Carefully follow the reverse order of disassembly, ensuring each part fits securely and aligns correctly. Refer to the user manual to avoid mistakes, as improper reassembly can cause the grinder to malfunction or damage its components.
Take your time to double-check the positioning of the burrs and other moving parts, as even a slight misalignment can affect performance. If you encounter difficulty or are unsure about reassembly, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. Properly reassembled grinders not only function better but also last longer.
7. Optional Bonus: Grinder Pellets
Grinder cleaning pellets are a convenient option for removing stubborn coffee oils and residues from burrs. These commercial tablets, made from food-safe ingredients like cornmeal and fiber, are designed to clean the grinder without causing damage.
Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions—usually, this involves running the pellets through the grinder like coffee beans. Pellets are particularly useful for commercial-grade grinders but can also benefit home machines. Use them sparingly, as overuse may wear out the burrs.
Adding this step to your cleaning routine ensures your grinder maintains peak performance and produces clean, flavorful coffee.
8. Flavor Reset: Use old coffee beans
After cleaning, your grinder may lose some of the rich, aromatic oils that contribute to a great-tasting brew. To restore its flavor profile, grind a small amount of old coffee beans before preparing fresh ones. This step removes any lingering soapy or metallic tastes and re-coats the burrs with natural coffee oils.
The process is quick and ensures your next cup tastes just as it should. Consider using beans that are past their prime for this step, as they’ll serve the purpose without wasting your good coffee. A flavor reset is a small yet impactful finishing touch to your grinder maintenance routine.
