I've been wondering whether my coffee grind is too coarse for my espresso. For example, it is coarser compared to the grinds in the Nespresso and compatible pods. I use a Sunbeam EM0450 on the finest setting and I get this grind size.
I use a DeLonghi Dedica Pump Espresso and usually just have a short black or with soy milk added.
That looks like the highest grind setting, not the lowest! :)
If that's the finest, then there is definitely something wrong with the grinder.
Can you grind some on the coarsest setting and show us?
It'l just be a container with whole beans
Coarsest setting not too different!
Waaaaaay to coarse. I have an EM0450 as well and have added 5 shims to get proper espresso (fine powder) grind from settings 5-10. Here are the shims you need to buy: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/172083530279. They are just metal washers but they have to fit over the centre spindle and also not be too wide because of the metal 'knob' that sticks out from the base of the unit. In other words, don't get washers from Bunnings because they need to be the exact size - just buy a few of these. I read another OzBargin post that said they have 7 shims in their Sunbeam grinder.
Here are the shims you need to buy:
not sure if they still do it, but in the past, I have called up Sunbeam and they would happily send out some shims free of charge.
try this:
take the container off the top of the grinder, tip the grinder upside down give it a few taps on the side so the grinds fall out. place the container back on, press downwards and twist clockwise to lock. twist grind setting all the way to coarse and then all the way back to fine.
It’s a known issue with this grinder. Mine lasted 10 years so I’m not too fussed…
I have the older version. I’ve done the washer trick, pulled it apart cleaned every inch of it. Still get coffe like that.
I’ve started buying ground coffee until I get around to buying a new grinder.
definitely way to coarse.
one guide some people uses is to time your shots, depending how much grind your basket holds, a double shot should take around 25 to 30 seconds, ideally (start timing from the moment you pressed the button).
but of course, at the end of the day, go with whatever you like/taste good to you :)
Thanks all for the feedback. I took it apart and mucked around with the shims, without having to add any, and the grind is now much finer. I must not have put the top on properly last time as per Hiroko's comment.
Waaaay too coarse. There must be something wrong with your grinder, because the finest setting should be closer to powder. I have the EM0480 and for my espresso machine I grind at level 14 or thereabouts. Any finer and the machine gets clogged.