PSA: My new grinder gave me grounds that looked like beach sand for a month

I got a Baratza Encore as a gift and set it to the 'medium' setting like the box said. Every single cup came out tasting super bitter and weak, no matter the beans. After three weeks of this, I watched a video that said to ignore the numbers and adjust by sound and feel. It took me two more tries to get a grind that actually worked for my French press. Has anyone else had to completely relearn their grind size with a new machine?

3 comments

3 Comments

bettywilson24d agoMost Upvoted

240 volts in the US versus Europe is a real issue nobody talks about with grinders. My buddy bought a used Mazzer from overseas and it ran way faster here. Messed up his grind consistency for weeks until he figured it out. Some of these machines are built for different electrical standards even new ones. Worth checking the voltage rating on the motor plate before you start messing with adjustments.

paulw631mo ago

Those preset numbers are basically just suggestions, every machine is a little different out of the box.

kim_patel891mo ago

Yeah, those preset numbers are just a starting point. I read that even the same model can have small differences from the factory. You really do have to go by the coffee it makes, not the dial.