How do I adjust the grind size on a conical burr grinder?
To adjust the grind size on a conical burr grinder, rotate the hopper or the adjustment collar while the motor is running. Most grinders have numbered settings; moving toward a lower number typically produces a finer grind, while a higher number produces a coarser grind. Always make small adjustments and test the results to find your ideal setting.
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Adjusting a conical burr grinder is a straightforward process, but there are a few best practices to ensure you don't damage your equipment or waste your coffee. The most important rule is to adjust the grind size while the burrs are in motion. If you adjust the setting while the grinder is off, coffee grounds can get trapped between the burrs, potentially jamming the mechanism or causing the motor to struggle when you turn it back on.
Most conical burr grinders feature a numbered dial or collar. While these numbers are helpful for reference, they are rarely standardized across different brands. A '5' on one grinder may be completely different from a '5' on another. Treat these numbers as relative markers rather than absolute measurements. Start by finding your baseline—the setting that produces the best cup for your preferred brewing method—and then make small, incremental changes from there.
When you are dialing in a new coffee, make only one adjustment at a time. If you change both the grind size and the dose (the amount of coffee), you won't know which variable caused the change in flavor. If your coffee tastes bitter, it is likely over-extracted, so move the setting toward a coarser grind. If it tastes sour or thin, it is likely under-extracted, so move toward a finer grind.
Finally, remember that there is always some 'retention' in a grinder—old grounds sitting in the chute. When you change your grind setting, the first few grams of coffee that come out will be a mix of the old setting and the new one. It is often helpful to grind a small amount of coffee and discard it before brewing your actual cup, especially when moving from a coarse setting to a fine one. This ensures that your brew is consistent and reflects the new setting you have chosen.
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