Baratza Forte AP - User Manual

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Summary

Safety Information for Baratza Forté Grinders

General Safety Precautions and Warnings

Key safety instructions for using and maintaining the Forté AP/BG grinder.

Baratza Forté AP;BG Grinder Setup Guide

Hopper and Grounds Bin Installation

Initial Grind Setting Adjustment

Baratza Forté AP;BG Grinder Operation

Adjusting Grind Settings

Details on using micro and macro adjustment levers for grind size.

Weight-Based Dosing Operation

Using the built-in scale for accurate coffee dosing by weight.

Time-Based Dosing Operation

Using the timer function for volumetric or time-based coffee dosing.

Programming and Saving Presets

Troubleshooting Common Error Codes

Explanation of common error codes displayed by the grinder and their solutions.

Baratza Forté AP;BG Calibration Guide

Burr Calibration Procedure

Steps to recalibrate the burrs to factory settings or adjust grind parameters.

Scale Calibration and Offset Programming

The Baratza Forté AP/BG is a durable, user-friendly, commercial-grade coffee grinder designed for a wide range of brew methods, suitable for both slow bars in cafés and kitchen counters.

Function Description:

The Forté is a compact grinder that offers both weight-based and time-based grinding. It is dedicated to grinding roasted whole coffee beans for various brew methods, from espresso to French press. The grinder features an intuitive touch control panel for easy operation and precise adjustments.

Important Technical Specifications:

Grinding Mechanism: The Forté AP model uses ceramic burrs, while the Forté BG model uses steel burrs.
Construction: All-metal construction, including an aluminum grind chamber, ensures durability.
Motor: Equipped with a powerful DC motor with a long duty cycle.
Dosing:
- Weight Mode: Accurate built-in scale capable of dosing from 5.0g to 120.0g, with accuracy down to a tenth of a gram.
- Time Mode: Timer adjustable from 0.1 seconds to 60.0 seconds, in tenth-of-a-second increments.
Adjustments: Features consistent macro and micro adjustments for grind size.
- Macro Adjustment Lever Knob (7): Used for large changes to the grind setting.
- Micro Adjustment Lever Knob (6): Used for fine-tuning the grind setting.
Presets: Three programmable presets for both weight (1=15g, 2=30g, 3=60g) and time (1=10s, 2=15s, 3=30s). These presets are saved even if the grinder is unplugged.
Hopper Capacity: Not explicitly stated, but the hopper (2) is designed to hold coffee beans.
Power: Operates on AC current; specific voltage should be checked on the label at the base of the grinder.
Dimensions: Small footprint, making it suitable for various spaces.

Usage Features:

Grind Adjustment: Grind settings are adjusted using two levers: the macro adjustment lever knob (7) for large changes and the micro adjustment lever knob (6) for fine-tuning. Moving either knob up results in a finer grind, while moving down results in a coarser grind. It is recommended to adjust grind size while the motor is running if there is coffee in the grinder to ensure longevity.
Operation Modes:
- Weight Mode (12): Allows grinding to a preset weight or continuously with a real-time weight readout. The scale can be tared by pressing and holding the weight button.
- Time Mode (13): Allows grinding for a preset duration or continuously with a timer counting up.
- Manual Mode (14): Available in both weight and time modes for continuous grinding.
Start & Stop Buttons (11): Used to start, pause, and stop grinding.
Grind Presets (15): Three programmable buttons for quick selection of desired weight or time.
PortaHolder (18, Forté AP Only): Comes pre-installed on the Forté AP for portafilter use. Note that the weight function is not usable with the PortaHolder installed as it covers the scale platform. It can be adjusted for proper portafilter fit.
Bean Shut-Off Knob (3): Allows closing the hopper to prevent beans from entering the grinder, useful for emptying the grinder or changing beans.
Hopper Lid (1): Covers the bean hopper.
Grounds Bin (8): Collects ground coffee and sits on the scale platform (9).
Sleep Mode: The display enters sleep mode after three minutes of inactivity and can be woken by tapping the screen.
Error Codes: The grinder displays error codes (Err 001, Err 002, Err 003, Err 004) to indicate operational issues, such as scale overload, lack of coffee flow, or internal damage, with troubleshooting steps provided in the manual.

Maintenance Features:

Routine Cleaning: Recommended at least once per month for standard home use, more frequently for darker roasted, oily, or flavored coffees.
Hopper and Grounds Bin Cleaning: Hand wash only with warm, soapy water. Do not put in a dishwasher.
Burr and Grind Chamber Cleaning:
- Requires removal of the upper burr carrier (4) using the burr removal tool (17).
- Burrs (5) and grind chamber should be cleaned with a non-metal, bristle brush (e.g., toothbrush).
- Do NOT wash burrs with water.
- For deeper cleaning, burrs can be removed from their carriers using a small flat-head screwdriver.
Burr Reinstallation: The upper burr carrier is reinstalled by carefully threading it counterclockwise into the grind chamber, ensuring it sits level and threads smoothly.
Cleaning Tablets: Can be used as a supplement to normal cleaning to absorb coffee oil and reduce odors. They do not replace manual cleaning or clear clogs.
Calibration:
- Burr Calibration (16): Allows recalibrating the burrs to factory settings or adjusting them to achieve finer or coarser grinds if needed. This involves using the burr calibration tool to adjust an internal screw while the motor is running.
- Scale Calibration: If the ground coffee weight is inaccurate, the scale can be recalibrated using a 200g weight. This involves a specific sequence of unplugging, holding preset buttons, placing the weight, and replugging.
- Weight Offset Programming: Allows adjusting the grinder's offset if it consistently overshoots or undershoots the target weight, particularly after burr changes. This involves a specific sequence of unplugging, holding stop and weight mode icons, and using grind adjustment buttons.

Warranty & Service:

U.S. & Canadian Warranty: 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship (parts and labor), including free ground transportation to and from the repair facility. Excludes improper use, lack of cleaning, abuse, normal wear and tear, foreign objects, or grinding unroasted beans.
International Warranty: Provided by the international retailer from whom the grinder was purchased. Shipping costs and service fees may apply if purchased from a retailer outside the customer's country of residence.
Product Registration: Recommended at www.baratza.com/register-your-grinder for product safety notifications and compliance with regulations. The serial number is located on the bottom of the grinder.
Support: Contact support@baratza.com or call +1 425-641-1245 (toll-free 877-701-2021 in the US). Troubleshooting help and parts information are available on www.baratza.com.