Gaggia MDF Grinder - User Manual

Gaggia MDF Grinder
Cleaning and Calibration Instructions
ALWAYS UNPLUG THE GRINDER FIRST!
Tools Required
Phillips Screwdriver #1
Phillips Screwdriver #2
Awl (to help remove the rubber stoppers)
Slip-joint Pliers
DISASSEMBLY
1. Empty both the bean hopper and the ground coffee dispenser.
2. With the Awl; locate and remove the two round rubber stoppers at the bottom of the bean
hopper.
3. Remove the two Phillips head screws covered by the stoppers.
4. Lift the bean hopper out the machine.
5. Locate and remove the two small Phillips head screws that fasten the faceplate to the
housing at the top of the machine.
6. The adjustment ring (numbered from 1 to 39) can be removed by unscrewing the two
brass hex bolts uncovered by the removal of the bean hopper. These hex bolts are also
the anchors that the bean hopper screws thread into.
7. Removing the adjustment ring exposes the large round brass top burr plate. A good way
to remove the top burr plate is to slide the bean hopper back into place (without the
screws) and rotate it counter-clockwise until the plate is out. This will provide access to
the grinding chamber.
8. Remove the spring-loaded plastic pins seated directly beneath the upper burr plate—
these pegs cause the “ratcheting” effect associated with turning the bean hopper to
make an adjustment.
9. Thoroughly clean the grinding chamber. This includes all of the threads, both on the top
burr plate and the matching threads on the wall of the grinding chamber. Clean the burrs
as well. A group brush does a good job cleaning the parts and threads in the grinding
chamber. Be sure to clear the chute between the grinding chamber and the ground
coffee dispenser as well. A vacuum really helps to get into the tight corners and avoids a
lot of mess.
****DO NOT USE ANY SOLVENTS OR LIQUIDS TO CLEAN THE GRINDER****
CALIBRATION
10.Replace the burr plate by turning it clockwise until snug. Again, using the bean hopper to
help works well.
11.Making sure that the machine is switched OFF; plug the machine in. Place the bean
hopper (without screws) back into place.
12.Find “absolute zero” by turning the hopper clockwise, then back it off slightly to separate
the burr plates. Proper calibration of the MDF grinder depends on finding absolute zero.
This is the point at which the burrs first touch together while spinning. It is also the point
at which the MDF is grinding the coffee as finely as possible. (Similar in texture to
powdered sugar)

Summary

Grinder Disassembly Steps

Empty Hopper and Dispenser

Remove all beans from the hopper and coffee from the ground coffee dispenser.

Remove Hopper Stoppers and Screws

Locate and remove two rubber stoppers and their screws at the bottom of the bean hopper.

Lift Off Bean Hopper

Carefully lift the bean hopper away from the grinder housing.

Remove Faceplate and Adjustment Ring

Unscrew the faceplate and then the brass hex bolts to remove the adjustment ring.

Access and Remove Top Burr Plate

Remove the top burr plate by rotating it counter-clockwise, using the hopper for leverage.

Clean Grinding Chamber and Chute

Thoroughly clean the grinding chamber, burrs, threads, and chute, avoiding liquids.

Grinder Calibration Procedure

Replace Burr Plate and Prepare

Replace the burr plate clockwise until snug, then plug in the machine with the hopper.

Locate Absolute Zero

Find the point where burrs touch while spinning, indicated by a high-pitched chirp.

Confirm Zero Point

Verify absolute zero by motor sound when winding down after brief operation.

Stop and Unplug Machine

Turn off the grinder after calibration and unplug it from the power source.

Grinder Reassembly

Replace Adjustment Ring and Faceplate

Reinstall the adjustment ring with setting #1 facing front, secure with bolts, then reattach faceplate.

Reinstall Hopper Components

Replace the bean hopper, screws, and rubber stoppers to their original positions.

Final Test

Plug the machine back in and check that all operations are functioning correctly.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The provided manual details the cleaning and calibration procedures for the Gaggia MDF Grinder, a device designed for grinding coffee beans.

Function Description

The Gaggia MDF Grinder is a coffee grinder that processes whole coffee beans into ground coffee. Its primary function is to provide a consistent grind for various brewing methods, with an adjustment ring allowing users to select different grind fineness settings, ranging from 1 to 39. The grinder is capable of producing very fine grinds, described as having a texture similar to powdered sugar, which is achieved at its "absolute zero" setting where the burrs are at their closest point without obstruction.

Important Technical Specifications

While the manual does not explicitly list technical specifications such as motor power or burr material, it does provide insights into the grinder's construction and operational characteristics:

• Adjustment Range: The grinder features an adjustment ring with settings from 1 to 39, indicating a wide range of grind fineness options.
• Burr Type: The manual refers to "burr plates," specifically a "large round brass top burr plate," suggesting the use of flat burrs, likely made of brass for durability and consistent grinding.
• Fasteners: The device uses Phillips head screws and brass hex bolts for assembly, indicating a robust construction.
• Safety Feature: The manual explicitly states "ALWAYS UNPLUG THE GRINDER FIRST!" before any maintenance, highlighting a critical safety protocol.

Usage Features

The Gaggia MDF Grinder offers several features that enhance its usability:

• Adjustable Grind Fineness: The numbered adjustment ring (1 to 39) allows users to precisely control the grind size, catering to different coffee brewing methods. The "ratcheting" effect, caused by spring-loaded plastic pins, ensures that adjustments are firm and stay in place.
• Bean Hopper: The grinder includes a bean hopper for holding whole coffee beans before grinding, and a separate ground coffee dispenser for collecting the processed coffee.
• Absolute Zero Calibration: The manual details a calibration process to find "absolute zero," the point where the burrs first touch while spinning. This ensures the grinder can achieve its finest possible grind and maintains consistency across its settings. This calibration involves listening for a distinct "high-pitched metallic chirp" when the burrs make contact, or observing if the motor stops immediately when switched off, indicating the burrs are touching.
• Faceplate Window: The design includes a faceplate with a window, through which the #1 setting on the adjustment ring should be centered after reassembly, providing a visual reference for the grinder's calibrated state.

Maintenance Features

The manual provides comprehensive instructions for cleaning and calibration, which are key maintenance aspects for the Gaggia MDF Grinder:

• Disassembly for Cleaning: The grinder is designed for user disassembly to facilitate thorough cleaning. This involves removing the bean hopper, rubber stoppers, Phillips head screws, brass hex bolts, and the adjustment ring to access the grinding chamber and burr plates.
• Cleaning Tools: The recommended tools for disassembly include Phillips screwdrivers (#1 and #2), an awl (for removing rubber stoppers), and slip-joint pliers. For cleaning, a "group brush" is suggested for the burrs and threads, and a vacuum cleaner is recommended for hard-to-reach corners and to minimize mess.
• Cleaning Restrictions: A critical maintenance instruction is "DO NOT USE ANY SOLVENTS OR LIQUIDS TO CLEAN THE GRINDER," emphasizing the importance of dry cleaning methods to prevent damage to the internal components.
• Burr Plate Removal and Replacement: The top burr plate can be removed by sliding the bean hopper back into place (without screws) and rotating it counter-clockwise. Replacement involves turning it clockwise until snug, again using the bean hopper for leverage.
• Calibration Process: The manual outlines a detailed calibration process to ensure optimal performance. This involves replacing the burr plate, plugging in the machine (while switched OFF), placing the bean hopper (without screws) back, and then turning the hopper clockwise to find "absolute zero." This is confirmed by listening for the "chirp" of the burrs touching when the machine is briefly turned on (1-2 seconds) or by observing if the motor stops immediately when switched off.
• Reassembly Instructions: The manual provides step-by-step instructions for reassembly, ensuring that components like the adjustment ring (with #1 facing front), faceplate, bean hopper, screws, and rubber stoppers are correctly put back in place. It also notes that a slight misalignment of the adjustment collar is acceptable as long as the grinder is properly recalibrated.

Gaggia MDF Grinder Specifications