How full do YOU keep your hopper?

Post by **blacroix** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 1:37 pm

I have noticed that when opening a new bag of beans, the grind is DRAMATICALLY difference in grind requirements between the shots pulled immediately -vs- the shots pulled 24 hours later.

Initially, I have the grinder much finer. The next day, I have to adjust the grinder (Macap M4 stepless) about a full turn more coarse. AFter that, things are quite consistent - maybe a 1/4 turn here or there each day after.

My question is this:

- Would it make sense to "top off" the hopper once it's 1/2 - 3/4 empty? That way, the beans are always exposed to the elements fora day or so before they get ground.

Does anyone do this - or does anyone have any other ideas/thoughts?

Post by **Niko** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 8:20 pm

My beans are kept airtight in a vacuum container, nothing ever stays in the hopper longer than 60 seconds. I'm using a doserless MACAP though, not sure how others with the dosing version like to operate.
All my shots get weighed because of the many different types of beans used in my home cafe. I also notice the grind settings change over the course of time like you mentioned.

Post by **zak42** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:06 am

Do you have a weight on top of the beens to stop popcorning ?

Post by **blacroix** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:11 am

Nope, just fill up the hopper. I haven't noticed that as an issue. What would that do?

Post by **RGoldman** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:25 am

I left my hopper off my macap. I weigh out my beans and pour them into the top of the grinder. Put my hand over them and turn it on. It only takes about 30-45 seconds to grind 54 grams of beans. I then sweep the chamber above the burrs of all the little pieces and turn the grinder back on for a few seconds to completely empty it. I keep my beans stored in sealed glass jars next to the grinder.
I just used the beans I roasted Tuesday this morning (they need another day or two rest) and yes, I had to adjust the grinder finer for the new beans. About 3/4 turn seemed to do it.

Post by **gdahl** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 3:09 pm

My blind filter basket fits the top of my grinder (Mazzer Mini) perfectly. Since the bowl extends downward into the recess, popcorning doesn't seem significant to me.

Might there be a blind filter basket of the right size to fit the Macap? Could be worth a try.

Gary Dahl

Post by **Martin** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 9:05 pm

I've never used my M-Mini's hopper. I grind one double with a 58mm tamper on top of the beans. Seems to work.

Post by **Niko** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:51 pm

Do you not use your hopper because of the safety guard? I've considered ditching the hopper just for that reason. Now I'm seriously thinking about busting the guard off my MACAP's hopper, that way I can cram my dirty little fingers in there to push the beans (not my fingers) down the bunghole.