reducing coffee fines

( from instagram post 2024.6.25 )

< low-cost ways to reduce fines >

Coffee fines are not so fine when it comes to filter brewing because they can clog filters resulting in bitter and muddy flavors. Getting yourself an endgame grinder such as titus, weber eg-1 or specialized low-fines burrset can be the ultimate solution but also a highly expensive one.

Yet there are some low cost methods discussed across the internet which I would like to summarize and share:

1. Burrs alignment. Poor alignment causes more fines and boulders and needs no further explanation. I highly recommend to check yours with the "marker pen and shim" method introduced by @baristahustle - it is near zero cost and can instantly improve cup quality.

2. Never purge retained grounds into the dose. The purpose of purging is to clear grounds inside the chamber and those stuck along the exit chute. I believe that it contains large amount of fines as they are lighter particles and are attracted to surfaces (by static electricity) more easily. Have a look at the purged grounds next time after dosing and see how much fines you have just avoided.

3. Glass vessels. I love using glass for dosing and cupping for it is hygiene and easy to clean. More importantly, the vertical surface can catch fines that can be wiped off instantly i.e. less fines in the dose. It works for smooth ceramic vessels too.

4. Slow bean feeding. It is a recent belief supported by some coffee influencers that “slow-feeding generates less fines”. I was able to apply it thanks to the ek43 short hopper slider. There seems more clarity in the cup although I am not completely sure how much slow-feeding has contributed into it.

Let me hear your experiences and other fine-reduction tips too!