DF-FAQ: frequently asked questions about your DF-coffeegrinder

A new DF-coffeegrinder might take a little explaining. Especially if you are working with a single-dose coffee grinder for the first time.

That is why we have gathered the questions we get asked most often at FREKKO below.

Looking for a specific answer? Feel free to scroll through the questions.
You don't need to read this article from A to Z.

1. How do I set the zero point of my DF-coffeegrinder?

The zero point is the point at which the two burrs just barely touch. The various grind settings are determined from the zero point.

With a DF-coffeegrinder, the zero point can vary slightly from unit to unit. This is set at the factory, and small differences are normal. That is why it is not wise to assume that setting 0 means exactly the same thing on every DF grinder.

SETTING THE ZERO POINT ON DF-COFFEEGRINDERS

With most DF-coffeegrinder, you can check the zero point by slowly adjusting the grind size finer while the grinder is switched on and running. You have found the zero point as soon as you hear the burrs lightly touching each other, the so-called 'chirp'. Then immediately turn it slightly coarser again.

NOTE: do not let the burrs run against each other for a long time, as this will damage the burrs.

2. How do I set a dial indicator on my DF54?

Do you have a DF54 with a dial indicator? Then you can use the dial indicator to use the found zero point as a reference so that you can easily find your favorite grind setting again.

HOW TO SET THE DF54 DIAL INDICATOR:

Empty the grinder and ensure there is no coffee or beans left between the burrs.
Turn the grinder on.
Find the zero point by slowly adjusting the grind size finer until you hear the burrs very lightly touching each other. Then immediately turn it slightly coarser again.
You have found your zero point the moment the burrs are just not touching each other.
Place the dial indicator on the DF54 and use the found zero point as your reference.
From that point on, you can mark your favorite grind settings and easily find them again later.

NOTE: the number on the adjustment ring is not a universal measurement. Therefore, setting 10 on one grinder does not have to be exactly the same as setting 10 on another grinder.

3. Which grind setting should I use for espresso with my DF-coffeegrinder?

There is no fixed DF setting for espresso. The correct grind setting for your coffee depends on many factors.

The correct grind size depends, among other things, on:

the coffee you are using;
the age of the coffee;
your dose;
your espresso recipe;
your espresso machine;
and the desired extraction time.

Therefore, do not start with the idea that espresso must always be ground at, for example, setting X. Use your espresso as a starting point, not your grinder.

Is your espresso running too fast? Grind finer.

Is your espresso running too slow? Grind coarser.

Then make small adjustments and see what happens to your espresso. Eventually, you will have a grind setting that works for your grinder and coffee. Note: is your coffee getting older? Then this setting may change again.

Or use the FREKKO espresso recipe.

4. My espresso is running too fast. How do I fix this?

If your espresso runs through much too quickly, the coffee is usually ground too coarsely. You can try several things.

Grind slightly finer.
Make a small adjustment to a finer grind setting and pull another espresso.
Keep everything else as consistent as possible.
Use the same dose and the same recipe so that you know what the effect of the adjustment is.
Look at the extraction time and taste again.
Is the espresso still running too fast? Then grind slightly finer again.

With a stepless DF-coffeegrinder, you can make very precise adjustments. Often a small adjustment is sufficient. Do not immediately turn 5 steps forward or backward; sometimes half a step is enough.

NOTE: Turn the grinder on when adjusting to a finer grind setting. This ensures that any stuck coffee beans do not damage your burrs.

5. My espresso is running too slow. How do I fix this?

Then your coffee is probably ground too fine. You can try this:

Grind slightly coarser.
Keep your dose and recipe the same.
Pull another espresso and evaluate the result.

Still too slow? Make another small step towards coarser.

The goal is not to reach a certain number on the grind adjustment ring. The goal is an espresso that works well with your coffee and recipe.

Still looking for a base recipe? Follow the FREKKO espresso recipe.

NOTE: Turn the grinder on when adjusting to a finer grind setting. This ensures that any stuck coffee beans do not damage your burrs.

6. My espresso used to run well, but not anymore. Is it my coffee grinder?

This is a question we get regularly. And no: that doesn't automatically mean there is something wrong with your DF-coffeegrinder. First, rule out the most obvious causes.

CHECK FIRST:

Has your coffee changed?
- Coffee changes as it ages. A coffee that ran perfectly last week may need a different grind size today.
- A new bag of coffee can also require a completely different setting. Every coffee has a different density, moisture percentage, or processing method.
Are you using the same dose?
- A small change in the amount of coffee can influence your espresso.
- Are you using 17 grams this time? And normally 18 grams of coffee? That will give you a very different result.
Is your espresso machine at the right temperature?
- A change in the machine's temperature can affect the extraction time.
- Check whether your machine's temperature is still set correctly.
Is your puck preparation the same?
- Distribution, tamping, and any potential channeling all influence how water flows through your coffee.
- Pull another espresso while paying close attention to the puck preparation and see if that makes a difference.
And of course: check your grinder
- If all of the above has remained the same, you can look at the grinder. Is it clean? Are the burrs damaged? Is there coffee stuck inside?

FREKKO TIP: do not change three things at once. If you only change one variable at a time, you will find the cause much faster.

7. How do I know if the problem lies with my DF-coffeegrinder or my espresso machine?

A good espresso consists of more than just the coffee from your coffee grinder. If your espresso suddenly runs differently, the problem could also lie with your machine.

START WITH THIS CHECKLIST (see question 6):

Are you using fresh coffee?
Are you using the same coffee as usual?
Are you using the same dose?
Is your espresso machine at the right temperature?
Do you prepare the puck the same way?
Have you checked the grind size?
Is there no old coffee or a blockage in the grinder?

DOUBTING YOUR ESPRESSO MACHINE?

A simple check is a test with a blind filter. This allows you to check whether the machine itself is building pressure normally. Does the bar pressure on your espresso machine not go up? Then it is time to contact FREKKO.

Is the machine not working as expected? Then your DF-coffeegrinder does not necessarily have to be the cause.

8. How do I clean my DF-coffeegrinder?

Coffee residue collects around the burrs and in the chute over time. Fortunately, a DF grinder is fairly easy to keep clean. You do not need to clean the grinder thoroughly often.

For the basics of cleaning a coffee grinder, you can also view our blog: How do I clean my coffee grinder?

HOW TO THOROUGHLY CLEAN YOUR DF GRINDER:

Turn off the grinder and unplug it
Clean the chute
Use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment to remove loose coffee residue from the chute and around the outlet.
Remove the top burr
Carefully unscrew the adjustment ring and remove the top burr according to the instructions for your DF model.
Brush the burrs and grinding chamber clean
Use a soft brush for this. Remove loose coffee residue.
Replace everything
Pay close attention to the adjustment ring when doing this. With DF grinders, you must place the ring back straight and in the existing direction of rotation. Do not force the ring. If you screw the ring on crookedly, it can get (permanently) stuck.
Ready
Grinding without coffee a few times and blowing with the blowing hopper helps to get the last loose coffee residue out of the grinder.

NOTE: do not use water in the grinder or on parts that are not intended for it.

IN DOUBT?
Then it is better to stop. The burrs, adjustment ring, and calibration are important parts of your grinder.

Do not force anything and do not disassemble it yourself if something does not come loose or does not fit well. In that case, contact FREKKO.

We would rather help you on your way than have you damage something.

9. Why does coffee remain in my DF-coffeegrinder?

No coffee grinder is completely free of retention. A certain amount of coffee always remains in the grinding chamber, between the burrs, or in the chute. Coffee remains a natural product. You can minimize retention with a blowing hopper.

The amount of retention varies depending on, among other things:

type of coffee;
roast;
humidity;
amount of coffee;
grind size;
and the specific DF model.

Static electricity can also cause ground coffee to stick to parts of your grinder.

RDT CAN HELP YOU

With RDT (Ross Droplet Technique), you add a very small amount of water via a spray to the coffee beans before grinding. This can reduce static electricity and thereby help less coffee stick to the grinder.

NOTE: For RDT, use a small water spray. And be careful to use a minimal amount of water. Your grinder does not like water, but a light mist will do no harm.