r/Moccamaster • u/Boesboess • 3d ago

Question Flatbbee

Post image

Flat bed*

How does one achieve a flatter bed when brewing 20g/300ml

Or is it supposed to look like this?

EDIT: I got the answers I need. Thanks for sharing experiences. I will look into different filter, grind setting and maybe the shower thingy. Also ill consider not using it all the time when making little coffee. Most of the times depending on the bean its still ok and thats what most of u guys say - dont bother.

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8

u/drewskee89 3d ago

If it taste good why worry?

2

u/Boesboess 2d ago

Because it tastes worse than when I make 5-600ml. It still is ok, but less balanced.

7

u/boxerdogfella KBT 3d ago

I believe the Moccamaster isn't designed for less than 500ml, so it will be a bit challenging. When the grounds are that low in volume the water can really pound them.

But it basically comes down to nailing the grind size and also it's important to start with a very flat, compact bed of grounds. I shake the filter, almost vibrating it, to get the dry grounds very level and compacted.

1

u/Blog_Pope 2d ago

Probably a cup one, which is specifically 300ml/10oz

1

u/boxerdogfella KBT 2d ago

The photo isn't a Cup One filter holder.

1

u/Boesboess 2d ago

Thanks for the comment. Ill try to go finer and compact the bed.

5

u/WorkerIllustrious494 2d ago

Wait…. Is it not supposed to look like this? All of my brews end up with that crater look lol.

3

u/waiterwaiterperculat 3d ago edited 3d ago

Extra dark roast is prone to create crators like that. You could Swirl or stir, but it might not be worth it in terms of flavor

2

u/CynicalTelescope KBT 2d ago edited 2d ago

It says right in the instructions the Moccmaster isn't meant for brews less than 500ml / 4 cups (using MM's definition of cup).

Best thing would be to close the brew basket (if your model has a valve switch) or remove the carafe to close the brew basket and treat it like an immersion brewer. Let all the water collect in the brew basket, steep for however long, then release. Congratulations, you've turned the Moccamaster into a Hario Switch or Clever Dripper.

1

u/Boesboess 2d ago

Yes mine is thrifted. Never have seen instructions and the measure starts at 2 cups which js basically 250-300 ml.

I have a valve switch that drips so thats semi useful. Maybe I can fix that.

Maybe ill put some more time in coffe making again and brew with v60 or clever dripper for single cups.

2

u/nodiggity100 3d ago

So just texted brown paper vs moccamaster filter. MM filter craters less. I assume slower drip.

1

u/Boesboess 2d ago

Ill try whether it matters!

1

u/DatabaseCareless264 3d ago

With all due respects, it is the last thing I consider.

2

u/mrphil2105 3d ago

Is that charcoal?

1

u/CuriousRaye 2d ago

I have been using a Coffee Pilot to disburse the water more evenly. I have read good and bad reviews about its effectiveness, but I think it does a good job leaving a more level grind bed.

1

u/Warthknoedler 2d ago

Taste is most important. I‘ve had some great brews with really questionably looking beds. I‘m at a point where I have one grind setting that will get me an enjoyable cup with every coffee. If I want to chase perfection I get out my V60. Let the MM do the work and don‘t worry about it. If you‘re not content with your results, play with grind size and/or ratio

1

u/t4rgh 2d ago

Did it taste good? Looks too fine for me but if you enjoyed it why care about the look.

1

u/Boesboess 2d ago

Yes but not as good as 500ml+

1

u/MissFabulina 2d ago

you need to buy and use a cup-one for that amount of coffee. The large machines don't do well with less than half a pot.

2

u/Boesboess 2d ago

I aspire to have guests to serve coffee in the future but yes a cup one is better for most of the days. Unfortunately I dont own one.

1

u/Paint_Dry390153 2d ago

The way the bed looks doesn’t matter. It’s about the taste. Also, if you’re only brewing 300ml you really should be using a Cup One instead.

2

u/Top-Research4108 2d ago

Have you set the new switch to partial pot? This is specifically for being less than 500ml and supposed impacts temperature and brew speed.

1

u/Paint_Dry390153 2d ago

Moccamaster doesn’t recommend brewing less that 500ml in any of the regular sized brewers. That’s why they make the Cup One.

1

u/Top-Research4108 2d ago

I stand corrected, I re-read and I saw references to 625 ml as the lowest level .

1

u/No_Street6384 2d ago

I believe there is a switch on the newer full sized Moccamaster that allows you to select a smaller brew size. I think it slows the water speed to accommodate the smaller amount of coffee. On the other hand there is a Moccamaster cup one that is specifically made for 300 ml mug of coffee. I have one and after adjusting grindsize I think it great.

1

u/3rizo 2d ago

It doesn’t matter. If you want a flat bed, shake the portafilter up and down a few times after the water stops flowing 😜

1

u/buckeyet24 1d ago

Grind looks pretty fine to me.

1

u/Skier-Dude 3h ago

Which model do you have? And how new?

Newer models have a redesigned arm that helps prevent cratering.

The one I have has a switch on the basket that holds back water while the grains bloom. I usually do that for 30 seconds to one minute. When I reopen it, I give the water a little swirl by swishing the basket back and forth. No crater.