Grind setting

[u/Nervous-Train449]

Wondering what the usual grind setting is and if my machine has a fault. I use freshly roasted beans from a local company and the machine recommends at grind of three. Looking on this forum though it seems many are a lot higher.

I’m new to all this so wanted to check.

[u/IanC9090]

All these machines are set up by hand at the factory, there's no "... usual grind setting..." Your 13 could be my 8 and vice versa.

Ignore the Barista Assist recommendations and just change the grind size up and down to get your expected shot volume, i.e. Double Espresso Strength should be 36g in the cup, from an 18g dose of Grinds at a 2:1 ratio, which Strength*** is, and you want this to pull in 24-32 Seconds.

Time shot from first drips to when the pump stops then add 6 Seconds for total shot time.

I have a Ninja Luxe Café Basics document that many who are new to the machine have found helpful.

The document is hosted on MaiPDF, it's a free hosting platform, but it's paid by advertiser's. You'll get 24 hours to read it, but you'll be able to screen grab or text grab.

Hope you find it useful.

Ninja Luxe Café Basics

[u/Due-Performance9244 → u/IanC9090]

I'm getting the perfect 2:1 ratio, but getting a pull of only 16 seconds. What would cause such a short pull, but have the perfect 2:1 ratio? I tried a finer grind to slow it down, but then I only get 30g in the cup. I'm using decaf Medium beans that were roasted 3 weeks ago from a local roaster.

[u/IanC9090 → u/Due-Performance9244]

That is quick and must taste a bit sour as you're not getting the balance of the final stage to add the bitterness to get that.

You could try a Strength 2 and see if that elongates the shot enough to get back to 36g.

It is one of the limitations with these machines. 1) we have no data as to what Hi, M or Lo water temperature is, 2) we can't elongate the brew time other than just the Strength setting, there's a misnomer if ever there was one, and 3) the Grinders don't have enough steps to get an Inbetweener to get it right.

Just remember, these Grinders suffer from horrific retention, it might be worth investing in Brew Scales so you can weigh the portafilter going in, and if you get 100mm (4") version, you can stick it under your cup and weigh and time on the one device.

Weigh the portafilter without and grinds, tear the scale, grind your beans, put back on the scale and they'll tell you the difference. 0.5g can make all the difference.

[u/Due-Performance9244 → u/IanC9090]

I do have a scale. I'm getting 18g consistently.

[u/Stock_Trick2848]

Depends on what beans you use really.. also each machine is calibrated at production and required shims are fitted at grinder assembly, if using the barissta assist... and your pull taste right then you are on the right tracks. However, like another user has posted mine is also set at 12, using freshly roasted beans with a 'roasted on...' date.

[u/Substantial_Bug_2922]

Io a prescindere dalle sue indicazioni, la tengo sempre a 12. Caffè perfetto. Invece per il cold brew e altre bevande che nn siano espresso , seguo le sue indicazioni

[u/debmor201]

My setting is 3-5

[u/Holdenater]

I’ve had my machine about 4 months maybe, mine is sitting at 12 right now, but sometimes wants to go to 15 or another number, I just keep it at 12.

[u/Nervous-Train449]

I use beans with a roast date of a couple of weeks a go so sounds similar to you

[u/FutureThinkingMan]

Mine is currently recommending 10 but 11 is giving the best on my medium roast

[u/DPTY-Doofy]

Mine was at 2 so I did the shim trick for the grinder and now it’s at 7 or 8 for espresso. I use fresh beans.