Tech Tips: Cleaning a Rancilio Rocky Grinder

[mark2500]

with 3 holes as guidelines, finding the zero point is actually alot easier than I initially thought.

Do you think that this method can also work on other grinders of the same class? A Gaggia MDF or a Mazzer for example?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@mark2500 They are all constructed differently so will need to be dis/re-assembled differently. There's no universal design spec -- not sure if I answered your question...? - Kat

[mark2500]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Ok thanks.

I'm currently looking at either a Gaggia MDF or a Rocky as possible upgrade options from my hario hand mill. From the few forum posts I've read about the MDF though, looks like "zeroing" it might actually be very similar to what Gail did in this video.

I'm guessing all these stepped grinders always have their hoppers screwed directly on the top burrs.

[kickchick1974]

Hi girls - I'm tackling this at the moment, but am stuck at 6:00... the top grinder is extremely difficult to screw back on, it's not spinning freely like your one. (In fact it took rubber gloves and a tea-towel to get it off in the first place). It's as if the threads are crossed, but they're not. Any ideas? Oh and another tip - I found that a vacuum cleaner nozzle was the best thing to remove beans from the screw holes. Thanks for another great clip, I'd be lost without you guys!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@kickchick1974 Hmmmmm...I am not sure; I would check to ensure that the threads are thoroughly cleaned and don't have any build up, but other than that it's difficult to give tech support via YouTube. Don't force it, though, whatever you do -- if you warp those threads, you've got to replace the whole grinder. - Kat

[pigsnack]

Thanks.... I think the crappy emergency beans I put through my machine were responsible for gunking it up and messing with my grind. I went for a couple months before I thought it might have something to do with buildup. Don't ever put Starbucks espresso [sic] beans in a Rocky, even when desperate. Too much oil.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@pigsnack Yeah, any dark roast will be hell on grinders - Kat

[Radders123]

pro-tip: use a corkcrew to remove the grinds and beans from the screw holes. Works a treat.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Radders123 Great tip! Thanks for sharing :) - Kat

[sarakune]

Much clearer with Idea how to,Thanks

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@sarakune You're welcome :) - Kat

[Johanvideo525]

very helpful thanks.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Johanvideo525 You're welcome! :) - Kat

[bplindner]

Thanks for your vids. Have just cleaned my Rancilio Silvia and Rocky grinder. First proper clean since I got them 15 months ago. Just a query - when I cleaned my grinder, I noticed the stopping screw was bent, by about 30 or 40 degrees (away from the actual stop). Any ideas how this would have occurred & do you think it will pose a problem? Would it also mean my grind setting numbers would be a little bit off the mark? It doesn't seem to pose a problem, but I'm just curious. Cheers!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@bplindner It's done that way @ the factory, that's the way they calibrate it during manufacturing, so it's no problem at all - Kat

[bplindner]

@SeattleCoffeeGear That explains it. Thanks for that!!

[drstit]

Having seen some videos on blade touching and i'm worrying about that after i re-assemble the burr after cleaning. Any recommendation on that. Thank you.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@drstit Screw them all the way down so that the burrs touch, then back them off so that the hopper lines up @ zero and you can screw it in. The amount that you back it off is different for every grinder so you will have to test yours. If they are too close together, you will hear a clicking and/or a really high pitched whir. - Kat

[drstit]

I just got my rocky today. Thanks for the tip it's very helpful. Bless you.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@drstit Great! Let us know if you need anything else - Kat

[wdwalker001]

Nice overview of the cleaning process. Here are some tips that might be helpful... Brass is soft and these will help to prevent thread damage...

When you reinstall the top burr, sit the piece in place and then slowly turn it counter-clockwise until you hear the threads "drop" into place. Then slowly turn it clockwise to thread it in place. This ensures that that the threads are lined up properly and prevents cross-threading. Do the same with the 3 hopper screws.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@wdwalker001 Thanks for the tips! - Kat

[nmadigan]

What's the downside of washing the brass burr with soap and water?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@nmadigan I haven't done this so I am just assuming it might have an adverse affect on the metal over time. - Kat

[mlcoo17]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Dishwasher NO, long exposure time w/ H2O and caustic soap. Hand washing with dish soap OK, provided a good drying. The hotter the metal the quicker it evaporate dry from those nooks that you can't reach with a towel. Drop in clean boiling water and then dry, or dry and then hit it with a high watt hair dryer and you'll never have any problems. Brass is tough ( chemically ) but the hi carbon steel burrs could rust with prolonged exposure to moisture. Machinist/welder speaking.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@mlcoo17 THANK YOU! Appreciate the expertise/feedback on this for future reference. - Kat

[pinkmoth]

thankyou! i had a gummed up/jammed machine until i found this video and fixed it myself. runs like a dream again :)

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@pinkmoth Yay! Great to hear - Kat

[Urbino237]

I assume, too, that before commencing any in-home care, the grinder should be unplugged from the mains.

Too bad when the video moves in for close-up it is off focus - can't clearly see the point being explained.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Urbino237 Obviously unplugging is the first step with anything. We have upgraded our camera since this was made so hopefully that isn't an issue anymore, but I'm not a professional camera person so you get what you get :) - Kat

[Urbino237]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Don't get me wrong Kat - the job you two are doing is the best I have seen on the 'net anywhere. Your vids are thorough, done at a nice pace and very informative. They truly do - all combined - make up a superb "Coffee 101" for us newbies. I already have the Rancilio grinder and with the help of your videos will be deciding on which (home use) espresso machine to acquire. Thank you for your generosity of spirit.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Urbino237 Cool :) Well let me know if you have any questions as you're determining the right machine for the job - always happy to help - Kat

[Urbino237]

@SeattleCoffeeGear: for my price range ($500 - $800) it looks like I will go for the Rancilio Silvia, seeing as that machine gets the highest proportion of +ve reviews from users (for machines in that $ spread). It is just me at home, so a single group head is plenty, plus consistency in temperature and the pump doing its job. At present I am using the manual Presso Espresso which does a passable job, but when I win the lottery I won't hesitate to get the famed Speedster. What do you think Kat?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Urbino237 Yes on the Speedster! :D I think the Silvia is great in some respects but I also think the X1 is worth considering for it's improved temp control and auto fill boiler. - Kat

[Urbino237]

@SeattleCoffeeGear It sure looks like a beauty, and a price I was given was $2900. Is this the same machine you recommend above? My only concern about a machine being plumbed-in is that our municipal water tastes absolutely awful, meaning a filter somewhere along the way - which I would like to avoid if possible. But no doubt about it, this baby seems to 'measure up' and then some! Thanks Kat.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Urbino237 $2900 for a Speedster? That's a steal!

[Urbino237]

@SeattleCoffeeGear  Oh how I wish! That's what I was quoted for a Silvia Epoca. The Speedster would set me back very close to $10,000 - once taxes, shipping etc. was all counted in. That's why I say *lottery*. Instead I will likely go for La Pavoni, but the closest dealer to me is 300 miles away!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Urbino237 Ah the Rancilio Epoca you mean; well the Epoca single group is $1949, so the $2900 may mean it's automatic, or has more than one group or is plumb in, not tank. - Kat

[ccalver1]

Dear Kat. Thanks for the great, prompt response. Have recleaned machine very carefully, including treads and holders for burrs - it certainly feels better. I notice there is a small amout of "play" in the thread of the top burr, but I don't know if this is "normal". I am in Tasmania, a small island State of Australia, so I can't bring it in for more detailed diagonsis - and unfortunately there are not any specialised coffee service agents here. Enjoying your other informative videos Colin

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@ccalver1 Well, I hope that will solve the problem you're seeing in the long run! Sorry we can't be of more help as we're so far away. :) - Kat

[ccalver1]

Dear Kat. Thank you and Gail for the excellent video on cleaning a Rocky Rancillo, I have now cleaned my grinder.  I have a query: the grinder (1 yr old) has developed a "rough" operation, but the grind is still even in size/texture. It feels: as if there are hard lumps in the beans and grinding burrs are jumping about; as if something is loose inside, the "stop pin" was bent, however burrs do not clash together. I have been using same beans for years (reputable source). Any suggestions? Colin

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@ccalver1 I checked with our techs; the only suggestion they have (without seeing it in action and taking it apart) would be to make sure you're also cleaning the threads & holders for the burrs (how they are moved up & down) because sometimes they will also build up grinds and then can cause a rougher operation. Other than that, they'd need to see it to diagnose. - Kat

[humejen13]

How often would you use GRINDZ if you make a single drink a day? Can you ever take off the pour spout to clean the clog there?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Depends on beans - oily/dark roast beans = weekly; regular beans = monthly. As far as the grounds in the spout, just take a brush to it regularly to keep it clear. - Kat

[CoffeeDre]

@SeattleCoffeeGear

To me, the rubber connection piece between the spout and the machine actually seems to be the biggest issue. I was very negatively surprised how much the entire channel in there was clogged up and how much old ground coffee seems to get stuck there, after i took off the spout (my rocky is only 2 months old). I'd love to be able to rid my grinder of old powder daily without reaching for the screw driver... what's your take, general grinder weakness or rancilio misconstruction?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@CoffeeDre No, this is definitely something we see on all Rocky grinders. Can you take a fine paintbrush and clean it out that way? It's tough not to have build up on any grinder, but I don't dig how it gets caught up right at the exit of the Rocky. We can generally get most out with a brush on our demo models without taking the chute off. Let me know how it goes! - Kat

[zxdgcgfnbjkl23879]

Thanx! Very useful! I just did it, and had no problem at all - except for the fact that it vas over due after seven... YEARS!!!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Oh my! I bet you're getting great coffee now :) - Kat

[markpianoman]

I suspect these actually are rather "self-cleaning" and don't really need this procedure!

Also -- folks, to clean the Sylvia Rancillo espresso machine, just use citric acid available in grocery stores and health food stores....much cheaper and just as efficient as the commercially bought products. Use the same procedure as found here on youtube.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Not true, unfortunately. You wouldn't believe the caked up grinders we see in our repair department! It's a good idea to take these apart fairly regularly -- especially if you're a fan of dark roast beans that have a lot of external oil. - Kat

[CrimsonScythe]

This video is awesome! I haven't gotten around to cleaning my Rocky yet, so this is very useful.

Btw, what are you gals' opinion on Urnex Grindz or Puly Grind? Are they worth the money? Also, will those clear out the gunk you showed us?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

We use Grindz regularly for in-between cleanings; I'd say it's pretty good, but it's not going to be as thorough in all the external grooves. If you run Grindz through regularly, I'd still recommend doing a cleaning like this once every month/couple months (depending on the coffee you're using.) - Kat

[CrimsonScythe]

Wow, that often, eh? *cough*...

Still think I'll buy it and give it a whirl. (Or rather give it a grind.)

Thanks again for your videos. Love 'em :)