Burr Alignment & Calibration: Plain Language Guide

What is Burr Alignment?

Burr alignment means the two burrs (stationary and rotating) are perfectly parallel and touching at the same point. Misalignment causes uneven grinding, inconsistent extraction, and poor shot quality.

Most grinders come properly aligned from the factory. Alignment issues are rare but fixable.

✓ Signs of Misalignment:

• Inconsistent grind size
• Uneven extraction
• Grinding sounds off
• Burrs touching unevenly
• Grind quality degrading

Understanding Burr Alignment

What Alignment Means

Imagine two flat surfaces trying to touch. If they're perfectly parallel, they touch evenly across the entire surface. If they're tilted, they touch at one edge only.

Burr alignment is the same. Properly aligned burrs touch evenly across their entire surface, grinding consistently. Misaligned burrs touch unevenly, causing inconsistent grind.

How Misalignment Happens

• Shipping damage: Grinder gets bumped during shipping.
• Wear over time: Burrs wear unevenly after years of use.
• Loose components: Burr carrier or motor mount loosens.
• Manufacturing defect: Rare but possible from factory.

Should You Align Your Burrs?

Most people shouldn't. Burr alignment is intimidating and risky. If your grinder is grinding consistently, leave it alone.

Only consider alignment if:

• Grind quality has noticeably degraded
• You suspect misalignment (uneven grinding)
• You're comfortable with disassembly
• Your grinder allows adjustment

Should You Align Your Burrs? Decision Tree

Step 1: Is Your Grind Consistent?

Question: Do identical settings produce identical grinds?

Yes, consistent: Your burrs are aligned. Stop here. Don't touch anything.

No, inconsistent: Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Is It Grinder Drift or Alignment?

Test: Mark your grinder setting with tape. Grind 5 shots without changing the setting. Check if the setting moved.

Setting moved (Drift): Problem is grinder drift, not alignment. Tighten the adjustment mechanism.

Setting didn't move (Alignment): Proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Check for Obvious Misalignment

Test: Remove hopper (if possible). Look at burr carrier from above. Gently try to wiggle it.

Burr carrier moves (Wobble): Problem is burr wobble, not alignment. Tighten mounting bolts.

Burr carrier doesn't move (Alignment): Proceed to Step 4.

Step 4: Does Your Grinder Allow Alignment Adjustment?

Check: Read your grinder manual. Look for "burr alignment," "calibration," or "adjustment."

Yes, adjustable: Proceed to Step 5.

No, not adjustable: Your grinder can't be aligned at home. Contact manufacturer or service center.

Step 5: Are You Comfortable with Disassembly?

Honest question: Are you comfortable taking apart your grinder and reassembling it?

Yes, comfortable: You can attempt alignment. Follow your manual carefully.

No, not comfortable: Contact a professional technician. Misalignment is rare enough that professional service is worth it.

Model-Specific Notes

Niche Zero

Allows burr alignment adjustment. Procedure is documented online. Moderate difficulty. Not recommended for beginners.

Baratza Sette

Alignment is fixed. Not adjustable at home. Contact Baratza if misaligned.

1Zpresso Hand Grinders

Allows burr alignment adjustment. Procedure varies by model. Check manual.

Eureka Mignon

Alignment is fixed. Not adjustable at home. Contact Eureka if issues.

Fellow Ode

Alignment is fixed. Not adjustable at home.

Explore Related Topics

Grinder Cleaning

Usage-based cleaning schedules and protocols.

Shot Time Diagnosis

Troubleshoot inconsistent extraction times.

Dialing In Espresso

Master extraction variables for perfect shots.

Know When to Align

Burr alignment is rarely needed. Use this decision tree to determine if your grinder actually needs it.

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