The grinder on your Sage isn’t grinding
A grinder that hums without grinding is usually blocked, or the bean hopper isn’t seated properly. If it’s the motor or the burrs, it needs repairing.
What you can check yourself
- Check the bean hopper is locked firmly in place. It has a safety switch, and without it the grinder won’t run. On the Barista Express, the two filter lights flash when the hopper isn’t seated correctly.
- Unplug the machine, empty the hopper and remove the upper burr (see the manual). Brush away coffee and bits of bean.
- Set the grinder coarser and try again. Too fine a setting can make the grinder jam.
- Check the roast. The built-in grinder works best with medium to dark roasted beans. Very light roasts are hard beans and heavy work for the grinder to grind fine.
- If the grinder makes a loud ratcheting noise, stop it immediately. It suggests a foreign object, such as a small stone, in the grinder.
Tip: Unplug the machine before you clean it or take parts off. If it needs opening, leave that to us.
Typical causes when the checklist doesn’t help
Blockage
Coffee has got stuck between the burrs or in the chute, or moisture has got into the grinder.
Worn burrs
The grind becomes uneven, or the grinder can no longer grind fine enough.
Faulty motor
The grinder hums or makes no sound at all, even after cleaning.
Safety switch
The switch that detects the bean hopper is faulty, so the grinder won’t start.
When does it need repairing?
If you’ve cleaned the grinder and it still hums without grinding, it’s the motor, a switch or the burrs. That is usually a manageable repair.
Get a fixed repair priceQuestions and answers
Can the burrs on a Sage be replaced?
Yes. Both the upper and lower burr can be replaced.