1Zpresso Internal Grinder Cleaning & Calibration Tips

Why Cleaning Your Grinder Matters

Alright, let’s be real—you love your 1Zpresso grinder. Maybe it’s the J, JE, Q2 S, or something in between. But after a few weeks (or let’s be honest, months) of daily use, it starts to get... cranky. Literally. The handle feels stiff, the grind seems off, and your coffee? Not tasting quite like it used to.
Sound familiar? Then it’s cleaning time.

Regular cleaning keeps your grinder performing like new. You’ll get:
- Smoother, quieter crank action
- Better grind consistency
- Cleaner, crisper coffee flavor
- A longer life for your favorite brewing tool
And the best part? No tools required. Let’s get into it.

Here's what you need

- A small coffee brush (or clean paintbrush)
- Canned air (optional but great)
- A clean, dry towel
- A little patience and a good playlist

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. Disassemble the Grinder

Start by removing the catch cup. Unscrew it by turning it counter-clockwise. Next, twist the internal grind adjustment dial to loosen and remove it.
Pull out the burr shaft assembly, which includes:
- The central burr
- The spring
- The bearing cap

It might feel snug, but it should come out easily with a little wiggling.

2. Remove the Outer Burr Ring

This one’s a bit tricky. Screw the catch cup back on to give you grip. Then, twist the outer burr ring clockwise (yes, opposite of what you’d expect) until it comes loose.
And Boom. Now you’ve got full access to the grind chamber.

3. Take Off the Lid and Handle

Next, remove the plastic lid by turning it counter-clockwise. If your model has a foldable handle with a wooden knob, gently pull the knob off. Some versions may need a 6mm Allen key here—check your user manual just in case.

Let’s Clean

Now that your grinder is in pieces, grab your brush and start cleaning.

- Brush out any grounds stuck in the burr teeth
- Use canned air to blow out fines from hard-to-reach spots
- Wipe the outer body with a dry cloth (avoid water!)
- Clean the wooden knob separately if needed, and dry it immediately

Important: No Water

Always keep your grinder dry. Moisture means burr rust, messed-up calibration, and general sad grinder vibes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sticky crank? Likely fines under the spring. Pop it out and clean thoroughly.

Handle doesn’t fold smoothly? Could be oil buildup. Wipe the joint clean.

Click wheel skips or feels gritty? Coffee fines are messing with the dial. Clean under the bearing cap and inside the shaft.

Threads feel gritty? Clean the catch cup threads and outer ring.

Reassembling & Calibration

Let’s put everything back together—but with intention.

- Insert the burr assembly back into the chamber.
- Reattach the internal dial and turn it clockwise until it hits resistance. This is your "zero" point.
- Unscrew 2–3 clicks for your starting grind setting.
- Test a grind—it should feel smooth, with uniform grounds and no grinding noise.

How Often Should You Clean It?

This depends on how much coffee you grind:
Daily grinder? Clean once a month.
Switching beans often? Clean every 2–3 weeks.
Notice flavor changes or crank resistance? Clean immediately.

Remember: clean gear means clean cup.

FAQs

Q: Can I use water to clean my 1Zpresso grinder?
A: Nope! Always dry brush and air clean. Moisture can damage the burr and throw off your calibration.

Q: My grinder feels tight or stiff. Is something wrong?
A: Probably just fines buildup. Clean around the spring and dial area to restore smooth operation.

Q: How do I know when it needs cleaning?
A: If you notice flavor changes, uneven grinds, or more resistance when grinding, it’s time.

Q: Do I need tools to clean it?
A: For most models, no tools are needed. A few might require a 6mm Allen key for the crank.

Q: Will cleaning affect my calibration?
A: As long as you reassemble carefully and find your zero point again, you're good.

Cleaning your 1Zpresso grinder isn’t a chore—it’s part of the ritual. A few minutes once a month and your grinder will love you back with smoother cranks, brighter brews, and way fewer headaches.

It’s like brushing your teeth. Do it often, and everything will just works better.