ECM S-Automatik 64: Setup Guide Video

Congratulations on your new ECM S-Automatik 64 Espresso Grinder. Dialing in your coffee grinder isn't always easy. We discuss the steps to fine-tune your burr grinder for the best possible extraction.

Join Victoria as she demonstrates how to set up and dial-in the ECM S-Automatik 64 Espresso Grinder. Please note that Clive Coffee also offers a grinder dial-in service if you prefer to have someone else do that hard work for you!

Step one: Out of the box and onto the counter

Remove the grinder from its box and place it on a solid level surface.
Inspect the grinder for any damage. If you notice any, contact us immediately.
Insert the hopper
Plug the grinder in and turn it on.

Step two: Feeling the coffee

Put some beans in the hopper and grind them into your hand.
Feel the grounds. For espresso, they should feel similar to table salt. Not as fine as powdered sugar, and not as coarse as sand.
If too fine, adjust coarser. Too coarse, adjust finer.

Step three: Dialing the dose

Once the grind is in the ballpark, it’s time to start pulling shots.
First, grab a scale and tare the weight of the portafilter.
Use the portafilter to press the grind button, and fill the portafilter basket with grounds.
Now weigh the portafilter. Add or remove grounds as necessary to get to 20g if you’re using a triple basket, or 18g if you’re using a double.

Step four: Adjustments - shot time

Grip the tamper handle as though you were grasping a doorknob.
Tamp straight down and simply lean your weight into it comfortably.
The amount of pressure is not nearly as important as your consistency and ability to keep the tamp perfectly level so water doesn’t find weak spots.
Insert your portafilter and start the shot.
We’re going to be watching for the time of the first drops of espresso to fall between 6 and 10 seconds.
If they fall outside the window, you’ll have to adjust the grind setting: under six seconds will be thin and sour, so you will need to adjust finer; over 10 seconds will be bitter, so you will need to adjust coarser.
Make small adjustments. This will be easier than making big changes and overcorrecting.
As the shot progresses, we’ll observe the total shot time: Our target output is 1.5oz (or 30g) liquid espresso in 25 - 30 seconds.
If it falls under 25 seconds, adjust your grind finer. If it falls over 30 seconds, adjust coarser.
If you find that your ideal setting would be between two numbered settings, we suggest adjusting your dose.
If your shot is pulling too fast, add a gram or so to slow it down. If it’s pulling too slow, try removing a gram to speed things up.

Step five: Time Dosing

Now that we have our grind dialed, we can set up the grind timer for consistent and repeatable dosing.
With the hopper filled, press both the + and - button simultaneously and then press the + button to change the T1 setting. Use the + and - button adjust the time to 5.2 seconds.
Use the portafilter to press the grind button again and then weigh your dose. If the dose is too small, increase the timed setting. If it is too much, decrease it.

Once you've dialed in your grind, it's time to start pulling shots! Check out our Espresso 101section to learn about steaming milk, latte art, our suggested starter espresso recipe and much more!