See the User Manual for full programming instructions, the dose counter, cleaning, and troubleshooting. Please read through the entire setup guide before following along. If you have any questions, contact our team at Clive Coffee.
Step 1: Out of the box and onto the counter
Remove the grinder from its box and set it on a solid, level, water-resistant surface. Never place it on a hot surface.
Inspect the grinder for any damage. If you notice any, contact us immediately. Hang on to the box and packing materials for the warranty period.
Check your cabinet clearance. The Compatto is 13 inches tall with the hopper on. Budget about 14 inches so you can lift the hopper lid off to refill.
Plug the grinder directly into a grounded outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip.
In the box you will find the grinder, the 300 g bean hopper with lid and metal shutter, the Mignon Dosing Funnel for 58 mm portafilters, and the manufacturer’s manual.
Step 2: Install the bean hopper
Make sure the grinder is switched off and unplugged.
Set the hopper into its seat on top of the grinder, then turn it until the hole in the hopper collar lines up with the fixing screw at the back of the grinder.
Tighten the set screw. Always run the grinder with the hopper fastened.
Push the metal shutter at the base of the hopper in to close it, fill the hopper with whole roasted coffee beans, and replace the lid.
Pull the shutter out to open it so beans can drop into the burrs.
NOTE: Only whole bean coffee goes in the hopper. Never add ground coffee.
Step 3: Set the portafilter fork
The Compatto’s metal fork is height-adjustable by hand (no tools needed) and features an activation button that starts grinding when you press your portafilter against it.
Grip the textured surface on the fork and loosen it enough to slide.
Set your portafilter on the fork and move the fork up or down until the basket sits just below the chute, with the chute spout pointing into the center of the basket.
Tighten the fork by hand.
Press the portafilter back against the fork. You should feel the activation button click.
NOTE: If you use more than one portafilter, for example, a spouted and a bottomless, check that each one sits level and reaches the button. If you plan to use the included Mignon Dosing Funnel, set the fork height with the funnel on the portafilter.
Step 4: Power on and get to know the display
Switch the grinder on with the power switch on the back. The display loads and shows the programmed time for the selected dose.
The touch display shows a single-dose icon (one cup), a double-dose icon (two cups), the grind time in seconds, and plus and minus icons to adjust the grind time.
Tapping both cup icons together puts the grinder in continuous mode for manual grinding. Holding either icon for a few seconds exits it.
Grinding is started by pressing the portafilter against the activation button behind the fork.
On the first start, the grinder uses factory default times.
Emergency stop: the grinder can be stopped immediately with the power switch or by pulling the portafilter away from the activation button.
Step 5: Grind your first dose
The Compatto doses by time, so get the grind roughly where you want it first (Step 6), then set your times.
Tap the double-dose icon so it lights up.
Set the Mignon Dosing Funnel on your portafilter if you are using it, slide the portafilter onto the fork, and press it back against the activation button. The grinder runs for the programmed time and stops on its own.
Weigh the dose. To adjust it, tap plus or minus to change the time; hold to move faster. There is nothing to save; the new time takes effect immediately.
Grind again and re-weigh until the dose lands where you want it. Repeat for the single-dose icon.
Remove the portafilter, distribute, tamp, and brew.
Discard the first few doses while you dial in, and expect to touch up your times again after any grind change.
Step 6: Dialing in your grind
Adjust the grind with the Extra-Comfort dial on top of the grinder. Make adjustments while the grinder is running; put the grinder in continuous mode and hold the portafilter in, or adjust during a dose. Turning the dial with the motor stopped can jam the burrs.
Turn the dial clockwise to grind finer and counter-clockwise to grind coarser.
The adjustment is stepless and sensitive. The numbers on the dial are reference points, so note where you land for each coffee. Move a small amount, grind a little, and pull a shot before moving again.
After a change, purge a few grams in continuous mode to ensure you are brewing at the new setting, then re-weigh your timed doses. Finer comes out lighter; coarser comes out heavier.
If coffee stops coming out of the chute, the setting is too fine, or the burrs have jammed. With the motor running, turn the dial counterclockwise to open the burrs.
For help dialing in, check out our article How to Dial In Your Espresso Grinder. For help pulling great shots, visit our Espresso 101 section.
Additional Resources
If you need help dialing in your grinder or pulling shots, check out the articles below or contact our team of coffee experts and technicians. Our phone consultations and post-purchase dial-in support are here to help you get the most out of your grinder.