KitchenAid Burr Coffee Mill KCG200 (aka A-9)

[rp2813]

I would love to learn about the finer grind hack!

I thought I could simply tighten the set screw with the ring adjusted in a different position than instructed in order to get a finer grind, but there is a stop inside the ring that prevents any setting for tightening the screw other than the first "M" in "MEDIUM," so it is what it is.

 

This morning's grind was much improved, but I still had some of the more coarsely ground beans left from yesterday's episode that I used, so tomorrow morning's brew will be with 100% finest grind possible.  If it's fine enough to render the same level of flavor as its model KCM counterpart, I may keep this one on the counter.  It's fast and quiet, which is one thing I do really like about it.

 

[sudsmaster]

Ralph,

You could probably pick up a hex bit set at HD or Harbor Freight that would perfectly fit those "weird Torx screws with the post in the middle". It's called a Torx Security Bit, and I do have a Torx bit set with bits that fit that exact configuration. They are not too difficult to find. See below link:

[this post was last edited: 6/13/2021-15:05]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-Security-Bit-Set-33-Piece-2930/207096226

 

[rp2813]

Thanks Rich.  I'll be sure to grab a set of those regardless of whether I decide to keep using the A-9 or not.

 

[sudsmaster]

Yes, Ralph. Often one can find a full set of hex bits with all sorts of configurations at places like Harbor Freight or HD. Complete with driver. No shop should be without them.

That said, I'm mystified now as to who thought up the security Torx bit design: did they really think it would prevent a determined mechanic from taking things apart? I suppose for a year or two it dissuaded some, but the bit sets are so readily available now the point is lost. And it just makes maintaining things more difficult.

Although I suppose the presence of a security Torx fastener might make some hesitate to remove it. There is that.

 

[rp2813]

Rich, it makes even less sense when one considers that KA includes removal of that screw as part of the routine cleaning process.  That is just one of the disconnects between the realities of the manufacturing process and the erroneous verbiage contained in the owner's manual.  I had to make my own hand-written corrections to it.

 

[sudsmaster]

Ralph, yes, that makes no sense whatsoever (for KA to make a screw that needs to be removed for routine cleaning a security piece).

I used to grind my own, and sometimes still do, but when I did it was almost always for drip grind. Nowadays I just use a Keurig style machine. Much less fuss.

But I do have a grinder collection... somewhere... ;-). Mostly the burr type, although I have a spinner type, which for a while I used to grind up kitty kibble for use as fish food. I know, too much detail there. Now I just toss the kibble in the pond(s) and let the fish nibble away. Probably good exercise for their little fish lips.

 

[vacerator]

My Krupps is

from the 80's and still works perfectly.

 

[rp2813]

I've been using the A-9 all week.  My theory about not clearing out the chute after grinding proved correct, and there is no spewing now.  However, the grind it produces on the FINE setting still has some larger chunks in it.  The brew hasn't been as flavorful as that from the KCM grinder and I've been playing around with the amount of ground beans.  I've been getting my beans from the same independent coffee roaster for over 35 years and they aren't cheap, but my morning coffee is important enough to me that I'm willing to pay a premium for it.  I only make two mugs' worth each morning.  That said, I don't want to waste beans on a grinder that can't render the fine grind required for a cone filter.

 

This morning I decided to try the blooming/wetting method that the '70s era Chemex Automated machines use, which is to start the brewing for long enough to saturate the grinds, then shut down for a minute or two.  Doing this helps to extract the most flavor from the grind.  With my Bonavita machine, this requires a manual process, so I stop the brewing process after about 30 seconds, shut down the machine, wait a minute or so, then start it up again.  It made a big improvement and I just might be able to continue using the A-9.

 

When I used this same blooming method on the fine grind from the KCM mill, it seemed to overbrew so I stopped doing it.  It's no big deal for me to start using this process again.

 

In addition to the look of the A-9, I really like that it's quiet, and that it's fast.  Right away the cat learned the sound of the much louder KCM grinder and could hear it from her sleeping spot in the back yard, even with the windows closed.  She'd be at the back door demanding breakfast before I could start brewing my own coffee.  So this quieter grinder will let me get away with enjoying my coffee, newspaper and breakfast totally under her radar.    We'll see how it goes.  I'm not ready to give up on the A-9 just yet.

 

[beneb2]

you guys are the bomb my A9

all of a sudden my A9 stopped grinding it spun out -motor roaring and nothing coming out--I thought the burrs were goners--but I cleaned it and it seems to go ok---the tricky part was adjusting the setting -the first time i put the holding adjustment little screw on the wrong side --a real no no thanks to all on here

 

[gabagool610]

A9 from eBay

Hello! I just came across this thread with the same issue as the OP (I know its from 2013 so it's a shot in the dark here...) but how did you manage to get the acorn nut/screw off? I just got one on eBay. It arrived working and turned on, but it was FILTHY. So I had the same decision to clean it.

I ordered these burr cleaning pellets from Amazon. Today I tried using them to clean it and....it stopped working. Turned off. I think it just got clogged? So here I am, facing the same issue in 2022 trying to get the screw off the top of the finger guard. It just rotate forever. I use pliers to try to get it but nothing. How do I get this off? What tools work? (I am a new DIY repair lady so, still learning).

 

[sgibbo1]

KitchenAid KCG200 coffee grinder

The first note in dealing with repairs on any of these KitchenAid grinders is that the acorn nut is a reverse thread. So takeoff the bottom plate, hold the shaft to the motor with lock pliers or a screwdriver, and the acorn nut comes off easily, just turn the opposite direction that you normally would.

These grinders are pretty indestructible, they are built to last. If you turn it all the way to “fine” it may be fine enough for espresso, but if it’s not remove the limiting screw on the side of the unit and you can turn the adjustment down tighter to make the coffee grind finer… Just a note of caution, it is possible to tighten the ring so much that the two grinders touch and that of course would not be good… If you take the unit apart you can screw the adjustment tighter and then replace the limiting screw and test to make sure the grinding surfaces don’t touch.

 

[rp2813]

If anyone has found a solution to the spewing problem, please post here.  I've been using my '60s KA burr grinder since finding the subject grinder in 2013 because the re-issued A9s make such a mess.  I like the speed and relatively quiet operation of the A9, but the redesigned models with plastic hoppers are much better behaved.