Is it possible to take this grinder apart for a good cleaning?
597419
I have this grinder and like it very much. It is easy to clean, lift out the top of the grinder and use a coffee grinder brush for cleaning the attached part of the grinder and the part of the grinder that lifts out. I turn my unit upside down and remove any remaining coffee grinds using the coffee grinder brush. This brush can be purchased at Amazon.
597420
My response here is within the context of just having sent this back for a refund. As I reviewed the product upon opening, it looked like cleaning the lower burr wheel is limited to an external reach with a brush. For me, the 20 second limit on grinding, with five minute cool down, trumps all questions. I like Bodum and the Bistro is a beautiful product. However it simply is incapable of performing the needed grinding the coffee drinker should expect from such an investment. The product should meet the needs of the customer, not the other way around.
597421
I had to do it yesterday. My husband tried grinding very old beans (as it turned out) and almost killed our grinder. I watched a couple excellent YouTubes on cleaning the Bodum and took it apart, prying out the rock-like beans caught in the blades, vacuuming everything very well. Once you take off the hopper off, the insides pull straight up, easily. Hope this helps.
1168772
Yes the grinder detaches, but the lid is connected to the grinder. So you would need to cover it with something else like aluminum foil or something.
2243355
I honestly don't recall if it came with instructions, but I didn't find that any were necessary. I simply placed the new grinder in the same place I would place the original one after washing it. I hope I did not misunderstand your question. If I did, please let me know and I try again.
264410
Negative. I have only jammed it up once and I just removed the head and cleared it. Very satisfied with this grinder after 3 years of hard use.
786329
you can remove the disc by depressing the small black knob located on the aluminum housing just above the disc on the left side of the grinder (same side as the on/off switch.) The disc can then be turned in a CCW direction. if it is to tight use a screw driver by inserting it in one of the holes on the disc. Hope this helps
272672
I would advise against it. I never tried it but it I think that is stretching its capability. I think a grinder would do a better job.
2139347
It is very easy to lift out the filter and its housing and rinse and replace. The grinder however does not need to be cleaned each time. Perhaps once a month or a bit more, depending on how heavy your usage.
818648
You can try opening the little door under the bean Hopper and cleaning the entire shut from the grinder. You can pull the lever next to the door to manually open the door to the basket and push the clogged grinds in. You need to do this at least once a week.
390407
soap and water and then let it dry out good. Also don't forget that the grinders are adjustable also.
796293
Blades are not removable. Best way to clean a grinder like this is to use RICE. Put in about 3-4 tablespoons of rice (not cooked) and chop it up. Rice has a neutral flavor and naturally soaks up and clings to any oils, debris and gunk that coffee, spices and herbs will leave. Then just dump the ground rice in the compost. Works like a charm.
359104
I didn't wash the grinder, but I washed the vase. You can easily wipe it clean with a towel. The grinder, well, I figured it's going to giving me particles of spices anyway, so I didn't really care if there were other particles inside of it. I'm sure as it grinds the spices I get a little ceramic dust every time. As for residues, I can't speak to that. I'm still alive and healthy as far as I know. I've had mine for a long time now and never once washed or cleaned out the grinder. I've never cleaned the grinder on the second one I bought either, and no problems yet. I think you'd be alright with just cleaning the vase. I didn't wash the grinder, but I washed the vase. You can easily wipe it clean with a towel. The grinder, well, I figured it's going to giving me particles of spices anyway, so I didn't really care if there were other particles inside of it. I'm sure as it grinds the spices I get a little ceramic dust every time. As for residues, I can't speak to that. I'm still alive and healthy as far as I know. I've had mine for a long time now and never once washed or cleaned out the grinder. I've never cleaned the grinder on the second one I bought either, and no problems yet. I think you'd be alright... » Read More I didn't wash the grinder, but I washed the vase. You can easily wipe it clean with a towel. The grinder, well, I figured it's going to giving me particles of spices anyway, so I didn't really care if there were other particles inside of it. I'm sure as it grinds the spices I get a little ceramic dust every time. As for residues, I can't speak to that. I'm still alive and healthy as far as I know. I've had mine for a long time now and never once washed or cleaned out the grinder. I've never cleaned the grinder on the second one I bought either, and no problems yet. I think you'd be alright with just cleaning the vase. « Show Less
979657
It is not easy to take apart. That is the only drawback to this item. I had trouble opening it , but my husband was able to do it. On the clear plastic part there are two little symbols with locks -- one open, one locked. Above them is an arrow (on the black upper part). You need to turn it so the arrow is above the unlocked symbol. Then it will open. Don't give up -- these grinders are the best we have ever owned and you will enjoy them. Good luck.
796286
Since I use mine just for coffee, I can only answer for that. After grinding, I unplug it. Then, take a soft brush and brush it out. Then wipe it with a cloth dampened with vinegar.As far as I know the blades are not removable. I've heard some say they take a piece of crusty bread and grind it. This takes care of any coffee residue. IT's a great little grinder, by the way. I love it.
1375814
That is basically what I do. Not very often, though. This has some pictures: http://bytownbeanery.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/cleaning-your-porlex-grinder/
1446423
Hold the upper ridge of the wooden column and the bottom ridge with the other, then twist apart. Then dissemble the metal grinder to set it as wanted. Try first I guess; mine was finer than I wanted.
1985327
You could try. The grounds really get stuck in there. Mine died after a couple of years, but while it worked, it was a great grinder.
1149238
Ours did the same thing. My husband had to re-vamp the grinder as it was rubbing. Our first time using it was a total mess too. We thought about returning it but my husband fixed it somehow but I could not tell you for sure what he did. He is a machine designer so he could see what the problem was.....