Runny pucks weak, bitter coffee. Have tried different grind size and same results - any suggestions?
1966416
Get a different machine. I bought a $20 stove top unit at IKEA that makes 6 cups of espresso. It's stainless steel and wonderful. My experience with the Espressione was awful too.
1966417
watery puck is not a problem, generally with this type of machine puck analysis is pretty meaningless. As with bitter coffee, before putting in the portafilter, turn on the machine so water starts to drip from the filter. Most of the time you will notice the shower head will start steaming up. wait a little bit (few seconds) for the steam to go away. If there is still steam you can turn it off and back on again after few seconds, little steam might be ok. Then use a towel and wipe the water off then lock in the portafilter. Then turn it on again and hopefully you will see a nice creamy drip. Took me a while to figure this out, I was getting very inconsistent output to start with. i think what is happening is that steam coming out from the shower is compacting the puck too much. Also don't tamper too hard just a little force should do.
1966418
I use pre ground Pete's coffee but if I did grind my own, it has to be fairly fine. Your question brings to mind two things: 1) Runny pucks means you are not using enough coffee. Be sure to fill the pod near the top and use the tamper on the end of the scoop to squeeze it in. 2) Weak, bitter coffee means you are running the machine too long. When I use the bigger pod that supposedly is for 2 espressos, I run it about 10-15 seconds which only fills a regular coffee cup about 1/3 of the way. When the stream coming out of the pod changes color from the initial caramel color, stop. By the time the stream is white, all you are getting is weak, bitter coffee. I use pre ground Pete's coffee but if I did grind my own, it has to be fairly fine. Your question brings to mind two things: 1) Runny pucks means you are not using enough coffee. Be sure to fill the pod near the top and use the tamper on the end of the scoop to squeeze it in. 2) Weak, bitter coffee means you are running the machine too long. When I use the bigger pod that supposedly is for 2 espressos, I run it about 10-15 seconds which only fills a regular coffee cup about 1/3 of the way. When the stream coming out of the pod changes color from the initial caramel color, stop. By the time... » Read More I use pre ground Pete's coffee but if I did grind my own, it has to be fairly fine. Your question brings to mind two things: 1) Runny pucks means you are not using enough coffee. Be sure to fill the pod near the top and use the tamper on the end of the scoop to squeeze it in. 2) Weak, bitter coffee means you are running the machine too long. When I use the bigger pod that supposedly is for 2 espressos, I run it about 10-15 seconds which only fills a regular coffee cup about 1/3 of the way. When the stream coming out of the pod changes color from the initial caramel color, stop. By the time the stream is white, all you are getting is weak, bitter coffee. « Show Less
1643649
Looking at the grinder count 7 notches from the left(coarse side) . Set it at the mark that is right below the letters o and r in the word "percolator" above .Don't know if it makes a difference but I also have the strength set at one notch to the strong side. I tried many types of grinds and this works absolutely the best .Also you might want to take a used "k" cup and empty it out removing the paper filter inside . Cut off the very top edge of the used "k"cup and insert it into the my kcup holder.Use three coffee scoops in the basket for a 10 ounce cup.Tap the basket on your counter to settle the coffee in the filter .Comes out Strong but not too strong. Then put your filter basket with the coffee into the holder ,screw on the top and you will have a great cup of coffee . The old cut down kcup can be used over and over again,just wash it with the rest of the parts. Here is a link you can use http://www.instructables.com/id/Get-a-STRONGER-Brew-from-your-My-Kcup/#step1 Enjoy . Ps Try blending a good Colombian and Sumatran or Ethiopian . Real nice smooth brew!!!
878197
I have that same problem!!! I had descaled it, and 'cleaned' the machine parts with a paperclip (per instructions by rep on phone) and I still got short-cupped. I talked to the company a few days ago and complained, so they thought it could be a 'faulty k-cup holder' and they sent me a replacement. Well I put it in, and now my machine does NOT work at all! I called the company and they think the machine could be defective and are sending me out a new one. I hope THIS new one works!!!!
628382
As somebody who likes mild coffees, the Americanos that this machine produces are too bitter. Here's a possible solution: get the MyCap foils and fill the used pods with a coffee of your choice (in my case a light breakfast blend ground on the Espresso setting of the grinder). Insert the refilled pod, run it on the large setting to create an Americano. Then add a little more water. This creates something very much like a regular coffee. The only downside is that it takes some effort to fill the pods yourself.
233477
I have the same issue with the crema. Would also like the answer. I know it's not that my grounds are too coarse.
1188976
I returned my Keuring after 10 days. Solodil with my favorite fresh grind or Vue Cup both yield the same poor results. Keurings brew lousy under-brewed coffee. Period.
299532
Weigh and grind what you need completely, remove the empty bean holder, and use a brush to clean the burrs and chamber. Mainly an issue for finer grinds. For drip coffee, the finest of the coarse settings works, and tipping the grinder while it finishes grinding and giving it a slap empties the chamber. That won't work for finer grinds, and you'll need a brush. The brush provided is inadequate, so you'll have to buy one.
751116
My best guess is your water may be to hot. Ideally it should be right around 200 degrees. If your water is boiling the higher heat will bring out the bitterness in your coffee. If your water is boiling let it cool down to 200 and then poor. It can also happen if your grind is to fine...
2236911
I've had that happen also. Sometimes the grind of the coffee isn't fine enough. Sometimes I don't have the filter holder screwed in tight enough. I also make sure the printed side of the filter is facing up as per the directions. Sometimes the evil morning coffee gnome is at work!!! Good luck!
908050
Yes, I got grounds too with the first few cups I made with the Tassimo......but then we got the hang of it. The problem was we were too shy about 'locking down the "brew mechanism" tightly enough.
53099
Are you sure it's not your Keurig? Mine died recently ... and that's what it was doing beforehand. You might run your machine thru a cycle with nothing (no Java Jig) to see if the water is coming out normally. If that's not it ... you might be using too much coffee or too fine a grind. I always left 1/4 inch or so space above the coffee when I filled mine. I also use a regular drip grind. When my Keruig was working, the Java Jig worked best of all the refillable cups I tried.
329063
I use a fine grind like you'd get when you buy ground coffee from the store. Hope this helps.
2159458
Sounds like you need to return it. There is some steam but it doesn't affect my coffee. I love the machine by the way. I've started using organic half and half and buying more expensive cafe. I've recently tried/enjoyed espresso from trader Joe's & juan valdez.
2164135
Good luck, tried the cleaning with vinegar & water MANY times. The machine still has issues & have complained to Krups. I have had other Krups coffee makers for many years & never been so irritated & disappointed in their product. They have offered for me to send it back, but that will take weeks for them to receive it, diagnose it & basically send me a new one(which is what I requested in the first place). My machine has a real problem. It can't figure out whether to beep or brew or not brew or beep & then brew maybe later. I am just going to trash it & never buy another KRUPS.
2148711
I am having the same problem. I adjusted my grinder to a coarse setting but I still get the sludge.
1092529
Even at the Starbucks I work at, the puck is wet after the espresso is pored. Getting a dry puck is possible with the correct grinding and a better machine.
542346
I never made a full pot. But the partial pots I made were always rediculously weak because of the many design flaws. The coffee grounds are dumped on one side of the filter, the water comes in the opposite side. The grinder can't be adjusted fine enough. etc. I had to pour the brewed coffee through the filter a second time to get a decent flavor. Find another brand.