Guide · Grinders
How to clean a coffee grinder: burr and blade grinders, step by step
Why grinders need cleaning, step-by-step methods for burr and blade grinders, what makers say about rice, and notes for Sage machines with built-in grinders.
Knowing how to clean a coffee grinder keeps your coffee tasting fresh. Coffee beans leave oils and fine particles behind, and over time they go stale inside the grinder and can find their way into every cup. For most burr grinders the routine is simple: empty the beans, take out the top burr, brush away the old coffee and put it back. We haven’t tested this in person. The steps below come from Sage’s grinder and Barista Express manuals and Baratza’s published guidance, checked 3 Oct 2026. Always follow your own grinder’s manual first. Read how we compare.
Why and how often
Sage’s Smart Grinder Pro manual says regular burr cleaning helps the burrs grind consistently, which matters most for espresso. Two things build up:
- Oils. These coat the burrs and chute, go rancid and can add a stale, bitter edge.
- Retained grounds. Old coffee left in the chute mixes with each new dose.
Grinder maker Baratza suggests a routine of cleaning every few weeks, especially if you use darker roasts, which are oilier. If you grind every day, a quick brush weekly and a fuller clean every few weeks is a sensible rhythm.
How to clean a coffee grinder with burrs
These steps follow Sage’s instructions for its Smart Grinder Pro. Most conical burr grinders work in a similar way.
- Empty the beans. Sage’s design lets you unlock the hopper and release the beans into a container.
- Run it empty. Run the grinder until no more coffee comes out.
- Unplug it. Sage says to unplug before cleaning.
- Remove the hopper and the upper burr. On many grinders the top burr lifts out by its handle once the hopper is off.
- Brush both burrs. Use the grinder’s cleaning brush (Sage supplies one) on the upper and lower burr.
- Brush out the grind outlet. Clear the chute where coffee leaves the grinder.
- Refit and lock. Push the upper burr firmly back into position, lock it, then refit and lock the hopper.
- Wash the removable plastic parts. Sage says to wash the grinds container, its lid and the hopper in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. It also says not to put any grinder parts or accessories in the dishwasher, and not to use alkaline or abrasive cleaners.
Afterwards, grind a few beans and throw them away before you brew, to clear any dust.
Who it isn’t for: anyone with a flat-burr or commercial grinder held in with screws. Check the manual before you take anything apart.
Grinder cleaning tablets
Cleaning tablets are small, grain-like pellets that you grind like beans. They absorb oils and push out old grounds. Baratza recommends tablets designed for burr grinders, says they’re shaped to move through the burrs, and notes that many are made from natural ingredients such as corn. Run a dose through, then grind a small amount of coffee to clear any residue before brewing.
We couldn’t confirm a UK price for grinder cleaning tablets on 3 Oct 2026, so check current price at your usual coffee retailer.
Don’t use rice
Grinding rice is a popular tip, but makers advise against it. Baratza calls it one of the most persistent myths and says rice can turn into a hard, gummy mess, strain or jam the motor, wear the burrs and stress internal parts. It can also leave its own residue. Stick to a brush and proper cleaning tablets.
Who it isn’t for: anyone thinking of using bread, rice or other food to “clean” a grinder. None of these are recommended by the makers we checked.
Blade grinders
Blade grinders are simpler, because there are no burrs to remove:
- Unplug the grinder.
- Tip out any loose grounds.
- Brush the bowl and around the blade with a dry brush, keeping your fingers clear of the blade.
- Wipe the bowl and lid with a dry or barely damp cloth.
- Never put the motor base in water. If your lid or bowl is removable, check the manual to see whether it can be washed.
Sage machines with built-in grinders
Espresso machines like the Sage Barista Express have a conical burr grinder inside. Sage’s Barista Express manual describes an “advanced cleaning” procedure for when there’s a blockage between the burrs and the outlet. It involves removing the hopper and top burr, using a 10mm socket and long-nose pliers to take out the grind fan and washers, and brushing out the chute. Sage warns that the burrs are extremely sharp. For everyday care, brushing the burrs and outlet is enough.
Sage’s grinder manual also suggests not storing beans in the hopper. Put them back in an airtight container, and run the grinder empty before you store it.
Where to go next
If your coffee tastes harsh even after cleaning, read why is my espresso bitter. Shopping for a grinder? See coffee grinders, the best burr grinders under £100 and the best coffee grinder for espresso. Our Sage Barista Express vs Barista Pro comparison covers its built-in grinder.
FAQ
How often should you clean a coffee grinder? Baratza suggests every few weeks, more often with dark, oily roasts. A quick weekly brush helps too.
Can you wash grinder burrs in water? Sage says not to put grinder parts in the dishwasher and to brush the burrs clean. Check your own manual before getting burrs wet.
Does grinding rice clean a coffee grinder? Makers advise against it. Baratza says rice can jam the motor, wear the burrs and leave residue.
Do grinder cleaning tablets work? Baratza recommends tablets made for burr grinders, which absorb oils and clear old grounds.