Capresso Coffee Grinder Manual: Setup, Settings, and Troubleshooting Guide
Lost your Capresso coffee grinder manual? You're not the first. These booklets tend to disappear into junk drawers the day you unbox the grinder. The good news is that Capresso grinders are fairly straightforward once you know the basics, and I'll cover everything the manual would tell you, plus some tips it wouldn't.
Whether you have the Capresso Infinity, the Infinity Plus, the Coffee Burr Grinder (model 559 or 560), or one of their blade grinders, I'll walk through setup, grind settings, cleaning procedures, and how to fix the most common problems. Most of this applies across their product line, and I'll call out model-specific differences where they matter.
Finding Your Official Capresso Manual
Before we go further, you should know that Capresso makes all their manuals available as free PDF downloads on their website. Go to capresso.com, navigate to the Support section, and search by your model number. The model number is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom of your grinder.
Here are the most popular models:
- Capresso Infinity (Model 560) - Their flagship conical burr grinder
- Capresso Infinity Plus (Model 570) - Updated version with zinc alloy housing
- Capresso Coffee Burr Grinder (Model 559) - Budget conical burr option
- Capresso Cool Grind (Model 501/503) - Blade grinder
If the website gives you trouble, a quick search for "Capresso [your model number] manual PDF" will usually turn up the document.
Initial Setup
Setting up a Capresso burr grinder takes about 5 minutes. Here's the process.
Unbox and wash removable parts. Take out the bean hopper, the upper burr, and the grounds container. Wash them with warm water and mild soap. Dry everything completely before reassembling. The machine itself should never be submerged or rinsed with water.
Assemble the hopper. The bean hopper sits on top of the grinder and twists to lock in place. There are alignment arrows on the hopper and the grinder body. Line them up and twist clockwise until it clicks.
Set the grind size. On the Infinity and Infinity Plus, there's a numbered dial on the hopper. Turn it to your desired setting before adding beans. Don't adjust the grind setting while the grinder is running, and don't adjust it when there are beans in the hopper (the beans jam the burrs and prevent proper adjustment).
Select the number of cups. The front dial or button controls how long the grinder runs, typically ranging from 2 to 12 cups. These are approximate. I always recommend using a scale to weigh your output rather than trusting the cup markings.
Grind Settings Explained
The Capresso Infinity has 16 grind settings divided into four ranges: Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, and Coarse. Each range has four numbered positions within it.
Setting Guide by Brew Method
| Brew Method | Range | Settings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkish | Extra Fine | 1-2 | Powder-like consistency |
| Espresso | Extra Fine to Fine | 3-6 | Start at 5, adjust based on shot time |
| Moka Pot | Fine | 5-7 | Slightly coarser than espresso |
| AeroPress | Fine to Medium | 6-10 | Depends on your recipe |
| Drip / Pour-Over | Medium | 9-12 | Most common daily use range |
| Chemex | Medium to Coarse | 11-14 | Needs a slightly coarser grind |
| French Press | Coarse | 13-16 | The coarsest settings |
| Cold Brew | Coarse | 14-16 | Very coarse, like raw sugar |
A word of caution: the Capresso Infinity isn't great at the extremes. The Extra Fine settings aren't truly fine enough for high-end espresso machines, and the coarsest settings still produce more fines (tiny particles) than you'd want for French press. It performs best in the Medium range for drip coffee and pour-over.
If you're looking for a grinder that handles all brew methods well, our best coffee grinder guide reviews options at every price point.
Daily Operation Tips
Only grind what you need. Coffee starts losing aroma and flavor within minutes of grinding. Grind your dose right before brewing for the best results.
Don't overfill the hopper. The Infinity holds about 8.8 ounces of beans. If you fill it to the brim, beans near the top can fall outside the hopper when you remove it. Keep beans an inch below the rim.
Use the timer wisely. The cup timer is a rough guide. I grind for a set number of seconds and weigh the output until I know exactly how long my preferred dose takes. For a standard 30g drip dose, my Infinity runs for about 15 seconds on setting 10.
Let the grinder cool down. If you're grinding multiple batches in a row (like for a big gathering), give the grinder a 2-minute break between batches. The motor can overheat with extended use, and heat affects grind quality.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Capresso recommends cleaning your grinder at least once a month if you use it daily. Here's how.
Weekly Quick Clean
- Unplug the grinder
- Remove the bean hopper
- Remove the upper burr (it lifts straight out on the Infinity)
- Use the included brush (or any stiff-bristled brush) to sweep grounds out of the burr chamber
- Wipe the grounds container with a dry cloth
- Reassemble
Monthly Deep Clean
- Complete the weekly clean steps above
- Run grinder cleaning tablets (like Urnex Grindz) through the machine. Use about one tablespoon, run the grinder on a medium setting, then discard the output
- Follow with a small amount of fresh coffee beans to flush any cleaning residue
- Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth
What Not to Do
Never wash the burrs with water. This causes rust and damages the grinding surfaces. Brush them clean only.
Never use rice to clean your grinder. This old wives' tale circulates online, but rice is harder than coffee beans and can crack or dull the burrs. It also voids your warranty. Use proper grinder cleaning tablets.
Never run the grinder empty for extended periods. A brief empty run to clear residual grounds is fine. Running it empty for 30+ seconds generates unnecessary heat and wear.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Grinder Won't Start
Check that the bean hopper is properly locked in place. Capresso grinders have a safety interlock that prevents operation if the hopper isn't seated correctly. Twist the hopper until it clicks. Also check that the grind setting dial isn't stuck between positions.
Grinding Is Slow or Uneven
Old, oily coffee residue builds up on the burrs over time and slows grinding. Clean the burrs following the deep clean procedure above. If the grinder is more than 3 to 4 years old with daily use, the burrs may need replacement. Capresso sells replacement burr sets for around $15 to $25.
Static Cling (Grounds Sticking Everywhere)
This is the most common complaint with Capresso grinders. The plastic grounds container generates static electricity, and grounds cling to the walls and puff out when you remove the container. Try these fixes:
- Stir the grounds with a spoon before removing the container
- Lightly mist the beans with a single spray of water before grinding (the RDT technique)
- Replace the plastic container with a metal cup that fits the opening
Motor Overheating
If the grinder stops mid-operation or smells hot, unplug it and let it cool for 30 minutes. The thermal protection will reset automatically. This usually happens when grinding very fine for extended periods or using oily dark-roast beans that gum up the burrs.
Check out the top coffee grinder roundup if you're thinking about upgrading from your Capresso.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Capresso Infinity burrs last?
Capresso doesn't publish an exact lifespan, but conical steel burrs typically last 500 to 1,000 pounds of coffee. For a daily home user grinding about 30g per day, that translates to roughly 5 to 8 years. You'll notice the grinder taking longer to grind and producing less consistent particles when the burrs are worn.
Can I use the Capresso Infinity for espresso?
It works for pressurized portafilter baskets (common on entry-level espresso machines). For unpressurized baskets on machines like the Gaggia Classic or Breville Bambino Plus, the Infinity's fine settings often aren't fine enough for proper espresso extraction. You'll get better results with a dedicated espresso grinder.
Is the Infinity Plus worth the upgrade over the Infinity?
The Infinity Plus has a zinc alloy upper burr housing instead of plastic, which some users say reduces static and improves durability. It also has slightly better build quality in the housing. If you're buying new, the $20 to $30 price difference is worth it. If you already own an Infinity, there's no reason to upgrade.
Where can I buy replacement parts?
Capresso sells replacement burrs, hoppers, and grounds containers directly on their website. You can also find them on Amazon. Make sure you're buying the correct part for your specific model number.
Key Takeaways
Your Capresso grinder is a solid, reliable machine that will serve you well for drip and pour-over brewing. Keep the burrs clean, don't force the grind adjustment while beans are loaded, and use a scale instead of trusting the cup timer. If static is driving you crazy, try the water spray trick. And if you've outgrown the Capresso and want something that handles espresso better, it's served as a great starting point for understanding what matters in a grinder.