Capresso Grinder Manual: Everything You Need to Know for Setup and Use

The Capresso grinder lineup includes several models, from the budget-friendly blade grinder to the popular Infinity conical burr grinder. If your manual has gone missing or the included instructions left you scratching your head, this guide covers the full range of Capresso grinder models with setup instructions, optimal settings, and maintenance tips I've learned from hands-on experience.

I'll focus primarily on the Infinity series since that's what most people own, but I'll also cover the Capresso Cool Grind blade models for those who have them.

Capresso Grinder Models Overview

Before jumping into settings and operation, it helps to know which Capresso grinder you have. The instructions differ depending on the model.

Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder (560 Series)

This is the most popular Capresso grinder and the one I own. The model numbers include 560.01 (black plastic), 560.04 (stainless steel), and 560.05 (zinc die-cast). All three use the same internal grinding mechanism and burrs. The only differences are exterior materials and finish.

The Infinity uses conical steel burrs, runs at a lower RPM than most competitors for reduced heat and noise, and has 16 grind settings across four main ranges (Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Coarse) with four sub-positions each.

Capresso Cool Grind (501 Series)

This is a blade grinder, not a burr grinder. It chops beans with a spinning blade rather than crushing them between burrs. I won't sugarcoat it: blade grinders produce an uneven grind that makes it hard to get consistent flavor. But if that's what you have, I'll help you get the most out of it.

Capresso Grind Select (562 Series)

A newer burr grinder from Capresso with a slightly different design than the Infinity. It has 10 grind settings and a larger bean hopper. Operation is similar to the Infinity, but the adjustment mechanism differs.

Setting Up Your Capresso Grinder

Infinity Series Setup

  1. Place the grinder on a flat, stable surface
  2. Seat the bean hopper onto the grinder body and twist clockwise to lock
  3. Slide the grounds container into the front slot until it clicks
  4. Plug in the grinder
  5. Run a tablespoon of inexpensive beans through to clear manufacturing dust

The hopper has a built-in gate. Twist it counterclockwise to close the gate before removing the hopper. This keeps beans from falling out.

Cool Grind Setup

The blade grinder is simpler:

  1. Remove the lid
  2. Add beans directly into the grinding chamber
  3. Replace the lid (the safety interlock prevents operation with the lid off)
  4. Press and hold the button to grind
  5. Release when you've reached your desired fineness

With a blade grinder, grind time controls fineness. Shorter pulses produce coarser grounds, longer grinding produces finer grounds. The problem is consistency. You'll always have a mix of fine dust and larger chunks regardless of how long you run it.

Grind Settings and Recommendations (Infinity Series)

The Infinity's 16 settings map to brewing methods like this:

Setting Range Brewing Method Notes
Extra Fine 1-4 Turkish, Moka pot Very fine powder, can clog some devices
Fine 1-4 Espresso, AeroPress (short steep) Works with pressurized baskets
Medium 1-4 Pour-over, drip, AeroPress My most-used range
Coarse 1-4 French press, cold brew, percolator Visible distinct particles

My Daily Settings

For my morning V60 pour-over, I use Medium 2. This gives me a draw-down time of about 3 minutes for a single cup, which produces a clean, sweet cup.

For weekend French press, I go to Coarse 2. The grounds look like coarse sea salt and produce minimal silt in the cup after a 4-minute steep.

I've tried the Extra Fine settings for espresso a few times. The Infinity can get fine enough for pressurized portafilter baskets on entry-level espresso machines, but the 16 settings don't give you enough precision for dialing in unpressurized baskets. If espresso is your main brew method, a dedicated espresso grinder is a better investment.

Getting Better Results from the Cool Grind Blade Grinder

If you're stuck with the Cool Grind for now, these tips help:

  • Pulse, don't hold. Grind in 2-3 second bursts with shaking between pulses. This redistributes the beans for more even grinding.
  • Don't overload. Grind only what you need for one brew. Overcrowding the chamber makes the grind more uneven.
  • Shake side to side between pulses to move larger pieces to the bottom where the blade reaches them.
  • Use a sieve. After grinding, pass the grounds through a fine mesh strainer. Remove the biggest chunks and the finest dust. What's left will brew more evenly.

These techniques won't match a burr grinder's consistency, but they'll improve your cup noticeably.

Daily Operation Tips

Dosing by Timer (Infinity)

The Infinity uses a twist-dial timer on the front. Turn it clockwise to set the grind duration, and the motor runs until the timer winds down.

Approximate timer settings for my beans (yours may vary):

  • 1 cup (15g): timer position 3-4
  • 2 cups (30g): timer position 6-7
  • 4 cups (60g): timer position 11-12

As with all timer-based grinders, these numbers are estimates. Bean density, moisture, and how full the hopper is all affect output. I weigh my beans beforehand and weigh the grounds after to check. Over time, you learn where your timer needs to be for your regular beans.

Minimizing Retention

The Infinity retains 1-3 grams in the chute between the burrs and the grounds container. For drip coffee, this is negligible. For pour-over or espresso where precision matters, purge a few grams into the trash before your real grind each morning. This clears yesterday's stale grounds.

Bean Hopper Storage

Keeping beans in the hopper is convenient but not ideal for freshness. Whole beans lose flavor faster when exposed to air, and the hopper isn't airtight. I store my beans in a sealed container and only add what I need to the hopper before each grind. It adds 10 seconds to my routine but keeps the coffee fresher.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Weekly Burr Cleaning (Infinity)

  1. Unplug the grinder
  2. Close the hopper gate and remove the hopper
  3. Remove the upper burr by pressing the release tabs on each side and lifting
  4. Brush both the upper and lower burrs with a stiff dry brush
  5. Brush out the grinding chamber and chute
  6. Reassemble: seat the upper burr, twist to lock, replace hopper

Monthly Deep Clean

Run a tablespoon of grinder cleaning pellets through the machine at a medium setting. Then run a handful of regular beans through to flush residue. Wash the grounds container and hopper lid with warm soapy water. Dry thoroughly before reattaching.

Cool Grind Cleaning

The blade grinder chamber can be wiped with a damp cloth after each use. For deeper cleaning, grind a tablespoon of dry white rice to absorb oils and sharpen the blade slightly. Then wipe the chamber clean.

For more options in the Capresso price range and beyond, our best coffee grinder roundup covers current top picks. And if you're thinking about upgrading, our top coffee grinder guide includes higher-end choices worth considering.

Troubleshooting

Grinder Won't Start (Infinity)

The safety interlock requires both the hopper and the grounds container (or portafilter cradle) to be properly seated. If either is misaligned, the motor won't engage. Remove and reseat both components.

Uneven Grind Quality

On the Infinity, this usually means the upper burr is seated incorrectly or coffee residue is preventing it from locking flat. Remove the upper burr, clean the seating area, and reinstall making sure both tabs click into place.

Grounds Container Overflows

You're grinding more than the container can hold, or fine grounds are building up faster than gravity can settle them. Stop the grinder, empty the container, and continue. Static also contributes to overflow. A single drop of water on your beans before grinding reduces static buildup in the container.

Burning Smell from the Grinder

The Infinity's slow RPM design should prevent overheating, but if you're grinding large quantities back to back, the motor can get hot. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes between batches of more than 60 grams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I download the Capresso grinder manual?

Visit Capresso's website and navigate to the Support section. Enter your model number (printed on the bottom of the grinder) to find the PDF manual for download.

How long do Capresso burr grinder burrs last?

For the Infinity series, Capresso rates the steel conical burrs for several years of typical home use. If you grind once or twice a day, the burrs should last 5-8 years before needing replacement. You'll notice declining grind quality (more fines, inability to reach fine settings) as the burrs wear.

Can I grind spices in my Capresso grinder?

Not recommended for burr grinders. Spice oils will contaminate the burrs and transfer flavors to your coffee. The Cool Grind blade grinder can handle spices if you dedicate it to that purpose, but don't switch back and forth between spices and coffee.

Is the Capresso Infinity good enough for espresso?

It can produce grounds fine enough for pressurized portafilter baskets, which is what most entry-level espresso machines use. For serious espresso with unpressurized baskets, the 16 settings don't provide enough adjustment precision. You'll want a grinder with more steps in the fine range.

Bottom Line

The Capresso grinder lineup offers solid performance for filter coffee at a reasonable price. The Infinity is the standout model, with quiet operation, decent burr quality, and enough settings for most non-espresso brew methods. Clean the burrs weekly, weigh your doses instead of trusting the timer, and store beans outside the hopper for maximum freshness. Those habits make more difference than any setting adjustment.