Tips

Whether you’re running a busy café or perfecting your home espresso setup, where you position your grinder matters more than you might think. Good grinder placement helps with efficiency, cleanliness, and consistency — all essential for pulling great espresso shots.

At Steam and Grind, we regularly advise café owners and home baristas across South Wales, Bristol, Bath, and beyond on how to get the most from their equipment setup. Here’s what to consider.

1. Keep It Close ,  But Not Too Close to the Espresso Machine

It’s tempting to position your grinder right next to your espresso machine for convenience. However, placing it too close to the steam wand can cause issues:

Steam and moisture can affect the beans in the hopper, leading to clumping and inconsistent dosing.

Heat from the espresso machine can also increase grinder burr temperature, affecting grind consistency.

Ideal Position?
Close enough for workflow efficiency but far enough to avoid direct steam or heat exposure. A small gap of 30-50cm is often ideal.

2. Consider Humidity and Airflow

Humidity doesn’t just come from your steam wand, small cafés with poor ventilation can create a humid environment, especially around brewing stations. Moisture affects grind consistency and can lead to clumping or stale coffee grounds.

Tip: Position your grinder away from dishwashers, sinks, and steam-heavy areas. and leave as much space between your grinder and the espresso machine. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated.

3. Optimise for Workflow, Not Just Aesthetics

Your grinder setup should help, not hinder, your daily coffee routine:

For cafés, place the grinder within easy reach of the espresso machine to speed up workflow.

Keep accessories like scales, knock boxes, and tamping stations logically positioned around your grinder.

At home, create a dedicated coffee corner where everything flows smoothly from grinder to cup.

Efficient placement reduces wasted movement, speeds up service, and improves consistency.

4. Stability Matters

Grinders vibrate. A stable, level, and sturdy surface is essential to prevent inaccurate dosing or uneven distribution. Avoid placing grinders on uneven shelving or narrow counters.

5. Consider Power Supply and Safety

Ensure your grinder’s plug socket is easily accessible but safely out of the way of any water sources. Trailing leads and messy cables create hazards, especially in commercial kitchens.

Why Placement Matters for Quality and Consistency

Correct grinder placement:

1. Improves workflow
2. Reduces waste
3. Maintains grind consistency
4. Protects your coffee’s quality

Need Help with Your Setup?

At Steam and Grind, we help cafés and home users set up their coffee equipment for maximum performance and efficiency.

If you need advice on layout, installations, or servicing, get in touch.