Niche is giving up

JesmondJester

Well, after almost exactly 5 years of ownership and I think about 4000 doses, I think my Niche has had it.

Last week I thought I noticed it grinding slowly so I cleaned it as I usually do every 6 months: burrs out and washed, brush and Hoover inside, let it all dry, reassemble.

Today I was grinding for espresso and it stopped halfway through. Video was too big so I uploaded to YouTube

It is at times like this I miss Dave C.

Anyone got any ideas?

Cuprajake

May need to take it to bits the screws in the base of the motor loosen

Cuprajake

Watch that to take to bits

In the end of the motor there are screws. Tighten these.

InfamousTuba

Cuprajake Watch that to take to bits

In the end of the motor there are screws. Tighten these.

Start with Jake's advice, if it doesn't work contact niche support and they will ask a few questions and you will probably end up replacing the motor and/or gearbox. It wasn't expensive when I did it about £30 a few months back

JesmondJester

People powered by coffee really are the best - thank you both.

I’ll probably get round to this at the weekend and will update.

JesmondJester

By god it is filthy in there.

Check it out:

https://youtube.com/@555-yewi?si=8U_Bwt6E7RqeKTgg

Anyway, the four screws at the bottom of the motor were loose. At least two full turns to get them tight. Cleaned a Few bits up so letting everything dry thoroughly tonight and then will put it back together tomorrow. I’ll let you know if it has worked.

Cuprajake

Carbon dust from the brushes. No Biggie 👍👍👍

JesmondJester

Finally got round to putting it all back together and lo and behold - it works!

Tightening the screws up good and tight really works. I didn’t put any Loctite on, maybe I should have. Anyway, it is good to know that motor isn’t gone.

This really was a simple job thanks to the brilliant YouTube video and anyone that can use a screwdriver can complete this with no fear of breaking things.

Thanks as always for being pointed in the right direction @Cuprajake and @InfamousTuba

see you on my next thread: do I need to replace my gasket?

Platypus

JesmondJester

I had the same issue a good couple of years ago and fixed it the same as you, mine was also like a well used chimney , covered in soot.

It’s been fine ever since, no problems at all.

delta76

have been cleaning my NZ a few times I think the most likely cause of failure would be from the motor. Otherwise very little chance for failure - the grinder was built like tank with simplicity.

JesmondJester

Agree on both of the above. Simple machines that are well-built and seemingly easily repairable. It almost begs the question of why they cost so much. . .

delta76

JesmondJester giving the manufacturers the benefit of the doubt, espresso grinders are quite a niche market so each unit will have to factor in more cost of R&D, marketing etc.
But yes in many cases they will just charge the price higher than needed, because if it sells and they make a bigger profit, why not :)

Platypus

JesmondJester It almost begs the question of why they cost so much

Well built, decent set of burrs, good customer service and very few reports of failures….I personally don’t think it’s a bad price.

Even a decent hand grinder will set you back a good couple of hundred and the Niche has a decent motor and a lot more torque 😆

JesmondJester

Platypus @delta76 completely agree with both your points. I think they are fairly priced and absolutely worth their value. I would recommend them to anyone - and do!

I bought the 1Zpresso J-max 4 years ago for £169. I use it when I am going somewhere I know won’t have a decent grinder. It is a bit on the big side but similarly brilliantly made and ideal for any pour over or AeroPress.

However, trying to use this to grind for espresso whilst the Niche was out of action was a perspiration inducing effort. Possible but difficult.

Admittedly, I am a 5’6”, 9 ½ stone weakling with all the upper body strength of cooked spaghetti but watching that Niche grinding beans perfectly with just the flick of a switch again was a relief!