SM FAQs

Welcome to the Ground Control SM Brewer FAQs! 

Here, you'll find answers to common questions about the setup, operation, and maintenance of your brewer, along with tips to help you get the most out of your coffee and tea brewing experience. From cleaning cycles to recipe customization and troubleshooting, this resource is designed to support you every step of the way.

 Whether you're new to SM Brewer or a seasoned user, our goal is to make it easy for you to serve exceptional coffee and tea with confidence. Explore the topics below to find the information you need to keep your brewer running smoothly and your beverages taste their best.

Quick Rinse FAQ

How often should I use the Quick Rinse cycle?
This depends on your preferences and needs. Many users run a Quick Rinse after each brew, especially when switching between different coffees or teas. Others may only use it when switching between distinct flavors. High-volume environments sometimes choose to skip the Quick rinse to maximize brewing capacity and efficiency.

Is Quick Rinse necessary every time?
Not necessarily. If you’re brewing the same coffee type back-to-back, quick rinsing may not be essential. In high-volume settings, skipping the Quick Rinse can increase output by reducing cycle time while still maintaining a high-quality brew.

What happens if I don’t run a Quick Rinse?
Minimal coffee residue remains in the system after each brew, so if you choose not to Quick Rinse, it generally won’t significantly affect your next brew. However, running a Quick Rinse is recommended if you want to maintain optimal flavor and cleanliness, especially when switching between different coffee or tea types.

Why is quick rinsing recommended for distinct or delicate coffee/tea?
For delicate or nuanced brews, a Quick Rinse helps avoid flavor carryover, allowing the specific characteristics of each coffee or tea to shine through in every cup.

Does skipping the Quick Rinse impact the capacity of my brewer?
Yes, in a positive way. High-volume environments often skip the Quick Rinse cycle to maximize brewing capacity. Reducing the rinse time can increase overall output, making it a practical choice in settings where speed and efficiency are top priorities.

Brewing FAQs and Troubleshooting

Why is my filter falling in?
Paper filters can fall in while brewing if the filter is not placed correctly in the brew basket before starting your brew. Paper filters can fall in while brewing if the filter is not placed correctly in the brew basket before starting your brew. Please check the filter basket placement before brewing to ensure the filter is correctly seated and pressed against the sides of the brew basket.

Can I brew without a paper filter?
Yes, you can. Brewing without a paper filter is no problem in the SM because of the very fine metal mesh filter we have designed, which sits on the bottom of the filter basket.  

My coffee bed is wet after brewing. Why?

A wet coffee bed after brewing can occur due to insufficient vacuum time or an overly fine grind size. To resolve this, try one or both of the following adjustments:

1. Increase the final vacuum time: Extend the vacuum duration to ensure all liquid is pulled from the coffee bed.
2. Grind coarser: A coarser grind allows for better water flow and can help the vacuum extract more liquid effectively.

Both adjustments will reduce excessive coffee and water contact time, preventing bitterness and astringency.

Why should the coffee bed be dry after brewing and between cycles?
Ensuring the coffee bed is dry after each cycle prevents excessive coffee and water contact time, which can lead to bitterness and astringency. If your coffee bed remains wet after the final vacuum cycle, consider grinding coarser or increasing the final vacuum time.

How do I calibrate the cold water dispenser?
Use the recipe and instructions provided in the Quick Start Guide to regularly calibrate your cold water dispenser for consistent cold brew volumes.

What happens if I use excess vacuum time?
Excess vacuum time can result in colder coffee and slower brewing times. If no more liquid is being pulled into the dispenser during a cycle, reduce the vacuum time on the recipe editing page.

Can I experiment with grind settings and recipes?
Absolutely! Experimenting with different grind settings, cycle times, and recipes is encouraged to find the best flavor profile for your coffee.