Hi all,
Long story short, while on the search for a new grinder, my brother lent me his little used Baratza sette 270 to use as a trial, as it was one of the grinders I was contemplating buying. As it turns out, it was on its last legs, even though it was only 3 years old and used on average only once a day. I got to sample it for less than a week before it stopped. Pulling it apart revealed the reason to be a very worn gearbox, which I've since discovered is pretty common.
A couple of pics to show the damage


Once you pull it apart you discover a lot of plastic used which is a bit of a worry. Obviously some plastics are designed to be able to cope in lots of different applications, but in this case it appears not up to the task. This is also the cause of the micro (and sometimes macro) adjuster drifting during grinding, as the vibrations increase as the gears wear. So if you are experiencing the collars moving, there is a good chance your gearbox is starting to wear out also.
I've contacted Baratza in the US who told be to contact 5 senses in Perth for help. I've read on these forums, and others, that owners of these grinders have had the gearbox replaced for free at no charge. I've put my case to 5 senses (friday 12th Nov) but yet to hear a response.
Baratza also informed me that the gearbox has been updated as recently as 2020. I'd be keen to hear from anyone who has an updated gearbox, or Sette bought since this date with the updated parts, and how they have performed.
So just be wary if you are looking to purchase one of these grinders. They are quite noisy also, however when working, they are super fast and the grind is clump free and consistent.
Long story short, while on the search for a new grinder, my brother lent me his little used Baratza sette 270 to use as a trial, as it was one of the grinders I was contemplating buying. As it turns out, it was on its last legs, even though it was only 3 years old and used on average only once a day. I got to sample it for less than a week before it stopped. Pulling it apart revealed the reason to be a very worn gearbox, which I've since discovered is pretty common.
A couple of pics to show the damage
Once you pull it apart you discover a lot of plastic used which is a bit of a worry. Obviously some plastics are designed to be able to cope in lots of different applications, but in this case it appears not up to the task. This is also the cause of the micro (and sometimes macro) adjuster drifting during grinding, as the vibrations increase as the gears wear. So if you are experiencing the collars moving, there is a good chance your gearbox is starting to wear out also.
I've contacted Baratza in the US who told be to contact 5 senses in Perth for help. I've read on these forums, and others, that owners of these grinders have had the gearbox replaced for free at no charge. I've put my case to 5 senses (friday 12th Nov) but yet to hear a response.
Baratza also informed me that the gearbox has been updated as recently as 2020. I'd be keen to hear from anyone who has an updated gearbox, or Sette bought since this date with the updated parts, and how they have performed.
So just be wary if you are looking to purchase one of these grinders. They are quite noisy also, however when working, they are super fast and the grind is clump free and consistent.

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