The Lelit Kate is one of the few compact machines that combines a full espresso setup with a professional-grade grinder in one sleek unit. Its integrated design isn’t just about saving counter space - it’s built to help you grind fresh, dial in precisely, and brew consistently excellent espresso.
This guide explains how to make the most of the Kate’s built-in grinder for better flavour, smoother workflow, and more reliable results.
Understand the Grinder’s Strengths
The Kate features a 38 mm conical burr grinder with micrometric adjustment, designed for espresso-fine tuning. Because the grinder doses directly into the portafilter, you reduce waste and keep every shot fresh.
Using it properly means understanding how each adjustment affects flow, flavour, and overall cup quality.
Fine-Tune Your Grind Size for Better Extraction
The Kate’s micrometric adjustment wheel is highly sensitive, so make small, incremental changes to avoid over-adjusting.
- Espresso runs too fast: Adjust a little finer.
- Espresso drips or chokes: Adjust slightly coarser.
Aim for a 25–30 second shot, which is a dependable benchmark for balanced flavour with most beans.
Use Fresh Beans and a Consistent Dose
The Kate grinds directly into the portafilter, so fresh beans make a noticeable difference in flavour and aroma - stale beans will always taste flat.
Set your grinding time using the programmable controls for single or double shots. A consistent dose leads to more reliable extractions.
When changing beans or adjusting the grind, purge a brief 1-second grind to clear any old grounds and maintain flavour accuracy.
Keep the Grinder Clean
- Brush out the chute weekly to prevent clumping.
- Empty old beans if they’ve sat for days.
- Wipe the hopper before refilling to prevent oils from building up.
The Kate is compact, so regular maintenance ensures it continues producing clean, flavourful shots.
Closing Summary
The Lelit Kate’s built-in grinder is one of its biggest advantages — offering precision, freshness, and workflow efficiency in a single compact machine. By mastering your grind size, using fresh beans, setting consistent doses, and keeping the grinder clean, you’ll unlock the full potential of the Kate and enjoy café-quality espresso at home.
Explore our complete collection of Lelit espresso machines and grinders here.