LELIT Fred Espresso Grinder

Before using the LELIT Fred Tempo for the first time, remove all packaging materials including any plastic bags or protective inserts. Place the grinder on a flat, stable surface. The Fred Tempo operates at 120V and is intended for household use only. Do not use adapters or extension cables. Before switching on, confirm that the voltage indicated on the rating label on the bottom of the appliance matches your power supply.

Loading the Hopper

Fill the tinted beans hopper with whole bean coffee (up to 250g) and replace the lid. The tinted hopper protects beans from light exposure. Ensure the hopper is properly seated before powering on the machine. The hopper features a granulometry reference scale from 1 (coarse) to 7 (fine) as a starting point for grind setting orientation.

Powering On

Connect the power cord and switch the grinder on using the ON/OFF switch. The blue pilot light will illuminate to confirm the machine is on and ready.

First Grind

Insert your portafilter into the portafilter support fork and press the grinding switch to start dispensing. Release the switch to stop. For the first use, run a short grind and discard the output to clear any residual particles before brewing. Then set your dose as described below.

Adjusting Grind Size

Grind size is controlled by the adjustment knob on top of the machine. The adjustment is stepless and infinitely variable — the numbers on the hopper's granulometry scale are reference points only. Turning the knob clockwise (to the right) makes the grind finer; turning counter-clockwise (to the left) makes it coarser. If there are beans in the burrs, make grind adjustments while the motor is running. If the burrs are empty, adjust with the motor off. Make small adjustments and grind a short amount to flush transition coffee from the burrs before evaluating.

Programming Your Dose

The Fred Tempo uses an electronic timer to control dose length. Grinding time can be set anywhere from 2 to 20 seconds. To enter programming mode, press and hold the programming switch for at least 2 seconds — the blue pilot light will go off to indicate you are in programming mode.

• To increase grinding time: Press the programming switch once for each half-second you want to add. The pilot light blinks once for each half-second added.
• To decrease grinding time: While in programming mode, press and hold the programming switch continuously. After 2 seconds the pilot light will begin blinking once per half-second as time is reduced. Release when you reach your target.

To exit programming mode, either wait 5 seconds or press the grinding switch to begin grinding immediately. After 5 seconds the pilot light will blink to confirm the time that has been set — one standard blink per second, two quick blinks per half-second.

Single and Double Dose

Program your single dose time to yield approximately 7g of ground coffee. When the grinder finishes a single dose and stops, pressing the grinding switch again immediately will dispense a second identical dose — effectively delivering a double dose of approximately 14g total.

Dose Memory

If you release the grinding switch before the programmed time has finished — for example to adjust the grounds in the portafilter — the grinder holds the remaining time in memory for three seconds. The pilot light will blink to signal that the full dose has not been dispensed. Pressing the grinding switch again within those three seconds will complete the remaining portion of the dose. If you do not press it within three seconds, the memory clears and the next press will start a full dose from the beginning.

Factory Reset

To reset the grinder to factory default settings, switch the machine off. Then press and hold both the programming switch and the grinding switch simultaneously while turning the power on. The pilot light will blink quickly to confirm the reset. Release the switches, then turn the machine off and on again. The default factory setting is 6 seconds for one dose.

Important Safety Note

Always unplug the grinder from the power outlet before performing any cleaning or maintenance. Do not pull the power cable or the appliance itself to unplug — handle the plug directly. Never wash the grinder under running water or immerse any part of it in water. Do not use abrasive detergents.

Hopper — At Least Weekly

Remove the beans hopper from the grinder. Using a soft cloth — preferably microfiber — moistened with plain water, wipe the inside of the hopper to remove the greasy layer left by coffee beans. Do not use detergents or soap, as residue will affect the taste of your coffee. Dry thoroughly before reinstalling.

Burrs — Every 4 kg of Coffee

Oil and coffee particle deposits accumulate between the burr teeth over time, reducing effective burr gap and causing the ground coffee to pick up rancid, off flavors. Clean the burrs every 4 kg of coffee ground using a dedicated grinder cleaning powder, such as the Lelit Burr Cleaning Kit (PLA9202, sold separately) — a food-safe, gluten-free starch-based powder that absorbs oils and carries deposits out of the burr chamber without leaving harmful residue.

To clean the burrs:

1. Empty the beans hopper completely.
2. Press the grinding switch to run the grinder until all remaining beans have been ground out.
3. Pour one packet of the cleaning powder into the hopper, ensuring the powder reaches the burrs.
4. Press and hold the grinding switch for approximately 5 seconds so the powder passes fully through the burrs.
5. Refill the hopper with coffee beans.
6. Grind and discard the first two doses. The cleaning is complete.

Exterior

Wipe the stainless steel body with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or steel wool.

Espresso Extracting Too Fast / Thin or Sour

The grind is too coarse. Turn the adjustment knob clockwise in small increments. Flush transition coffee from the burrs before pulling your next shot. Also confirm your dose weight is correct — running the grinder with a programmed time set for a different coffee or grind setting may produce an under-weight dose.

Espresso Extracting Too Slowly / Bitter or Dry

The grind is too fine. Turn the adjustment knob counter-clockwise in small increments and flush transition grinds before evaluating. If you have recently switched to a lighter roast coffee, a coarser adjustment is typically needed.

Dose Weight Is Inconsistent

Timed dosing produces consistent results when grind size and bean density remain stable. If dose weight is drifting, the most common cause is a grind adjustment that hasn't been accounted for in the timer programming — finer grinds flow more slowly, so the same time will produce less weight. Reprogram the dose time after any grind adjustment. Also check that the hopper is clean and beans are flowing freely into the burrs.

Grinder Not Activating

Confirm the ON/OFF switch is on and the blue pilot light is illuminated. Check that the power cord is fully seated in both the grinder's power socket and the wall outlet. If the pilot light is off and the machine does not respond, unplug and replug the power cord at both ends before trying again.

Pilot Light Blinking Unexpectedly

A blinking pilot light during or after a grind cycle indicates the dose memory function is active — the grinding switch was released before the programmed dose finished. If you want to complete the dose, press the grinding switch again within three seconds. If you want to start fresh, simply wait three seconds and the memory will clear.

Grinder Jammed or Not Turning

Switch off and unplug the machine. Do not force the adjustment knob or attempt to continue running a jammed motor. If a grind adjustment was made very far toward fine with beans present, a jam may occur — turn the knob counter-clockwise several positions to open the burr gap before attempting to restart. If the issue persists, do not disassemble the grinder. Contact Seattle Coffee Gear for warranty service.

Still Need Help?

Contact Seattle Coffee Gear for warranty service and support.