FAQ
TL;DR: Saeco Minuto HD8763 showing water-only and 1 bent grounds‑outlet flap? Straighten/clean the chute; "The grinder is as simple as a hammer." This guide helps owners fix squeaks, blockages, or flooding so grounds reach the brew group. [Elektroda, leotdipl, post #17201813]
Why it matters: You can restore proper extraction and avoid unnecessary grinder replacement with a simple inspection and clean.
Quick Facts
- Symptom pattern: squeaking grinder, water dispensed, and 0 pucks in the waste bin. [Elektroda, patrykkkkp, post #17185666]
- Common cause: a bent or blocked grounds‑outlet flap/chute stops coffee reaching the brew unit. [Elektroda, leotdipl, post #17201813]
- Another cause: the grinder gets flooded when water is poured into the bean hopper. [Elektroda, sccoty, post #17187785]
- First fix: disassemble and clean the grinder and coffee funnel; vacuum out compacted coffee. [Elektroda, sccoty, post #17186084]
- Edge case: damaged burrs/gears can mimic a blockage and still produce water‑only shots. [Elektroda, nioop, post #17186929]
Why is my Saeco Minuto dispensing water instead of coffee?
Ground coffee is not reaching the brew group. A bent or blocked grounds‑outlet flap or clogged coffee funnel can stop dosing entirely. Inspect the chute under the grinder lid and clear obstructions. "Outlet blocked!" was the exact finding in a similar case. [Elektroda, leotdipl, post #17201813]
What does a squeaking grinder noise on the HD8763 usually indicate?
Squeaking with no grounds delivered points to a mechanical bind or blockage. The burrs may be compacted with coffee, or the grounds‑outlet flap is bent. It can also signal worn burrs or gears. Disassemble and inspect before further use. [Elektroda, nioop, post #17186929]
How do I check the grounds‑outlet flap for a blockage or bend?
Remove the top cover to expose the grinder chute. Look for a folded or misaligned flap that restricts the grounds path. Straighten it gently and clear any packed coffee. As one expert noted, "folded flap … Outlet blocked!" Confirm free movement after cleaning. [Elektroda, leotdipl, post #17201813]
Could pouring water into the bean hopper cause this problem?
Yes. If water enters the grinder instead of the tank, it can swell grounds, bind the burrs, and block the chute. The machine can appear dry later, yet the compacted plug remains. Check for caked grounds and clear the funnel before testing again. [Elektroda, sccoty, post #17187785]
The inside looks dry, but I still get water‑only shots. What next?
Dry internals do not rule out a blockage. Inspect the grounds‑outlet flap and coffee funnel for a jam or deformation. Vacuum out compacted coffee. If the flap is bent, straighten it and verify grounds fall freely into the brew group. [Elektroda, leotdipl, post #17201813]
How do I disassemble and clean the grinder safely?
Unplug the machine and remove the top cover. Vacuum loose grounds and open the grinder for access. Clear the chute and flap and clean the brew‑unit outlet. "The grinder is as simple as a hammer." 3‑step How‑To:
- Open grinder lid; set to coarse; remove upper burr.
- Vacuum and pick out compacted coffee from burrs and chute.
- Straighten flap; reassemble; test dosing.
[Elektroda, leotdipl, post #17201813]
My grinder motor turns, but no grounds are dosed. Are the burrs or gears damaged?
It is possible. A stripped gear or worn burr can mimic a blockage. The motor spins, but the beans do not feed or grind correctly. Inspect the drive and burrs during teardown. Replace worn parts if you see chipped teeth or slippage. [Elektroda, nioop, post #17186929]
How do I remove the upper burr housing if the grinder is jammed solid?
Set grind to the coarsest setting. Pull off the adjustment knob, press the release tabs, rotate the upper burr counter‑clockwise, and lift it out. Gently wiggle to break compacted coffee. Do not use water in the grinder. Clean and reassemble. “Philips Support — Clean the coffee grinder”
How do I clear a blocked coffee funnel/chute on the Minuto?
Use a vacuum and a thin screwdriver or brush to break up the plug from above the grinder and at the brew‑group inlet. Avoid sharp force that can deform the flap. Confirm a free fall of grounds into the brew group afterward. [Elektroda, leotdipl, post #17201813]
What grind setting should I use after reassembly to avoid squeaks or stalls?
Start at a coarser setting and only adjust one click finer while the grinder runs. This reduces load and prevents compaction. Test with fresh, dry beans and verify normal dosing into the bin. Avoid oily beans that clump. “Philips Support — Adjust the grinder setting”
How often should I maintain the brew group and grinder?
Clean the coffee funnel weekly and wipe the grinder area when dusty. Lubricate the brew group about every 2 months or after 500 cups, whichever comes first. Regular care reduces compaction and noisy grinding. Recheck flap alignment during cleaning. “Philips Support — Lubricate the brew group”
I cleaned everything and still get water‑only shots. What else could it be?
Suspect internal damage or a severe obstruction not yet reached. Remove and inspect the grinder thoroughly, including drive components. If uncertainty remains, plan a complete teardown or professional service. "Without demolition of the grinder, nothing more sensible can be said." [Elektroda, nioop, post #17186929]
Are the Saeco Minuto HD8763 grinder burrs ceramic?
Yes. Minuto models use ceramic burrs for consistent grinding and reduced heat. Ceramic burrs can still bind if the funnel plugs or beans get wet. Clean thoroughly and test dosing after reassembly to confirm restoration. “Philips — Saeco Minuto HD8763 User Manual”
What if the upper burr housing won’t budge at all?
Apply gentle rotational force while relieving pressure on the locking tabs. Rock the burr counter‑clockwise to free compacted coffee, then lift. Do not pry hard on plastic parts. Once removed, vacuum, clear the chute, and reassemble. “Philips Support — Clean the coffee grinder”
How can I tell if the brew group is working when no grounds are present?
Run a cycle and observe the brew group motion. If it cycles normally but the waste bin stays empty, grounds never reached it. That points upstream to the grinder, flap, or funnel rather than the brew group mechanics. [Elektroda, patrykkkkp, post #17185666]
I will do it today after work and see what the effect will be. 
