Product Description
The ARO Slow Feeder™ is a compact, electric bean feeder engineered to control the rate at which beans enter the burrs of your grinder. A variable-speed, high-torque motor and spiral feed plate work together to deliver a smooth, jam-free flow of beans. Rare-earth magnets and stainless steel alignment pins make assembly precise and repeatable, while the modular adaptor system allows compatibility across multiple grinder models.
Research shows that when beans are introduced into the burr chamber more slowly, the particle-size distribution tightens (fewer fines and boulders), less heat is generated, and extraction consistency improves. When using the ARO Slow Feeder, you’ll see improved puck uniformity and reduced channeling in espresso, and cleaner pours in filter methods. All of this in a form factor engineered for minimal footprint and maximum precision.
Key Features
- Variable-Speed Feed Control: Precisely regulate the rate at which beans enter the burrs. Maintain consistent burr loading throughout the entire grind to reduce particle size variation, heat, and load on your grinder. Set your speed once and use the power button to power on/off. Feed rate ranges from about 20g in 40 seconds at max speed to 20g in about 130 seconds at the slowest setting.
- High-Torque Motor (2× AAA Powered): Compact yet powerful motor drives a consistent feed rate while preventing jamming. Tool-free battery access allows quick replacement without disassembly.
- Unmatched Compact Design: The most compact electric slow feeder on the market. Doubles as a dosing cup—easily remove it from your grinder, set it on your scale, and dose your beans directly into it.
- Magnetic Alignment System: Rare-earth magnets and stainless steel pins ensure precise, repeatable alignment and a secure fit. Switch between grinders in seconds with the quick-swap design.
- Low-Profile Cap and Silicone Bellows: Cap the hopper to keep out dust and debris, and use the included bellows to purge retained grounds from the grinder for a clean and consistent workflow.
- Doubles as a Single Dose Hopper: Remove the feeding mechanism and connect the hopper directly to the adaptor to dose directly into your grinder. Use the included bellows to clear retention for a fresh, consistent grind.
Why Slow Feeding Matters
Slow feeding is the process of introducing coffee beans into the grinder gradually rather than dumping them in all at once. By controlling the feed rate, the grinder operates under a lighter, steadier load, allowing the burrs to cut each bean cleanly rather than crush it. This results in a more uniform particle size distribution, fewer fines, and less static buildup. The reduced friction also lowers heat generation, which helps preserve the coffee’s natural aromatics and oils. Slow feeding makes the grinder run more smoothly and quietly while extending the life of the burrs and motor.
These improvements enhance coffee quality across both espresso and filter brewing. When grounds are uniform, water flows more evenly through the espresso puck, reducing channeling and uneven extraction. The result is a balanced shot with greater clarity, sweetness, and consistency. Because slow feeding creates a coarser grind profile with fewer fines, you may find you need to set your grind setting finer to reach the same extraction time.
In filter methods, fewer fines means water can pass through at a steady rate without clogging the filter, producing a cleaner brew with less bitterness and sediment. Studies and professional testing have shown that slow feeding can increase extraction yield and improve flavor balance. Even a modest increase in extraction efficiency translates into more flavor and complexity in the cup.
For home and professional baristas alike, slow feeding increases grinder efficiency without the need to change any parts of the grinder itself. It's a simple upgrade that delivers immediate benefits and enhances richness in espresso and clarity in filter coffee. In short, slow feeding transforms a good grinder into a high-performance machine, producing cleaner, more even grounds and a smoother, more consistent cup no matter how you brew.
Installation Instructions
- Prepare Your Grinder: Remove the original hopper and clean out all old beans and grounds. We recommend using a vacuum cleaner to ensure the grinder inlet is completely free of debris.
- Install the Adaptor: Each adaptor is designed to be installed similarly to the stock hopper that came with your grinder. Insert it firmly into the grinder inlet and tighten or secure it according to your grinder’s design.
- Add the Slow Feeder: Align the slow feeder with the stainless steel pins on the adaptor. The magnets will snap it into position and lock it securely in place.
Please send us a message if you need any assistance with installation or removal!
Usage Instructions
- Load the Beans: Remove the slow feeder from your grinder and place it on a scale. Weigh your desired dose directly into the feeder, then return it to the grinder. Replace the cap or bellows.
- Set the Feed Speed: Use the speed control knob to adjust the feed rate based on your grinder and roast type. Experiment to find what works best for your setup.
- Power On: Start your grinder, then press the power button on the slow feeder to start feeding. The motor will maintain a steady feed rate until all beans have passed through. Press again to stop.
- Grind: Wait patiently (we are slow feeding, after all) for all beans to be ground. Set your grinder’s run time to its maximum duration to avoid restarting during the feed cycle.
- Clear Retention: Once grinding is complete, pump the silicone bellows to purge the grinder. This works best while the grinder is spinning; restart the grinder if needed. Don't be afraid to give it some aggressive pumps and be sure to use the palm of your hand to compress the entire bellows.
Compatibility
The ARO Slow Feeder™ is designed to work with a variety of grinder models through its modular magnetic adaptor system. Each order includes one adaptor of your choice for a precise, secure fit. Additional adaptors are sold separately here.
Currently, adaptors are available for the following grinders:
- Eureka Mignon (all variants)
- Eureka MCI (older models with adjustment knob on left-hand side)
- Breville/Sage Barista Express, Pro, Touch, Express Impress, and Touch Impress
- Breville/Sage Smart Grinder Pro
- Breville/Sage Oracle Jet/Oracle Dual Boiler
- Breville/Sage Oracle/Oracle Touch
- Timemore Sculptor 078/078s
- Timemore Sculptor 064/64s
- DF64 (Gen 1 and 2)
- DF64 P/E
- DF83
- DF83V
- CF64V
- DF54
- DF64V
- Baratza Encore and Encore ESP
- Baratza Virtuoso and Virtuoso+
- Baratza Forte, Forte BG and Forte AP
- Baratza Vario, Vario+ and Vario W+
- Weber EG-1
- Fellow Opus
- Fellow Ode (Gen 1 and 2)
- Mazzer Philos
- MHW-3BOMBER F74
- KafaTek Monolith (MAX, Conical, SDRM, and M98V)
- Varia VS6
- Quamar Q50E, Q50S, and Q50EM
- Mahlkönig EK43 and EK43 S
- Mahlkönig X64 SD
If your grinder isn’t listed, please reach out. We’re looking for users willing to share their grinder inlet measurements and collaborate with us on adaptor development. Participants will receive a discounted ARO Slow Feeder as a thanks for their help!
What's in the Box?
- ARO Slow Feeder™ (hopper + electric feed mechanism*)
- Grinder Adaptor (choose the adaptor for your specific grinder when ordering)
- Low-Profile Lid
- Silicone Bellows
*Batteries not included
Care and Maintenance
Separate the magnetic components and brush or wipe away loose grounds as needed to keep the feeder clean.
When it's time for a more thorough cleaning, the cap, bellows, hopper, feed plate, and adaptor can be removed and hand washed with lukewarm water and soap. Be sure to rinse well and dry immediately. Not dishwasher safe.
Do not submerge the motor housing or adaptor in water. Clean these parts only with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
Other Useful Info
Holds up to 45 grams of whole beans. Capacity is dependent on bean size and roast level.
Operates on 2× AAA batteries (not included).
When running at speeds lower than setting “1”, the motor torque may drop low enough to cause occasional jamming. If a jam occurs, increase the speed to “5” and it will clear itself.
The cap, hopper, feed plate, and electronics housing are additively manufactured (3D printed) from PLA.
