I’ve been using the Aillio Bullet for about three years now, and recently I’ve noticed an issue with the chaff. It’s not getting collected properly in the chaff collector and is instead spilling outside during roasting.
I also see that some chaff is getting stuck near the drum edge (in the gap area) and is burning there.
I’m not sure what’s causing this—maybe an airflow or exhaust issue—but I wanted to check if you could guide me on what might be wrong and how to fix it.
From the back of the roaster near the chaff collector?
Is it falling out of the rubber plug on the bottom of the collector, or is it falling from the surface where the chaff collector seal meets the exhaust fan?
First the usual stuff. You should check the airflow, which means the exhaust pipe, chaff filter, etc. You should clean the exhaust pipe with a long brush and also soak the chaff filter in sone baking soda. The thing you’re describing sounds a lot like a blockage somewhere in the airflow. Maybe try recalibrating the fan too, as a last resort. If not, let us know and someone will think of something.
experiencing the same thing - gave the whole roaster a good clean - but noticed it again, but only with a Natural Ethi i’m roasting. Its just a supper chaffy Bean - I usually vacuum the chaff collector every 4 roasts - but with this coffee its got to be every 2 roasts. After 4 consecutive roasts, the chaff collector was genuinely full - which eclipses airflow as others have mentioned. Hope this helps
I would speculate that the exhaust transfer tube from front charging port (1st image above) to rear chaff collector is clogged or at least restricted. It needs to be vacuumed/brushed out every time you do regular maintenance. There may be some beans in that tube which are helping to collect chaff.
On my 6+ yearold old Bullet there seems to be gradual accumulation of roast debris which eventually restricts the exhaust flow. Initially I paid little attention to the exhaust transfer tube as it was initially always empty. Then about a year+ into use, roast profiles became… ‘different’. I stumbled on the transfer tube as my culprit: beans & chaff had been accumulating. So that came to be a check-point for routine maintenance. Initially it required some determined cleaning, but once it was cleaned out it became a simple quick pass with the vacuum cleaner to maintain it.
Cleaning the oil accumulation in the charging chute is related. That can take some cleaning with a liquid detergent(I use “Simple Green”). The accumulated oils come off easily with paper towels and sometimes a Q-Tip wet with the same cleaner for stubborn spots.
Be very careful with cleaning agents as it’s easy to get some into the insulation surrounding the drum.
Hi I had some issues like that recently. It showed up as more chaff falling out from the air intake above the cooling tray than usual and smoke from the trier. Became more and more pronounced. I found that I had to clean the chaff filter right down to dissolve everything off the screen until it was silver again. It built up quickly with the amount of naturals I roast. I clean it (them) regularly. I have 2. Haven’t had a problem since. I brush the filter off after every four or so roasts using a soft toothbrush and check that the screen isn’t getting coated. Once I see it starting to build up I clean it right down.
I can’t tell from your pictures if your chaff screen (that screen basket—forgot what it is called). Like already suggested, make sure it is not clogged with oily deposits. Give it a good cleaning with with descaling agent.
Also check to make sure your impeller fan is clean and spinning freely. I’ve had an issue that the little handle of my chaff screen was blocking the impeller fan. Once in a while, I remove the fan completely and give the whole area a good cleaning.
The chaff you show coming out of the front is normal. I believe the little crack is designed that way. For the few pieces that stuck in between the drum, I usually just brush them out. Some beans have a lot more chaff than others.
I worry about the look of your chute. From the picture, the chaff looks oily and baked on. Get yourself a nice long brush and make it part of your cleaning routine to brush off any residue. Reach into the exhaust channel to check for any obstructions.
Also consider checking your exhaust system to make sure there aren’t any obstructions or accumulated chaff inside.
