Ask Gail: Can I Use Oily Beans in a Superautomatic Espresso Machine?

If we had a nickel for every time we heard this question, or a dime for every time a superautomatic was decommissioned due to this, we'd be rich (okay, maybe not rich, but we'd easily have a couple of dollars). However, we'd much rather save some machines then have the extra change jingling around! The short answer is, unfortunately, that you cannot use oily beans in a superautomatic. Very dark and oily roasts clog up grinders and brew units over time, eventually leading to one very unhappy coffee robot. In superautomatic espresso machines, this is quite problematic, as you cannot take apart the grinders to give them a good, old fashioned cleaning. Eeeks! If you're looking for more info, and we know you are, Gail and Miranda have the lowdown for you. Take it away, ladies!