If your Powermatic jams or displays JAM, do not continue to operate the machine by force. Switch off the device and follow the instructions for your model.
Correct operation, suitable tobacco and regular cleaning help reduce avoidable malfunctions and unnecessary wear. Common causes of malfunctions are unsuitable or incorrectly prepared tobacco, deposits in the machine, overfilling and insufficient cleaning. Many of these can be fixed yourself in a few minutes.
On this page you will find the most important information from the official user manuals, step-by-step help for JAM and HOPPER as well as suitable videos. This page does not replace the user manual for your device – it supplements it.
Your model
Note on the designation: Powermatic V and Powermatic 5 are the same device, as are V+ and 5 Plus. The manufacturer uses Roman numerals, both spellings are common in retail.
The six basic rules
- 1For the Powermatic V, V+, 3+ and 2+: volume tobacco only. Rolling tobacco, fine cut and pipe tobacco are expressly not permitted in these instructions. For the Powermatic 4 and Mini, the instructions for the respective device apply.
- 2Pay attention to moisture. The instructions for the V, V+ and 3+ specify less than 12% RH.
- 3Cut short. Long fibers get tangled. The instructions for the V, V+ and 3+ specify a limit of 20 mm.
- 4Do not press in firmly or overfill. How exactly to fill depends on the model – the instructions for your device are decisive.
- 5Remove tobacco residue after use and clean according to the instructions. For the Powermatic 3+, the instructions expressly state to clean after every use.
- 6Stop immediately in the event of a blockage. Switch off, resolve the cause – never continue working by force.
The right tobacco
This is the most important point on this entire page. For the Powermatic V, V+, 3+ and 2+, the respective user manuals expressly require volume tobacco. Rolling tobacco, fine cut and pipe tobacco are not permitted for these models. For the Powermatic 4 and Mini, the instructions for the respective device apply – we do not transfer the technical specifications of other models.
Volume tobacco is tobacco that has been specially prepared for rolling machines, loosened and cut short. In the official user manual of the Powermatic V+, it literally states:
“Suitable only for volume tobacco. Rolling tobacco, fine cut or pipe tobacco is not permitted and will cause problems.”
Powermatic V+ user manual, German version, page 9
The same requirement is stated word for word in the instructions for the Powermatic V, and in essence also in those for the 3+ and 2+. The Powermatic V+ has an integrated shredder. Its user manual expressly shows that despite the shredder, the same requirements for volume tobacco, moisture and cut length apply as with the machines without a shredder.
| Feature | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tobacco type | Volume tobacco only | User manual V, V+, 3+, 2+ |
| Not permitted | Rolling tobacco, fine cut, pipe tobacco | User manual V, V+, 3+, 2+ |
| Moisture | below 12% RH | User manual V, V+, 3+ |
| Cut length | below 20 mm | User manual V, V+, 3+ |
What is specified for which model
Not every manual states every value. We only pass on what is actually stated in the manual of the respective model.
| Model | Volume tobacco | below 12% RH | below 20 mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powermatic V+ (5 Plus) | yes | yes | yes |
| Powermatic V (5) | yes | yes | yes |
| Powermatic 3+ | yes | yes | yes |
| Powermatic 2+ | yes | – | – |
| Powermatic 4 | – | – | – |
| Powermatic Mini | – | – | – |
“–” means: not specified for this model. For the Powermatic 4, it is unclear whether it is the IV or the further developed IV+ version – we therefore do not transfer any values from the manual of either of the two. For the Mini, we have no manufacturer manual. In both cases, the manual that comes with the device applies. Values from one model cannot be transferred to another.
How to recognize damp tobacco
- A handful of tobacco clumps together and does not fall apart easily.
- The tobacco does not slide down in the hopper, but forms a bridge at the top.
- The machine reports HOPPER, although there is still enough tobacco in the hopper.
- The cigarettes are filled unevenly or only partially.
What to do if the tobacco is too damp
Tobacco can be gently dried out: spread a thin layer on a plate or baking paper and leave it open for a few hours at room temperature, turning it occasionally. No heater, no oven, no microwave – drying too quickly makes the tobacco brittle and dusty. Afterwards, loosen it gently.
If you are unsure whether your tobacco is suitable: Bring a sample to one of our stores. We will look at it together – that is faster than any remote diagnosis.
Filling correctly
The basic rule applies to all models: do not press the tobacco in firmly or overfill. However, how exactly to fill depends on the model. The instructions that come with your device are always decisive.
Models with a tobacco hopper: Powermatic V, V+ and 3+
- Open the lid. Open the lid of the tobacco hopper completely.
- Fill the tobacco and distribute evenly. This is what the instructions say: distribute evenly – do not press it firmly into the hopper.
- Do not overfill. An overfilled hopper compacts the tobacco and leads to HOPPER messages.
- Break up clumps beforehand. Loosen clumped tobacco by hand before it goes into the machine. Never force a clump in.
- Close the lid of the capsule hopper. For the V and V+, it must click audibly into place, otherwise the automatic capsule feed will not start.
Powermatic 2+ and Powermatic 4
These two models are operated differently than the hopper models. Follow the instructions for your device – the quick-start guide for the 2+ contains its own instructions on how the tobacco is introduced into the chamber, for example. We deliberately do not pass on any general rule here that might not apply to your model.
Do not press the tobacco in firmly and do not overfill the container. Loosen clumped tobacco by hand beforehand.
Suitable capsules
The user manuals for the Powermatic V, V+ and 3+ specify two capsule types with these dimensions:
| Type | Filter | Capsule | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Size | 15 mm | 69 mm | 8 mm |
| Extra Size | 25 mm | 59 mm | 8 mm |
What is specified for which model
| Model | Capsules according to manual |
|---|---|
| Powermatic V+ (5 Plus) | King Size and Extra Size, with the dimensions above |
| Powermatic V (5) | King Size and Extra Size, with the dimensions above |
| Powermatic 3+ | King Size and Extra Size, with the dimensions above |
| Powermatic 2+ | King Size and Extra Size – without dimensions in the manual |
| Powermatic 4 | not listed in the manual we have |
| Powermatic Mini | not listed in the manual we have |
For the Powermatic V, V+ and 3+, the available manuals list capsules with a diameter of 8 mm. Slim capsules are not intended for these models in the manuals. For the Powermatic 2+, 4 and Mini, we have no information on this – the instructions for the device are decisive there. We do not derive anything for the 4 and Mini from the specifications for the V, V+ and 3+.
For clarification: According to the manual, “Extra Size” means a capsule with a longer filter (25 mm) and a correspondingly shorter paper part – not a 100-mm capsule. Suitability for 100-mm capsules is not described in any manufacturer manual we have; we do not pass on retailer information on this. If in doubt, ask us before buying a larger quantity.
Cleaning
“Tobacco is very stubborn and sticks to the internal parts of the machine.”
Powermatic 3+ user manual, translated in essence
How often?
The Powermatic 3+ manual states after every use and expressly says: “Do not leave any tobacco residue in the machine after use.” None of the manuals we have state an interval based on the number of cigarettes – we therefore do not specify one either.
What is cleaned
The Powermatic 3+ manual expressly states three parts:
- The spoon – the component that pushes the tobacco into the capsule.
- The cutting blade
- The injection opening (Spoon Nozzle) – inside and outside.
For the Powermatic V+, the shredder must also be emptied; the manual mentions it in connection with resolving a JAM. Remove the tobacco residue from the respective areas of your model as accessible according to the instructions.
With what
Use exclusively the intended or supplied cleaning accessories. For the electric models, these usually include a soft brush, a cleaning rod and a brush. Where the respective manual allows, a slightly damp cloth can also be used.
- Unplug the power cord before reaching into the machine.
- Never put your fingers into the machine.
- Do not use improvised tools such as screwdrivers, knives or nails – they damage the spoon and blade.
- Do not open or disassemble the device yourself. Repairs to internal components belong to the professional service.
JAM – Resolve blockage
Applies to all models: Do not continue working by force in the event of a blockage. Switch off the device, pull out the power cord for electric models, and only then resolve the cause.
Which message appears and how exactly to proceed differs depending on the model. Below is what is described in the manual of the respective device.
Powermatic V and V+
Both manuals describe the same basic procedure: If the filling rod jams, the display shows JAM.
- Switch off the device and pull out the power cord.
- Guide the cleaning rod through the injection opening and remove the tobacco residue from the loading chamber.
- Empty the tobacco hopper. For the V+, also empty the shredder – the V+ manual expressly mentions it.
- Restart and press START.
- Does JAM persist? Do not keep trying, but contact us. In this case, the V+ manual refers to the retailer.
Powermatic 3+
If the spoon is jammed, JAM appears in the display.
- Switch off the device and pull out the power cord.
- Guide the cleaning rod through the injection opening and remove the residue.
- Open the lid and remove the remaining tobacco from the hopper.
- Restart.
Powermatic 2+
The 2+ has no display. In the event of a blockage, the jam indicator flashes, and the shaft automatically returns to the starting position.
- Wait until the shaft has returned. The machine does this itself.
- Switch off the device and pull out the power cord.
- Remove the jammed tobacco with the supplied cleaning set.
The procedure for the V, V+ and 3+ cannot be transferred to the 2+ – it works differently.
Powermatic 4
The manual we have does not describe a JAM or jam message. If something jams in your Powermatic 4: switch off the device, pull out the power cord and follow the instructions that come with your device. We deliberately do not pass on any procedure from another model here.
Powermatic Mini
The Mini is a manual handheld device without a motor and without a display – there is no JAM message. If the lever can no longer be moved, do not help it by force: remove the tobacco, clean the device and follow the included instructions.
Do not restart the machine repeatedly in the event of a blockage, do not shake it, do not pry into the interior with a tool and do not move the mechanism by hand. Continuing to operate despite a blockage can put additional strain on the mechanism.
HOPPER – Tobacco does not feed
The following HOPPER instructions are documented for the Powermatic V, V+ and 3+. The Powermatic 2+ and Mini do not use this indicator. For the Powermatic 4, please refer to the enclosed manual due to the design still being unclear.
HOPPER is not a malfunction in the usual sense, but an indicator: tobacco is no longer reaching the filling mechanism. The manuals for the V, V+ and 3+ consistently list two causes.
Cause 1: The tobacco is running low
- Keep the tobacco funnel lid closed and press START. This pushes out the remains.
- Repeat if necessary.
- Refill with fresh tobacco.
Cause 2: The tobacco is not sinking down
The manual states it this way: the tobacco is "probably too cohesive" – it sticks together and forms a bridge over the opening. This indicates an issue with the tobacco, not a defect.
- Check whether it really is volume tobacco.
- Check the cut length – trim long fibers.
- Check the moisture content and, if necessary, dry the tobacco further to below 12% (see The right tobacco).
- Loosen the tobacco and refill it without pressing it down.
Bent sleeve – Powermatic V / V+
Both manuals describe this detection: if a sleeve misses the injection opening, the device detects that no new sleeve has been inserted and returns the sleeve feeder to the starting position. Remove the bent sleeve and press START to continue.
As a preventive measure, it helps to push the sleeves on a smooth surface before inserting them so that they lie correctly aligned in the magazine.
Typical operating errors
- Using fine cut, rolling tobacco, or pipe tobacco in the V, V+, 3+ or 2+, although these are not approved according to the manual.
- Filling freshly opened, still moist tobacco directly.
- Pressing the tobacco firmly into the machine.
- Forcing clumped tobacco instead of loosening it.
- Overfilling the tobacco container.
- Leaving tobacco remains in the machine after rolling.
- Pressing START repeatedly during a blockage.
- Handling tools like screwdrivers or knives inside.
- Opening the housing to perform repairs yourself.
- Using slim sleeves or sleeve sizes not mentioned in the model's manual.
- The blockage cannot be resolved after thorough cleaning.
- Unusual noises: grinding, clunking, squealing, the motor is running, but nothing is moving.
- Burning smell, visible smoke, hot housing.
- Damaged power cable or damaged plug.
- Visibly bent, broken, or loose parts inside.
- The machine no longer starts or switches off by itself.
In these cases: switch off the device, pull out the power plug and contact us. Continued operation may cause additional damage.
Manuals and videos by model
Powermatic V+ (Powermatic 5 Plus)
Electric rolling machine with integrated tobacco cutter (shredder), automatic sleeve feeder from the magazine and digital tobacco density setting. Two operating modes: E-AUTO rolls one cigarette per press of the START button, AUTO rolls continuously. Switch between them by holding the START button for three seconds. The automatic sleeve feeder only works when the sleeve funnel lid is audibly clicked into place.
Important: Despite the shredder, only volume tobacco with less than 12% moisture and a cut of less than 20 mm is permitted here as well.
- ZORR® Powermatic V+ Deluxe – Unboxing, Usage & MaintenanceZORR® Powermatic channel (European distribution) · English
- Electric rolling machine Powermatic 5 and 5 Plus – CleaningLUXFUXSARL channel (specialist retailer) · German
Powermatic V (Powermatic 5)
The sister model without a tobacco cutter. The main difference: the V has no shredder and no CLEAN function; the tobacco must therefore be loosened and prepared evenly when filling.
Tobacco requirements according to the manual, page 8: "Only suitable for volume tobacco. Rolling tobacco, fine cut or pipe tobacco is not approved and will cause problems." Moisture content below 12% RH, maximum tobacco cut length below 20 mm – the same values as for the V+.
The manual also states a manufacturer's warranty of one year or up to 10,000 rolled cigarettes, whichever comes first, for private, non-commercial use.
- ZORR® Powermatic V – TutorialZORR® Powermatic channel (European distribution) · English
- Electric rolling machine Powermatic 5 and 5 Plus – CleaningLUXFUXSARL channel (specialist retailer) · German, covers both models
Powermatic 3+
Fully electric with a digital display, automatic tobacco portioning and counter. The official manual explicitly lists three parts that must be cleaned after each use: spoon, cutting blade and injection opening. The same applies: only volume tobacco, below 12% moisture, cut below 20 mm.
- Introduction to the Powermatic 3+ – First Steps, Basic KnowledgeStopf dein Ding channel (specialist channel) · German
- Cleaning the Powermatic 3+ correctly – after every useStopf dein Ding channel (specialist channel) · German
Powermatic 2+
Electric machine with hand lever. Here too, according to the manual, only volume tobacco is permitted; rolling tobacco, fine cut and pipe tobacco are not approved. During a blockage, the jam indicator flashes and the shaft automatically returns to the starting position. Then remove the jammed tobacco with the included cleaning set.
We have not found a video for the 2+ that we can recommend with a clear conscience. As soon as that changes, we will add it here.
Powermatic 4
There are two versions of this model: the Powermatic 4 (IV) and the further developed Powermatic 4+ (IV+). Their manuals differ. We have not yet been able to determine with certainty which version the device we sell is.
Therefore, we do not provide any technical specifications from the manual of either model here. The manual that comes with your device is authoritative. If you are unsure, contact us – we will clarify this together using the designation on the device and packaging.
Regardless of the version: do not continue working with force during a blockage. Switch off the device, pull out the power plug and remove tobacco remains with the included cleaning accessories.
Powermatic Mini
The Powermatic Mini is a manual device without a motor. Please refer to the manual enclosed with the device. As long as we do not have reliable manufacturer instructions, we do not apply the technical specifications of other Powermatic models to the Mini.
Regardless of that, do not work with force and keep the device clean.
When you need us
Contact us if a blockage persists after thorough cleaning, the machine makes unusual noises, can no longer be switched on, or something is visibly damaged. We will take a look – first together with you, and if necessary in the service department.
- Order number or proof of purchase
- Model and color
- Serial number, if present on the device
- What message appears on the display
- A photo or a short video – often says more than a description
- What tobacco you are using
- When you last cleaned the machine
- For devices with a counter: the total counter reading
There is no reason to worry if you do not have everything available – contact us anyway. We will ask for it then.
Smoketown Rorschach GmbH · Thurgauerstrasse 4 · 9400 Rorschach · Telephone +41 71 841 09 68
Warranty and Manufacturer's Warranty
Two things need to be distinguished – they exist independently and can have different durations:
- Your rights to claim for defects against Smoketown as a seller. They are governed by our Terms and Conditions (Clause 5) and Swiss Code of Obligations: For new devices, claims for defects expire two years after delivery; for devices expressly sold as used, one year after delivery.
- The manufacturer's voluntary warranty. The user manuals for the Powermatic V, V+, 3+ and 2+ state a warranty of one year or a maximum of 10,000 rolled cigarettes, whichever comes first – for private, non-commercial use, for the first purchaser, and against the original proof of purchase. The manufacturer's warranty conditions are authoritative. For the Powermatic 4 and the Mini, we have no reliable manufacturer information regarding the warranty; the documents enclosed with your device apply there.
A JAM indicator alone is not evidence of an operating error. We therefore do not reject a complaint due to a JAM message, but assess the technical findings on a case-by-case basis. Damages that can be proven to have been caused by improper operation or the application of force are not covered.
Keep the proof of purchase. We recommend keeping the original packaging for safe transport in the event of a service case. It is not a requirement for the assessment of a claim for defects.
Sources
- Powermatic V user manual, multilingual – manualslib.de
- Powermatic V+ (V Plus) user manual, multilingual – manualslib.com
- Powermatic III+ (3 Plus) user manual, multilingual – manualslib.com
- Powermatic II and II+ user manual – manualslib.com
- Zorr Powermatic, troubleshooting – zorr-powermatic.com
Information current as of: September 2026. The Powermatic brand for cigarette rolling machines belongs to Zico USA, Inc.; European distribution is carried out under the ZORR Powermatic label by KP Plattner GmbH, Innsbruck. Not to be confused with the US manufacturer of woodworking machines of the same name.