Espresso
Espresso Dial-In
The method for dialing a balanced shot on a home machine, tuning grind and time until it tastes right.
Prep
5 min
Brew
1 min
Total
6 min
Serves
2
Ingredients
Difficulty: Advanced
- 18g coffee, fine espresso grind
- 36g liquid espresso out
- 1:2 brew ratio target
- Espresso machine and 58mm portafilter
- Grinder, distribution tool, tamper
- Scale that fits the drip tray
Method
- 1
Grind 18g into the basket, distribute evenly to remove clumps, then tamp level with firm, consistent pressure.
- 2
Lock in the portafilter and start the shot and timer together, aiming for 36g out in 25 to 30 seconds.
- 3
Taste it: sour and fast means grind finer; bitter and slow means grind coarser. Change one variable at a time.
- 4
Once the shot runs 25 to 30 seconds and tastes sweet and balanced, note the settings and repeat them.