Espresso brewing guide

What dose should I use for my espresso machine?

This is a great place to start as it’s specific to the filter basket in your machine.

If you’re finding your espresso is extracting inconsistently or you’re having a challenging time finding balance in your brew, this is a parameter you should consider adjusting. In most cases your basket will have a dose indicated on it. 

Use this weight +/- 1g. If not, there are a few clues to whether your dose is in the correct range. 

A dose that is too small will produce a puck that’s surface is wavy after extraction. See an example below.

A dose that’s too large will contact the dispersion screen before extraction starts. Insert and remove your portafilter without extracting the puck. Look for an imprint in the puck and grinds on the dispersion screen. See examples below.

What’s a good basic recipe for espresso?

We recommend using the following recipe to start.

Brew ratio: 2g of water for every 1 g of coffee

Time: 25-30s

Pressure: 9bars

Temperature: 94oC

Start tasting your espresso once it’s within the above time range. Your espresso should be balanced with a pleasant texture and a lingering aftertaste. A rough, dry or bitter espresso could mean your grind size is too fine. An acidic, astringent or minerally espresso could mean your grind size is too coarse. It’s recommended that you stick to adjusting grind size until you’re comfortable with your process and seeing consistent results.

Recommended Course: Barista Basics