Is your espresso not coming out the way you want it to? Is it not giving you the hipster indie coffee shop vibe that you hoped for when bought your home espresso setup? There might be certain steps that you might have overlooked or didn’t even realize when it comes to creating a really delicious latte.
In this blog, we are going over some key steps to make your home espresso setup much easier and way tastier. At the end of this, you will master the craft of dialing the best espresso you ever had and making your home espresso setup worth the investment.
Dialing in your Espresso Machine
To dial in your espresso machine and pull the best espresso shots, you should first ensure that your machine is properly calibrated and maintained. This includes checking that the water temperature is set correctly, cleaning the group head and portafilter, and ensuring that the grind size of your coffee is appropriate.
Once your machine is set up, you can begin the process of dialing in your espresso shots. This typically involves adjusting the grind size, dose, and tamp pressure to achieve the desired extraction time and flavor profile.
Here are some steps to follow:
- Measure the weight of the dose of coffee in the portafilter.
- Measure the weight of the brewed coffee in the cup.
- Measure the time taken for the shot to be pulled. This is called extraction time.
- Adjust the grind size, dose, and tamp pressure as needed to achieve a target extraction time of around 25-30 seconds.
- Taste the espresso shot, and make note of any defects in the flavor, such as sourness or bitterness.
- Repeat the process until you achieve the desired flavor profile and consistency.
It’s important to remember that every coffee bean is unique, so the process of dialing in your espresso machine may need to be repeated each time you switch to a new bean or blend. Also, remember to clean the machine and burr grinder regularly to ensure consistency.
How many grams of coffee should I use in my espresso portafilter?
The amount of coffee that you should use in your espresso portafilter will depend on your personal taste and the size of your portafilter. However, a general guideline is to use 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot (about 2 ounces) and 14-16 grams for a single shot (about 1 ounce).
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and you may need to adjust the amount of coffee that you use based on the specific coffee beans that you are using and the desired flavor profile.
Some baristas prefer to use more coffee for a stronger shot, while others prefer to use less for a lighter shot.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the dose should be adjusted in relation to the yield, if your shot is too short you can increase the dose, and if it is too long decrease it.
It’s also important to ensure that the coffee is ground correctly and the tamp pressure is consistent, as this can also affect the flavor and consistency of the shot. It’s recommended to use a scale to measure the dose and check the yield, in this way you can make small adjustments to achieve the desired result.
What Coffee Should I Use For My Espresso?
The type of coffee that you should use for your espresso will depend on your personal taste preferences. However, there are certain types of coffee beans that are considered to be well-suited for espresso due to their high levels of acidity, sweetness, and body.
When choosing a coffee for your espresso, it’s also important to consider the roast level, as the roast level can affect the flavor of the coffee. Espresso is typically made with a dark roast, as it brings out the natural sweetness and reduces acidity. However, some baristas like to use medium roast coffee for espresso, as it can bring out more of the origin’s characteristics. Just keep in mind, using a light roast coffee like our Emu is Emo will bring out more acidity, sweetness, and tart fruit which is great for pure espresso or an Americano. When it comes to making lattes with steamed milk, the milk will tend to curdle due to the acidity of the espresso.
You can experiment with different types of coffee beans, roast levels, and blends to find the one that you enjoy the most. Keep in mind that the coffee’s origin, variety, and processing methods all have an impact on the final cup’s taste, so it’s a good idea to try different options to find the one that you prefer.
We hope this guide helps you better understand the necessary steps and be a guide to crafting a beautiful and delicious cup of coffee at home that does not taste like crap.
To find the perfect beans for your espresso machine check out our coffee offerings on our Online Store and take a look at our Whoa, Dude! Espresso Blend is a perfect balance of chocolate, caramel, and smooth-bodied coffee