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Coffee · Espresso guide

Espresso Basics

Dose, yield and time — the three numbers behind every great shot, and how to dial in a new bag in five shots or fewer.

Maya OkaforUpdated Advanced 10 min
Ratio
1:2 (18 g in, 36 g out)
Grind size
Fine — like powdered sugar with some grit
Water temperature
92–94°C
Brew time
25–32 seconds

Introduction

Espresso is a balancing act between three numbers: how much coffee goes in, how much liquid comes out, and how long it takes.

Start with a 1:2 ratio in about 28 seconds, taste, then adjust one variable at a time. This guide gives you a dialing-in framework you can reuse for every new bag.

Brewing steps

  1. 1

    Warm everything

    Let the machine warm for at least 20 minutes. Run a blank shot through the portafilter to heat it.

  2. 2

    Dose and distribute

    Grind 18 g into a dry basket. Use a distribution tool or gentle taps to remove clumps and level the bed.

  3. 3

    Tamp level

    Tamp firmly and evenly. Consistency matters more than pressure — keep it level.

  4. 4

    Pull the shotat 0:00

    Lock in, place the cup on the scale and start the shot and timer together. Stop at 36 g.

  5. 5

    Taste and adjustat 0:30

    Sour and fast? Grind finer. Bitter and slow? Grind coarser. Change one thing at a time and taste again.

Troubleshooting

Shot runs in under 20 s
Grind finer, or increase dose by 0.5 g.
Shot chokes past 40 s
Grind coarser and check for uneven tamping.
Spritzing or channeling
Improve distribution — break up clumps and tamp level.

Recommended gear

  • Best for beginners

    Lumen

    Lumen One

    Heat-exchanger espresso machine with PID and a quiet vibration pump.

    $1,2904.6(214)out of 5 stars
    Retailer links soon

  • Ferro

    64 Flat Burr Grinder

    Single-dose electric grinder with stepless adjustment for espresso.

    $5494.7(388)out of 5 stars
    Retailer links soon

  • Atlas Instruments

    Brew Scale with Timer

    0.1 g resolution, auto-timer and a heat-proof silicone pad.

    $594.7(1,422)out of 5 stars
    Retailer links soon

  • Ridge Roasting Co.

    Cerrado Espresso

    Dark chocolate, hazelnut and caramel. Medium-dark, 250 g.

    $184.6(451)out of 5 stars
    Retailer links soon

Brewry may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Products are selected by our editors and listed with demo pricing during preview.

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