settings, dosage and practical tricks

Getting a good espresso at home doesn’t just depend on the machine. It takes coffee, grinding, settings and a few simple habits that make the difference between a good drink and a truly memorable one. Regardless of whether you use an automatic or manual espresso machine, some rules are universal and help you get the best out of your coffee.

1. Choose the right coffee for espresso

Not all coffees behave the same way in the cup. For a balanced espresso you need:

• fresh coffee beans, medium or medium dark roast
• blends with robusta if you want a thicker cream and a more intense flavour
• 100% arabica coffee if you prefer finer notes and controlled acidity

Preferably use the coffee within 30 days of opening the package.

2. How important grinding is

Incorrect grinding is the most common reason for weak espresso.
The rule is simple:

• too fine = very slow flow and bitter taste
• too coarse = fast flow, acidic and watery taste

To get the perfect espresso with a manual espresso machine, look for an extraction time between 25 and 30 seconds.
For automatic espresso machines, adjust the grind one step at a time and test. Grinding can only be aided while the espresso machine is grinding.

3. The correct dosage – the basis of a good espresso

The standard is 7-9 grams for a short espresso and 14-18 grams for a double espresso.
In automatic espresso machines the device dispenses on its own, but it is possible to adjust the intensity of the aroma or the quantity of water to customize the taste.

On the manual espresso machine:

• use a constant amount of coffee
• Gently level the coffee in the filter holder
• the pressing must be firm, but without exaggerating

Consistency is the key. If you change too many things at once, you won’t know what affected the outcome.

4. Essential settings for an excellent espresso

Temperature

Ideally between 90 and 94°C. Colder = sour taste, hotter = bitter.

Pressure

The standard is 9 bar in extraction. With automatic machines it is not possible to regulate the pressure, but the device manages it correctly.

Extraction time

25–30 seconds for a balanced espresso.

Coffee/liquid ratio

A classic espresso is 25-30 ml.
A double espresso corresponds to 40–50 ml.

If you get 70-80 ml you are already talking about a long espresso and the taste changes.

5. Water quality – the detail ignored by many

Water affects taste even more than coffee.
It is ideal to use:

• filtered water
• filter cartridge in automatic espresso machine
• medium hard water

Water that is too hard can ruin the taste and shorten the life of the espresso machine by depositing limescale on the water circuit.

6. Simple tricks that instantly improve your coffee prepared

1. Warm the cup before use: it keeps the cream thicker and the taste warmer.
2. Clean the extraction group or chamber daily: residues alter the taste.
3. Discard the first 2-3 seconds during extraction (manual pre-infusion) – especially with manual espresso machines.
4. Don’t leave the coffee in the container for too long: it quickly loses its flavor.
5. Test the grind periodically: a small change can make the difference.

7. How do you know you have achieved a successful espresso

A good espresso should have:

• stable cream, light hazelnut colour
• pleasant scent even before tasting it
• balanced taste, neither too bitter nor too acidic
• slightly creamy consistency

If the espresso is too acidic, a finer grind is necessary.
If it is too bitter, a coarser grind is necessary.
With the manual espresso machine, if the espresso flows too quickly, tap harder, or with the automatic espresso machine, adjust the grinder so that the grind is finer.
If it flows too hard, reduce the tamping or adjust the grind coarser.

The perfect espresso at home isn’t a matter of luck. It requires some correct settings and minor adjustments. Once you learn to control the grinding, dosing and extraction, you can achieve excellent results with almost any device. And when you combine good technique with fresh coffee, the difference can be felt from the first cup.

Finally, we leave you some advice on the coffee beans that you can buy from Espresso Cafe: