Dial in a first espresso

Start with a reasonable dose

Choose a dose appropriate to your basket, then weigh the coffee going in. As a starting example, 18 g of ground coffee and about 36 g in the cup is a 1:2 ratio. It is a reference for learning, not a rule that every basket or coffee must follow.

Watch the output

Use a scale that fits the tray and cup. Record the dose, beverage weight, approximate time and your impression. If the machine starts a pre-infusion stage, decide consistently when you start timing; different machines and guides may count time differently.

Change one variable

If flow is much too fast, try a finer grind; if it is very slow or chokes, try coarser. Keep the dose and target yield reasonably consistent while making that change. Taste matters more than hitting a magic number, and small adjustments can require another shot.

Write down what worked

Record the grinder setting and coffee used. A fresh bag, a different roast or a basket change may need a new adjustment. Follow your machine’s own instructions for dosing, operation and maintenance.

Further reading

• Breville: how to dial in espresso
• Specialty Coffee Association: defining espresso