Dialling in espresso is the process of adjusting your dose, grind size, yield, and shot time to achieve a balanced and consistent extraction. Small changes to grind or dose have a noticeable impact on flavour, so a simple, structured approach helps maintain repeatable results.
If you are still choosing which beans suit your setup, see the How to Choose Coffee Beans for Home Espresso guide.
Start with a Baseline
A clear starting recipe removes guesswork. For most home machines, a reliable baseline is:
- 18 g dose
- 36 g yield
- 25–30 seconds
From this point, adjust grind and yield to correct flavour. Digital scales help maintain accuracy for both dose and output.
Adjusting Grind Size
Grind size is the most influential variable. Small adjustments create clear changes in flavour and flow:
- If the shot tastes sour or sharp, grind finer.
- If the shot tastes bitter or hollow, grind coarser.
- If the shot runs fast, grind finer.
- If the shot runs slow, grind coarser.
Make small, incremental changes. One minor step on most grinders is usually enough.
Dose and Yield
Dose affects strength. Yield affects balance.
- Increase yield for a cleaner, lighter flavour.
- Reduce yield for a stronger, richer flavour.
Adjust yield in small steps, usually 2–4 grams, while keeping dose stable for consistency.
Shot Time
Shot time is a result of grind, dose, and tamp. Aim for a range rather than a strict number. If time falls outside 25–30 seconds, adjust grind to bring the flow back into balance.
Crema and Freshness
Rested beans, usually 7–30 days from roast, produce more stable crema and more predictable extraction. If the shot bubbles, blondes quickly, or collapses early, grind and freshness are often the cause.
Keep Conditions Consistent
Small variations in technique influence the result. Keep each variable steady:
- weigh each dose
- purge the grinder before use
- tamp evenly with moderate pressure
- use the same cups when evaluating shots
Consistency speeds up dial-in and prevents chasing variables.
Dialling In for Milk
For milk-based drinks, aim for a slightly higher yield or a slightly coarser grind. This produces a cleaner and more structured cup once milk is added.
Which Beans Perform Best?
Medium and medium-dark roasts generally offer the most balanced extractions for home machines. Blends provide stability and consistency across a range of conditions.
- Espresso Magic Reserve – medium-dark with cocoa and spice, designed for intensity and crema.
- Latte Luxe Reserve – medium roast with caramelised sweetness, ideal for milk.
- Café Classic Reserve – medium roast with balanced nuttiness and fruit, versatile and consistent.
The Takeaway
Dialling in espresso becomes straightforward once dose, grind, yield, and shot time are controlled. Start with a clear baseline, make small adjustments, and keep conditions consistent. The right beans and a structured approach produce cleaner and more balanced results every time.
Explore blends, single origins, and decaf options in the Bean Buster Coffee collection.