Still learning to pull a good espresso shot - advice please?

[billie014]

Hello! I am looking for some advice on pulling a good espresso shot (aren't we all!). A few days ago I received a brand new Breville Die Cast Espresso Machine (and I am thrilled about it!) however I cannot seem to pull a good espresso shot?!! I have been watching videos and reading forums all day today, and nothing seems to work. I am using the filters that the machine came with and can't seem to pull a good shot with the double or single filter. I don't have a heavy, stainless steel tamper yet so maybe there's an issue with the tamping, also I'm a newbie so that could be a big factor too. Haha!

Here is what I AM doing:
- preheating everything (machine, cups, tools etc)
- tamping consistently (although, I only have the crappy plastic tamper the machine came with so far)
- using fresh, cold spring water in machine
- using the correct grind of coffee (although it is pre-ground, and NOT the freshest)
- I am using about 9 grams of ground coffee in the single filter (I found that info online), and tamping with about 30-35lbs of even pressure
- the pull time seems to be about 20-28 secs (or so...) and I usually am getting 3/4 - 1 1/4 oz but I really don't know much about what I'm looking for other than to stop it before it turns "blonde"
- and the crema seems to vary each shot, from thin to thick to less or more bubbles ...

So, even though I am trying to be as consistent as possible, so that I can find where my mistakes are, the results seem to be not so consistent. I'm confused. I'm wondering if the quality of the pre-ground coffee could be the issue? It's the only thing I can think of. I was given a container from someone (Illy brand) and the container was pre-sealed, however the container is old and I don't even know how long it's been sitting in there. Could all my problems be solved if I just get fresher coffee? Hopefully someone has some advice because I'm not sure what else I can do. Thanks!

[A2chromepeacock]

Others will flush out a better response, but here's the answers. The benefits of 1 and 2 are interdependent:

1. Buy a good quality burr grinder. check the FAQs page for help deciding which one.
2. Place only fresh-roasted beans in it. (4-10 days out from roast, give or take)
3. purchase real tamper, fit to the size of your portafilter.

4. sit back, have a shot or gwo, and realize how--very quickly--it's all worth it.

[HB]

using the correct grind of coffee (although it is pre-ground, and NOT the freshest)... Could all my problems be solved if I just get fresher coffee?

Indeed, fresh coffee is the most important element of exceptional espresso. The best equipment in the world cannot save old preground coffee.

You mentioned that you've read a lot, but you'll save yourself a lot of aggravation if you follow the Recommended Reading of the FAQs and Favorites Digest, especially Jim's Home Barista's Guide to Espresso. Next search for topics in the FAQs specific to your situation, e.g.: "pressurized portafilter" (I assume your machine is equipped with one), "preground coffee" (to understand the foibles of preground), and "inexpensive grinder" (the next step in your espresso journey).

[cafeIKE]

There are 4 things required to make espresso and you are missing the first two:
Good coffee and a good grinder. These two items account for 75%.

Do a bunch of research.
Find a source of great coffee.
Get a good ESPRESSO grinder.

You're probably making the best espresso possible with what you have.

[billie014]

thank you!

[Tampy]

I would check the basket that came with the Breville. I had the original machine and it came with a "crema enhancer" basket. I recall it had a gap of metal in the bottom and only one small hole for the coffee to come out of before exiting the portafilter. The one I had did not come with traditional basket. I think you will find that you will have better shots without the crema enhancer (if yours is the same way). Also, it tends to clog with coffee grounds.

I recommend you search the forums at coffeegeek.com and here. I recall reading once that there was an aftermarket traditional basket that will fit the Breville.

Also, you will likely need a new tamper as the one that used to come with the machine would not allow you to put anywhere near 30 lbs of pressure for tamping. Is it still a plastic tamper that has a long sideways handle?

Have fun with the machine. It is nice looking and has solid construction.

[billie014]

Hey Tampy, thanks for your great advice! Yes, the basket you described is the EXACT kind of basket I have. I was already beginning to notice how the grounds seem to get stuck in the middle of the two layers, but I wasn't previously aware that this basket wasn't a "traditional" basket until now. I will try to find the aftermarket traditional basket that you mentioned and see how that works.

Also, I am using the same spoon/tamper that comes with the machine (same one you described as well) and even though it is far from ideal it seems I WAS able to get least 30 lbs of pressure (I used a weigh scale to be sure). I will be getting a good solid stainless steel tamper soon, as well as some good fresh pre-ground espresso beans. Unfortunately, I don't have the budget for a good burr grinder just yet, so as much as I'd like to try grinding my own fresh beans, I'll have to stick with the best quality pre-ground beans that I can find for now. Any suggestions for pre-ground beans at all (I know pre-ground isn't the best ... it will have to do for now) ? Thanks for your advice!

[Tampy]

Billie014,

I don't want to be a downer but you may not be able pull great shots on the Breville. I never could. I purchased the Breville 2 years ago because I liked the look of the machine and it appeared to be well-built. At that time, I hadn't done any research. Also, I found it at Williams-Sonoma and I figured they would only carry very good products. However, within a week of owning the machine, I started doing research online and quickly found that the Breville was not built to be a standard espresso machine. The crema enhancement basket is one of the major problems. You shouldn't have to use a special basket to get good crema.

In my espresso journey, I returned the Breville and bought a Gaggia Classic. The Gaggia had a standard size 58mm portafilter and was built better than the Breville for making espresso. However, the build quality (i.e. the metal, etc.) did not feel as substantial. The espresso was much better however. Also, with a standard size portafilter, it was no problem getting new baskets, tampers, etc. I didn't keep the Gaggia long. I mortgaged the house, the dog and eventually the cats to upgrade until I ended up with my current machine.

I would try to find a regular basket that will fit the Breville and see if that works. (I never tried it). If so, I think the Breville would be a good machine. Again, it feels like it is built well. However, if you have a window of opportunity to return the Breville, I would do a lot of research and consider that as an option. The most popular that I found in the same price range were the Gaggia Classic and the Rancilio Silvia. There is a lot of information about them at wholelattelove.com.

I really don't have a suggestion for pre-ground beans. The only pre-ground I tried were from Illy at Williams-Sonoma. However, I could never get anything worth drinking from the Illy and the Breville. I think you will find that a good grinder and fresh beans will make all of the difference for you. Hang in there and good luck. I know that the Breville is fairly popular so I am sure people must be getting some good espresso out of it.