Hello. A newbie here. I have a question regarding the espresso grind size. I use Rancilio Silvia with Rocky grinder and I've been pulling 25 second espresso shots with good amount of crema. My problem is (if it's considered a problem), I always see a few particles of coffee grinds at the bottom of the cup upon finishing my espresso. If I grind coarser, the espresso pulls too fast even if I tamp hard. So I'm wondering, what's at the bottom of everyone's espresso cup after finishing it? Or is my filter basket screen not a good quality?

Im not sure what the cause is, but unless its a lot, I dont think its anything to worry about. On those rare occasions, Ill get a couple particles in the bottom of my demi, but I never thought anything of it.

Just a tip... When you coarsen the grind.. Naturally, the extraction will speed up. So, dont just coarsen the grind... Also add a bit more coffee to the basket, UpDose. That will compensate for the coarser grind. The opposite is also true.

I used maximum amount for both cases. Anymore, I won't be able to close the portafilter. I usually end up with half dozen to a dozen grind particles in my cup. I can live with it but was wondering what others are getting.

You might want to check your portafilter before you put the basket in, I've noticed that sometimes there's some grounds in mine that have fallen into it while it's heating up in the machine. I just wipe it out with a paper towel before I put the basket into it.

Here in Atlanta, I go to a high quality place called Octane that I love - it's the best cafe I've ever been in. It has a few baristas who have faired well in regional competitions. They use a nice La Marzocco 3-group machine and dual Super Jolly's. Still, when I drink their espressos I always see a couple of coffee grinds in the bottom of the cup. I usually just don't finish the very last drop.

Point being: I think it's normal. Grinders can't (and don't try to) achieve perfectly consistent particle size, so a small amount slips through.

Wiping the PF before locking it in is good practice, whether using a chopped or a spouted portafilter.

Its always possible some amount of coffee grinds will get on your PF... Hell, they get everywhere else!

And some fines (which are finer particles) will always make it through.

So it comes down to the grinder quality I guess.

I got fines in the cup with my M4, and I still get them with my K10.