Hi,

I am a relative beginner in the home Espresso world, and I am trying to alter the dose of Espresso I use per the advice on the top of this forum to get a better tasting shot. My question is on technique. From what I was taught when I learned to make Espresso, I fill my PF till it overflows, then used the N-S-E-W technique to flatten it at the top, then I tamp to 30lbs. Then, I see the time that requires for me to get my shot (hopefully between 20-30 secs) and then alter the grind to get it in this range. Ok, but what if I want to alter it to get a better taste?

The question is, if I want to increase or decrease the dose, how do you go about filling the PF? If I want to increase the dose and I am already overflowing the PF to do the N-S-E-W thing how do you go about putting more in there? Likewise, if you want to decrease the dose enough, you might not even have enough to fill the PF to the top level.

Thanks in advance!

First of all, get yourself a scale and measure your dose. All the guess work is gone.......

Now, if you want to continue to fill the PF, level then tamp then just fill the basket most of the way, then tap the PF to settle the grounds. You can tap 1,2 3 times.... to compress the coffee and allow more into the PF basket. This will allow you to put more in the basket and still use the same leveling technique.

If you want consistency, which you do...... get a scale.

trihard wrote:if I want to increase or decrease the dose, how do you go about filling the PF?

You use a scale. Pick up a digital scale that is capable of displaying .1 grams or even .01 grams. Particularly when trying to search out that "perfect" combination of dose and grind, this is the most accurate way to go about it. You will (or may) find that .5 grams of coffee can make a big difference. You biggest problem in narrowing that down will, be Rocky. I found that it supplies two clicks for espresso in any given situation. Since one click is about 4 to 5 seconds of extraction difference, your next step is to do the teflon-tape, stepless mod to Rocky.

Thanks for the responses!

Currently I have a 7 gram scoop which I use 2 of for my double shot basket. If I 'settle it down' before tamping, I could probably get in all 14 grams or close. Is there a ballpark guideline for number of grams to use, or does it vary widely depending on the beans? Should I really play around pulling shots with .5 gram differences to see what comes out best or will I even notice that small a difference as I am not a huge straight espresso connoisseur. I usually make Lattes, so will that small of a difference show up with the milk? I already have the stepless mod on my Rocky so that isn't a problem.

A 7 gram scoop is not a scale. Each coffee can have its own density and you will not know what it weighs until you use a scale.

Did you read this....

Espresso 101: How to Adjust Dose and Grind Setting by Taste

And the FAQS? A lot of great info there.

You are attempting to measure a mass quantity using a volume-measuring device. Apples and oranges. .2 to .3 grams can make a difference because you have to be able to adjust the grind to match the dose, and/or vice versa. One has to be constant and accurate and consistent to be able to adjust the other. As stated previously (by me) to zero in on the grind-dose relationship you need a scale and a stepless grinder (or convert your to stepless), and a gram scale that can display to .1gram of finer. If you want to ignore that advice and measure your dose with a spoon, that's fine, but you are going to be chasing shadows, blindfolded, in the dark, with your shoelaces tied together, in a strange room, drunk. This website is aimed at being a "guide to exceptional espresso." Hopefully, that is what you are after:

ex·cep·tion·al   [ik-sep-shuh-nl] -adjective
1. forming an exception or rare instance; unusual; extraordinary.
2. unusually excellent; superior.

Ok, I guess I need a scale! I did read that post referenced and it is one of the reasons I posted my question as I thought doing it would be very helpful. Thanks again for the responses.

Thanks for asking the question. It's a "d'oh" moment for me; and I'll revise the post to mention the use of a 0.1 gram scale.

The taste to dose and flow changes discussed there become obvious at about 1/3 to 1/2 gram of dose change, and about 3 to 5 seconds of flow change.

Did anyone mention getting a scale???