Hi everyone!
I just bought my very first espresso machine (Saeco Aroma). Since I'm a novice, I really know close to nothing about brewing, and was hoping for some help.

After I remove the portafilter, I notice that there is water still in the basket with the grains. Is this normal? I feel like there shouldn't be as much water as there is, what might the problem be.

Also, I haven't gotten espresso cups yet, so I've been using shot glasses. When should I stop the brew, in the middle, on third, the top??

Thanks!

Below are some previous discussions of wet pucks:

Wet pucks
Wet, glunky pucks
How do my pucks look?
Wet pucks: Do beans make any difference?

Short answer: It's normal for espresso machines without a 3-way solenoid that releases the pressure from the brew chamber when the pump stops (i.e., with your machine, you must wait for the pressure to leech out, otherwise the dreaded "portafilter sneeze").

As for proper use of your shot glasses, see What's the key criteria for stopping espresso extraction? Short answer: Stop when the pour becomes watery and blond.

This and much more awaits you in the site's FAQs and Favorites. I know, I know... it's a lot of reading. But the recommended articles are one evening's reading and will answer most questions you'll have in the next month and probably many you might not have considered.

rumblebk wrote:Hi everyone!
I just bought my very first espresso machine (Saeco Aroma). Since I'm a novice, I really know close to nothing about brewing, and was hoping for some help.

WELCOME! I invite you to visit my website (URL in the sig). Right now it may be a bit advanced (depending on how much research you have done) but you may get some use out of the following article there:
Look in the right-hand column for the "How To" section. Read #12.
It was written and organized to serve the needs of those fairly new to making espresso at home and having a problem, or wanting to better diagnose the cause of problems in the future.

With over 10 typed pages of info, you should find something useful in that article..

thank u both so much for all the info!