7 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Brewing With an Espresso Machine

7 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Brewing With an Espresso Machine

So, you’ve decided to get an espresso machine to enjoy cafe-quality brews at home. But as you take a sip, you wonder, “Why doesn’t it taste as good as the ones in cafes?” There could be different causes for a subpar espresso, from improper tamping to incorrect machine calibration. It could even be something as simple as not preheating your espresso machine! In this article, we’ll troubleshoot common mistakes when brewing with an espresso machine so you can finally enjoy top-notch coffee at home.

 

1. Not storing beans properly

 

It all starts with how you store your coffee beans. Coffee tastes best when ground just before brewing, so we recommend buying whole beans in smaller batches and grinding them at home. For espresso, coffee beans are at their peak freshness between one and six weeks. To retain their flavor, store them in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid keeping coffee beans in the refrigerator, as they can easily absorb other odors. If stored improperly, the coffee will become stale much faster. 

 

 

 

 

2. Your espresso machine is not calibrated



If you’re not getting consistent brews every time, then it’s likely because you haven’t calibrated your espresso machine. This includes dialing in the grind size, dosage, and extraction time, which will ensure consistent quality every time you pull your espresso shot. It may take a few tries to fine-tune these variables to get the perfect calibration. It’s important to do this regularly, especially when switching beans with a different roasting date or flavor profile, and adjust accordingly since this will change the outcome of the extracted coffee.





3. Not preheating the espresso machine



Preheating the espresso machine is often overlooked, but this simple step makes a world of difference for your coffee! By preheating, you will get a more flavorful extraction, and your coffee won’t cool down as quickly. Simply turn on the espresso machine and wait 15-20 minutes before brewing. Don’t forget to lock in the portafilter when you preheat, as the initial temperature of the portafilter can also affect the taste of the espresso. Most espresso machines also come with a mug warmer at the top to preheat your mugs. Say goodbye to coffee that turns lukewarm in minutes.





4. Incorrect Grind Size

 

 

An espresso requires a fine to medium-fine grind for the best extraction. But when it comes to brewing with an espresso machine, you’ll encounter the Goldilocks principle: Grind too coarse, and you’ll get a weak and watery brew. Grind too fine, and the coffee grounds will be packed too tightly to push water through, resulting in an overly bitter espresso. Just like machine calibration, you will need to fine-tune your grind size and see which setting will give you the best results.

 

 

 

5. Uneven Tamp



Proper tamping is a crucial factor that impacts an espresso’s extraction and flavor. The goal of this step is to create a flat, compact layer of coffee for the water to flow evenly during extraction. If the tamp is uneven, it will lead to channeling, where coffee is over-extracted in some spots and under-extracted in others. Practice proper form and apply firm pressure until you feel resistance for an evenly tamped espresso. 




6. Incorrect Brew Ratio



When making an espresso, a digital scale is your best friend. It’s especially useful to have one with a timer that will help you track extraction time. A traditional espresso follows a 1:2 ratio, where every 1 gram of coffee in should yield 2 grams of espresso. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and you can adjust this ratio to suit your taste. Having a scale in this case will help you maintain consistency and create a brewing recipe to recreate your ideal shot.






7. Not cleaning your espresso machine

 

If you’ve followed all the steps correctly but still aren’t getting the flavor you want, it might be time to check inside your espresso machine. Oil, coffee grounds, and milk residue tend to build up over time, and the taste will definitely end up in your cup. It’s important to clean your espresso machine daily, and once in a while do a deep cleaning that includes descaling and cleaning the grinder.

Read more on how to clean your espresso machine at home.

 

 

 

 

 

Want to master brewing with an espresso machine at home? Join our Barista 101: Espresso Basics Workshop and learn espresso machine calibration, puck prep, and more in this hands-on learning experience!

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