Weighing is Knowing: Brewing Consistent Espresso
To share
🌟 Weighing is knowing: The importance of a fixed number of grams of ground coffee in your portafilter for a consistent espresso
☕ Why Gambling Is Not An Option
Do you recognize this? One time your espresso tastes perfect, the next time it is too sour or too bitter. How is that possible? Many home baristas do not use a fixed amount of ground coffee in their portafilter, which means the extraction time is different every time. And a different extraction time means a different taste.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution: precision and consistency . By using a scale and sticking to consistent amounts, you can make a perfect espresso every time.
🛍 Want a reliable scale right away? Check out our collection of coffee scales .
🔢 The Impact of Incorrect Dosage on Your Espresso
Even small deviations in the amount of ground coffee can ruin your espresso:
- Too little coffee (e.g. 16 grams instead of 18 grams) → faster flow time → under-extraction → sour taste.
- Too much coffee (e.g. 20 grams instead of 18 grams) → slower flow time → over-extraction → bitter taste.
By always using the same amount of coffee, you avoid these problems and ensure a predictable and delicious taste!
🛍 Use a precision scale for the perfect dosage. Shop the best scales for home baristas here .
🕳️ The Big 3: The Perfect Espresso Recipe
✅ 1. A fixed number of grams of coffee in your filter holder
- Single espresso: ±10 grams of ground coffee.
- Double espresso: ±18 grams of ground coffee.
Make sure you always weigh these amounts before making your espresso!
☕ 2. The right amount of espresso in your cup
- Single espresso: 30 ml.
- Double espresso: 60 ml.
These amounts will help you maintain the perfect balance of flavor.
⏳ 3. A lead time of approximately 25 seconds
- Less than 25 seconds? → Grind is too coarse.
- More than 25 seconds? → Grind is too fine.
With a scale with a timer you can measure exactly how long your espresso runs through and adjust your grind accordingly.
🛍 Use a scale with a timer for ultimate control. Check out our recommended scales here .
🧏⚒️ The only variable: Your grind size
The grind size of your coffee determines how long the extraction takes:
- Too fast throughput time? → Grind finer.
- Flow time too slow? → Grind coarser.
A handy rule of thumb: a finer ground coffee will have a lower number on your grind setting . By carefully adjusting your grind size, you will maintain complete control over your espresso!
🎉 Conclusion: Stop gambling, start weighing!
For a consistent espresso you need to fix the Big 3 :
- A fixed number of grams of coffee.
- The right amount of espresso.
- An extraction time of ±25 seconds.
With a good scale you keep everything under control and always enjoy a perfect espresso. Start with precision today and get the most out of your espresso machine!
🛍 Upgrade your coffee routine with a professional scale. Discover our collection here .

