How to Dial in Your Grinder for Perfect Shots

September 9, 2024

Choosing the right commercial espresso grinder is crucial for perfect espresso shots.

How to Dial in Your Espresso Grinder | Coffee Machine Depot

Welcome to another guide from Coffee Machine Depot! Today, we’re diving into the process of dialing in your espresso grinder using advanced commercial coffee equipment, specifically focusing on grinders with scale functionality. Our focus will be on the Fiorenzato Allground Sense, but the steps apply equally to other models such as the Mahlkönig E65S and E80 Grind by Weight.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Commercial Coffee Grinder

Choosing the right commercial espresso grinder is crucial for perfect espresso shots. When using grinders like the Allground Sense or Mahlkönig E65S, consistency is key. For example, setting 18 grams ensures your machine delivers that exact amount every time, allowing you to focus on grind size adjustments instead of tweaking time settings.

Skip to Grind Size Adjustments

Step 2: Understanding Espresso Extraction Variables

Here are the three critical variables for dialing in an espresso shot:

Dose: Set the grinder to 18g of coffee in your portafilter.
Extraction Time: Aim for 30 seconds.
Yield: Target 36g of liquid espresso.

If the grind is too fine, it will result in a long extraction time, making your espresso bitter. Conversely, if it’s too coarse, the coffee will brew too quickly, resulting in a weak shot. By adjusting your grind size, you can control these variables perfectly.

Step 3: Purging and Adjusting Your Espresso Grinder

Purging your grinder is essential to maintain accuracy during adjustments. Old coffee grounds left in the chamber will interfere with new settings, making it difficult to achieve the perfect shot. As a best practice, pull around six shots to properly dial in the grinder.

Tools You'll Need:

Distributor: Ensures even coffee distribution in the portafilter.
Tamper: Provides a consistent tamp for even extraction.
Scale: Measures your yield for precision brewing.

Step 4: Dialing in the Espresso Grinder

In our test with the Fiorenzato Allground Sense, we started with an 18g dose and found the shot pulled too quickly in just 16 seconds. To reach the ideal 30 seconds, we adjusted the grinder finer by three clicks. This is where the true art of espresso extraction comes into play: balancing grind size, dose, and yield to achieve the perfect shot.

Final Thoughts on Espresso Grinder Dialing

Dialing in a grinder is a blend of science and art. While it may take several shots to get the espresso grind size perfect, grinders like the Allground Sense and Mahlkönig E80 simplify the process. These machines provide consistent results without the need for time adjustments, allowing you to focus on grind size and achieve optimal extraction.

Thanks for following along with Coffee Machine Depot! Be sure to check out our Commercial Espresso Grinders for more top-of-the-line equipment. Stay tuned for more guides and tips on making the perfect espresso!

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