Espresso Quick Reference Card
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☕ Espresso Quick Reference Card
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📷 Brew Visuals
📊 Standard Parameters
| Parameter | Target Range |
|---|---|
| Dose | 18-20g (standard basket) |
| Yield | 36-40g (1:2 ratio) |
| Time | 25-35 seconds |
| Temperature | 90-96°C (195-205°F) |
| Pressure | 9 bar |
| Grind | Fine (like table salt) |
⚖️ Brew Ratios
| Ratio | Style | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | Ristretto | Intense, syrupy |
| 1:1.5 | Short | Bold, concentrated |
| 1:2 | Normale | Balanced, classic |
| 1:2.5 | Lungo | Lighter, brighter |
| 1:3+ | Extended | Mild, high volume |
👅 Taste Fixes
🍋 Too Sour (Under-extracted)
- → Grind finer
- → Increase yield (longer shot)
- → Increase temperature
- → Check machine is preheated
- → Use fresher beans (7-21 days)
😖 Too Bitter (Over-extracted)
- → Grind coarser
- → Decrease yield (shorter shot)
- → Decrease temperature
- → Reduce dose slightly
- → Clean equipment (old oils)
💧 Flow Issues
🏃 Too Fast (<20s)
- → Grind finer
- → Increase dose
- → Check for channeling
- → Tamp more evenly
🐢 Too Slow (>40s)
- → Grind coarser
- → Decrease dose
- → Check for clumps
- → Don't over-tamp
🌊 Prevent Channeling
- Use WDT tool to break clumps
- Distribute evenly before tamping
- Tamp level with consistent pressure
- Keep basket and screen clean
- Use fresh beans (not stale)
- Check gasket seal condition
🫘 Roast Adjustments
| Roast | Ratio | Temp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 1:2.5+ | Higher | More extraction needed |
| Medium | 1:2 | Standard | Balanced approach |
| Dark | 1:1.5-2 | Lower | Less extraction needed |
🔥 Machine Prep Checklist
- ☐ Machine heated 20-30 min
- ☐ Portafilter in group (hot)
- ☐ Flush group head
- ☐ Clean, dry basket
- ☐ Scale ready and zeroed
- ☐ Timer ready
- ☐ Cup preheated (optional)
🎯 Dial-In Process
- 1.Start with standard recipe: 18g dose → 36g yield (1:2) in 25-30 seconds
- 2.Taste the shot: Note sourness, bitterness, sweetness, body
- 3.Adjust ONE variable: Grind is primary lever (finer = slower, more extraction)
- 4.Pull another shot: Compare to previous, note improvements
- 5.Repeat until balanced: Sweet, clean finish with pleasant acidity
📊 Grind Size Comparison
⏱️ Extraction Timeline
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