Comments on: The Perfect Espresso Shot http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html Talk About Coffee is a must visit site for all coffee lovers :)) Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:34:21 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Calvin http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-39150 Calvin Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:00:01 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-39150 Hi Joe, Welcome to the addictive world of coffee. You first pour in the espresso then the smooth velvety foamy milk. Shannon, In this world we all live to satisfy our customers right? I take it you work @Starbucks, and where you are now is because you trying to outsmart the rest of the competitors so they wouldn't understand the route you chose. Happy espressing guys Hi Joe, Welcome to the addictive world of coffee. You first pour in the espresso then the smooth velvety foamy milk. Shannon, In this world we all live to satisfy our customers right? I take it you work @Starbucks, and where you are now is because you trying to outsmart the rest of the competitors so they wouldn’t understand the route you chose. Happy espressing guys

]]> By: Calvin http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-39148 Calvin Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:47:24 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-39148 Hi Joe, Welcome to the addictive world of coffee. You first pour in the espresso then the smooth velvety foamy milk. Shannon, In this world we all live to satisfy our customers right? I take it you work @Starbucks, and where you are now is because you trying to outsmart the rest of the competitors so they wouldn't understand the route you chose. Happy espressing guys Hi Joe, Welcome to the addictive world of coffee. You first pour in the espresso then the smooth velvety foamy milk.
Shannon, In this world we all live to satisfy our customers right? I take it you work @Starbucks, and where you are now is because you trying to outsmart the rest of the competitors so they wouldn’t understand the route you chose.
Happy espressing guys

]]> By: Joe from UK http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-38823 Joe from UK Sat, 22 Oct 2011 08:38:13 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-38823 New to a home machine but wanting to use it well. Lots of useful advice, thanks. I agree drink the coffee you enjoy rather than do it perfectly but it's great to have the 'best' way of doing it if you want to improve or get the best for your machine. Question: Milk in the cup first then espresso or espresso in first then milk? ( I think it's the latter) New to a home machine but wanting to use it well. Lots of useful advice, thanks. I agree drink the coffee you enjoy rather than do it perfectly but it’s great to have the ‘best’ way of doing it if you want to improve or get the best for your machine.
Question:
Milk in the cup first then espresso or espresso in first then milk? ( I think it’s the latter)

]]> By: shannon http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-34498 shannon Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:11:28 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-34498 Starbucks has automated machines because of the immense flow of customers, they converted to automatic to quicken the process. I personally wish we still hand pulled shots but you cannot criticize Starbucks as a whole for trying to improve. If all you said was true every drink would be perfect. But that is not the case because there are many factors into our drinks the most important is the barista. Our machines pull shot in 27 seconds. You compare Starbucks to McDonald's because they are so wide spread and "automated" but last time I check neither me nor my co-workers are robots. We work hard not only to make the best drinks possible but also to interact with our customers and make their day a little bit better. I know 85% of my customers by name, drink, and their careers. I take my brother to the McDonald's in town once a week or so for the past 3 years, and no one their knows my name. I appreciate everyone hopping on the hate big businesses bandwagon but the barista makes the Starbucks as well as the quality of the drink. Starbucks has automated machines because of the immense flow of customers, they converted to automatic to quicken the process. I personally wish we still hand pulled shots but you cannot criticize Starbucks as a whole for trying to improve. If all you said was true every drink would be perfect. But that is not the case because there are many factors into our drinks the most important is the barista. Our machines pull shot in 27 seconds. You compare Starbucks to McDonald’s because they are so wide spread and “automated” but last time I check neither me nor my co-workers are robots. We work hard not only to make the best drinks possible but also to interact with our customers and make their day a little bit better. I know 85% of my customers by name, drink, and their careers. I take my brother to the McDonald’s in town once a week or so for the past 3 years, and no one their knows my name. I appreciate everyone hopping on the hate big businesses bandwagon but the barista makes the Starbucks as well as the quality of the drink.

]]> By: Pete from Australia http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-22141 Pete from Australia Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:28:13 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-22141 It's interesting how espresso differs across the world. Starbucks did not do well here at all and closed many of it's stores. I personally found Starbucks coffee to be weak, watery and totally uninteresting. I spent many years repairing, servicing and setting coffee machines and training outlets in the making of and how to improve their coffee. The norm here is 9 gms of coffee per shot, 9 Bars espressing pressure and 1.3 Bars boiler pressure although recently there has been a tendency to drop this a little giving a lower espressing temperature. You can talk about how to make the perfect cup of coffee till the cows come home but my perfect cup of coffee probably isn't your perfect cup of coffee so it's all relative really. What is really the main criteria is that you, your friends, or your customers love your coffee and come back for more It’s interesting how espresso differs across the world. Starbucks did not do well here at all and closed many of it’s stores. I personally found Starbucks coffee to be weak, watery and totally uninteresting. I spent many years repairing, servicing and setting coffee machines and training outlets in the making of and how to improve their coffee. The norm here is 9 gms of coffee per shot, 9 Bars espressing pressure and 1.3 Bars boiler pressure although recently there has been a tendency to drop this a little giving a lower espressing temperature. You can talk about how to make the perfect cup of coffee till the cows come home but my perfect cup of coffee probably isn’t your perfect cup of coffee so it’s all relative really. What is really the main criteria is that you, your friends, or your customers love your coffee and come back for more

]]> By: Calvin http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-14976 Calvin Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:27:41 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-14976 Hi Gary. if you use a double portafilter, there shouldn't be a need to make any adjustments. As long as you have 14gr of coffee in your portafilter and press the double shot button on your machine, that will be all. ( I assume your machine is automatic). hope i was helpful. Hi Gary. if you use a double portafilter, there shouldn’t be a need to make any adjustments. As long as you have 14gr of coffee in your portafilter and press the double shot button on your machine, that will be all. ( I assume your machine is automatic). hope i was helpful.

]]> By: gary m http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-14768 gary m Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:07:28 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-14768 Question ... Is the cook time for a double shot twice the time for a single shot? I have the Delonghi EC702 and the single shot is perfect around 24 seconds. What do I have to change when pulling a double shot 60 ml? The holes in the portafilter look like the same size and number. Question …
Is the cook time for a double shot twice the time for a single shot?

I have the Delonghi EC702 and the single shot is perfect around 24 seconds.

What do I have to change when pulling a double shot 60 ml?

The holes in the portafilter look like the same size and number.

]]> By: Calvin http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-14281 Calvin Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:51:16 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-14281 Hello there. I've gone through the whole debate and agree with most. I am a barrister and been trained by three different Coffee Co. They all run in more or less the same lines. 1- A machine can never operate without an experienced driver, (the Barrister) 2- Good coffee beans (fresh dark roast), 3- A PERFECT grinding machine 4- And a PERFECTLY SET Espresso machine. With the above you will have 7gr of ground coffee beans, tamped (its best to place the portafilter at the edge of a counter and tamp down until your elbow makes a right angle), run on an espresso machine for 25 – 30 seconds and measuring +- 25 -30ml. If the above have been carefully followed, you will have a perfectly extracted espresso shot with a strong aroma, thick crema and taste. Hello there. I’ve gone through the whole debate and agree with most. I am a barrister and been trained by three different Coffee Co. They all run in more or less the same lines.
1- A machine can never operate without an experienced driver, (the Barrister)
2- Good coffee beans (fresh dark roast),
3- A PERFECT grinding machine
4- And a PERFECTLY SET Espresso machine.
With the above you will have 7gr of ground coffee beans, tamped (its best to place the portafilter at the edge of a counter and tamp down until your elbow makes a right angle), run on an espresso machine for 25 – 30 seconds and measuring +- 25 -30ml. If the above have been carefully followed, you will have a perfectly extracted espresso shot with a strong aroma, thick crema and taste.

]]> By: carmen http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-12037 carmen Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:19:30 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-12037 We just purchased a Silvano by quick mill. Very happy with it. I've got the micro foam down but still disappointed with the espresso. Have a burr grinder. The problem: my latte tastes more like a milk drink than a coffee drink. It is taking longer than 27 seconds. Sometimes up to 40 seconds for a double shot basket. I've adjusted the grinder to a coarser grind and still not satisfied. Any suggestions? Good fresh beans are being used. We just purchased a Silvano by quick mill. Very happy with it. I’ve got the micro foam down but still disappointed with the espresso. Have a burr grinder. The problem: my latte tastes more like a milk drink than a coffee drink. It is taking longer than 27 seconds. Sometimes up to 40 seconds for a double shot basket. I’ve adjusted the grinder to a coarser grind and still not satisfied. Any suggestions? Good fresh beans are being used.

]]> By: David http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-12036 David Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:09:51 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-12036 Unfortunately, you don't seem to know as much about Starbucks as you claim. Firstly, they use superautomatic machines in their stores, and so there is no skill whatsoever in the shots that are pulled - you press a button and the espresso comes out - the machine grinds the shot, tamps the shot and pours the shot. That's why the comparison with McDonalds. Secondly, you have obviously been taken in by the marketing hype around 'Fair Trade' Coffee - this is a badge used to make customers who don't do their homework think they are doing something good - whereas the main benefactors from 'Fair Trade' are the richer farmers and the coffee is often mediocre because of the cooperative model it encourages. I don't have space to go into all the ills of 'Fair Trade' here, but we really don't 'know' the farmers are being treated humanely, and I have plenty of well researched evidence to show that this is not necessarily the case. In the end, the espresso shot relies on good coffee, good grind, accurate tamp and a decent length of time for extraction. The long time standard in Europe and more specifically Italy, where espresso was invented is around 27 seconds - that's not what you are going to get at Starbucks. Just calling a spade a spade, I think the comparison with Mcdonalds is fair, and I think Starbucks are better generally, but not by enough to allow them to charge the premium prices. Unfortunately, you don’t seem to know as much about Starbucks as you claim. Firstly, they use superautomatic machines in their stores, and so there is no skill whatsoever in the shots that are pulled – you press a button and the espresso comes out – the machine grinds the shot, tamps the shot and pours the shot. That’s why the comparison with McDonalds. Secondly, you have obviously been taken in by the marketing hype around ‘Fair Trade’ Coffee – this is a badge used to make customers who don’t do their homework think they are doing something good – whereas the main benefactors from ‘Fair Trade’ are the richer farmers and the coffee is often mediocre because of the cooperative model it encourages. I don’t have space to go into all the ills of ‘Fair Trade’ here, but we really don’t ‘know’ the farmers are being treated humanely, and I have plenty of well researched evidence to show that this is not necessarily the case. In the end, the espresso shot relies on good coffee, good grind, accurate tamp and a decent length of time for extraction. The long time standard in Europe and more specifically Italy, where espresso was invented is around 27 seconds – that’s not what you are going to get at Starbucks. Just calling a spade a spade, I think the comparison with Mcdonalds is fair, and I think Starbucks are better generally, but not by enough to allow them to charge the premium prices.

]]> By: FSan http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-12035 FSan Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:08:22 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-12035 A lot of things have been left out of this article, as mentioned in numerous comments here. Everybody seem to have their own opinion and ways to make the perfect espresso shot. In the end it is all a matter of taste. Now spitting on Starbucks is just stupid. If you actually knew the company, you might review your opinion. They serve some of the best coffees you can find on the market, and the farmers they get their beans from are treated humanely, something that cannot necessarily be said for any other coffee importers. There is no such thing as a "Starbucks espresso machine" and there never was. Starbucks used to sell espresso machines, but they never were branded "Starbucks". The most notorious one was the "Barista" model, which I own among two other machines. While the machine itself is important, it is not what makes the best shot. A great tool won't make a fine building. The builder will. The same applies to shots. How you prepare your grind, the type of beans you select according to your taste, the type of water, and the experience in pulling your shots are what make a great shot. Comparing Starbucks to McDonalds is as ludicrous as thinking that Football is better than Hockey. Those are two different things that cannot be put at the same level. Before hating on something, know what you are talking about guys. A lot of things have been left out of this article, as mentioned in numerous comments here. Everybody seem to have their own opinion and ways to make the perfect espresso shot. In the end it is all a matter of taste. Now spitting on Starbucks is just stupid. If you actually knew the company, you might review your opinion. They serve some of the best coffees you can find on the market, and the farmers they get their beans from are treated humanely, something that cannot necessarily be said for any other coffee importers. There is no such thing as a “Starbucks espresso machine” and there never was. Starbucks used to sell espresso machines, but they never were branded “Starbucks”. The most notorious one was the “Barista” model, which I own among two other machines. While the machine itself is important, it is not what makes the best shot. A great tool won’t make a fine building. The builder will. The same applies to shots. How you prepare your grind, the type of beans you select according to your taste, the type of water, and the experience in pulling your shots are what make a great shot. Comparing Starbucks to McDonalds is as ludicrous as thinking that Football is better than Hockey. Those are two different things that cannot be put at the same level. Before hating on something, know what you are talking about guys.

]]> By: jrobbins http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-11540 jrobbins Sat, 30 Apr 2011 14:16:28 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-11540 Whoever wrote this article knows very little about making a good espresso shot. Nothing mentioned about the good quality grinder? That's a basic. Mentioning a Starbucks brand espresso machine? This is ridiculous. Whoever wrote this article knows very little about making a good espresso shot. Nothing mentioned about the good quality grinder? That’s a basic. Mentioning a Starbucks brand espresso machine? This is ridiculous.

]]> By: Rene http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-5458 Rene Mon, 01 Nov 2010 23:18:52 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-5458 To Kim and others ... as a starting point pick up a pinch of sugar and feel how gritty it is. Grind your coffee beans to that grittiness. Then fill your portafilter either single (7 grams) or double (14 grams) depending on the size of basket you are using. When making the shot, time it and try and get the shot at around 25 to 27 seconds before you see it starting to run clear in color. Oh yeh, tamp the coffee with a 30 pound pressure. Pressing on a bathroom scale will give you an idea how much pressure will get you to 30 pounds. It's quite a bit. The coarser the grind the faster the water will run through and hence faster you'll get that 1 or 2 oz shot. Adjust grind in your grinder. A BURR grinder is a necessity. Blade grinders cannot be used for espresso. In fact, the grinder is more important to making espresso than the espresso machine, providing the latter is capable of sending the water through the coffee at the right temperature and correct pressure which most machines are designed to do. Kim, that was info for others, as your machine must have a burr grinder. A good burr grinder by itself will cost as much or more than what your Breville sells for. :-) To Kim and others … as a starting point pick up a pinch of sugar and feel how gritty it is. Grind your coffee beans to that grittiness. Then fill your portafilter either single (7 grams) or double (14 grams) depending on the size of basket you are using. When making the shot, time it and try and get the shot at around 25 to 27 seconds before you see it starting to run clear in color. Oh yeh, tamp the coffee with a 30 pound pressure. Pressing on a bathroom scale will give you an idea how much pressure will get you to 30 pounds. It’s quite a bit.

The coarser the grind the faster the water will run through and hence faster you’ll get that 1 or 2 oz shot. Adjust grind in your grinder. A BURR grinder is a necessity. Blade grinders cannot be used for espresso. In fact, the grinder is more important to making espresso than the espresso machine, providing the latter is capable of sending the water through the coffee at the right temperature and correct pressure which most machines are designed to do. Kim, that was info for others, as your machine must have a burr grinder. A good burr grinder by itself will cost as much or more than what your Breville sells for. :-)

]]> By: Kim http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-5429 Kim Mon, 25 Oct 2010 03:35:57 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-5429 Hi again... Opps...see it is todays date...of course you still own yours...lol. Do you have any tips to pass along? Thanks Hi again…
Opps…see it is todays date…of course you still own yours…lol. Do you have any tips to pass along?
Thanks

]]> By: Kim http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-5428 Kim Mon, 25 Oct 2010 03:34:38 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-5428 Hi, I just purchased a Breville Barista Express. Just wondering if you still own yours. I'm having a problem with the right grind number. Hi,
I just purchased a Breville Barista Express. Just wondering if you still own yours. I’m having a problem with the right grind number.

]]> By: DIXIE BOYKIN http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-5039 DIXIE BOYKIN Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:32:32 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-5039 I just bought a Breville Barista Express and am trying to perfect pulling shots. It's taken me quite a few shots to get a good one but am finally getting decent ones with a nice crema on the top. I've heard some negative things about this machine and am wondering if I should take it back and try another one. Did I pay too much for a poor machine? I just bought a Breville Barista Express and am trying to perfect pulling shots. It’s taken me quite a few shots to get a good one but am finally getting decent ones with a nice crema on the top. I’ve heard some negative things about this machine and am wondering if I should take it back and try another one. Did I pay too much for a poor machine?

]]> By: jungie http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-5010 jungie Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:02:06 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-5010 Why roasting and brewing methods have an impact on caffeine contain? Why roasting and brewing methods have an impact on caffeine contain?

]]> By: jungie http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-5009 jungie Sun, 22 Aug 2010 23:56:21 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-5009 hi! i had read your debate regarding on how to make a perfect shot of espresso maybe you consider also those elements of quality espresso.which freshly grind beans at the right grind.to follow the standard of shelf life.Fine grind for espresso,coarse grind for dripped coffee.Water with no after taste,used soft water.Excellent condition of espresso machine.Barista skills.Milk. Mam can you send me an article of any coffee tips and standard operating procedure for steaming of milk and proper machine calibration.thank u.BGU hi! i had read your debate regarding on how to make a perfect shot of espresso maybe you consider also those elements of quality espresso.which freshly grind beans at the right grind.to follow the standard of shelf life.Fine grind for espresso,coarse grind for dripped coffee.Water with no after taste,used soft water.Excellent condition of espresso machine.Barista skills.Milk.

Mam can you send me an article of any coffee tips and standard operating procedure for steaming of milk and proper machine calibration.thank u.BGU

]]> By: Iwan Gunawan http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-4540 Iwan Gunawan Sat, 08 May 2010 18:11:48 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-4540 What coffee machine was popular and resonable price What coffee machine was popular and resonable price

]]> By: ezra limm http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html/comment-page-1#comment-4477 ezra limm Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:15:50 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/the-perfect-espresso-shot.html#comment-4477 Navin, after reading your comments, I am almost certain your problem lies with stale beans. Check that your beans are less than 3 weeks old. Order from reputable online roasters who sort of roast to order and get it to you in under a week, or approach a gourmet roaster if you happen to live near one. Navin, after reading your comments, I am almost certain your problem lies with stale beans. Check that your beans are less than 3 weeks old. Order from reputable online roasters who sort of roast to order and get it to you in under a week, or approach a gourmet roaster if you happen to live near one.

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