Inventory Machine and Grinder
45 minutesDocument boiler type, burr size, and portafilter basket diameter before dialing in.
Intermediate2-4 weeks
Home Espresso Setup
Complete guide for home espresso setup — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
home baristasespresso enthusiasts
Workflow
Pull Baseline Diagnostic Shots
1 hourUse 18 g dose at 1:2 ratio and record flow time, TDS, and taste notes for three consecutive shots.
Adjust Grind and Dose Window
1-2 hoursChange grind in small steps until shot time lands in the 25–32 s window at target yield.
Lock Recipe and Maintenance Schedule
30 minutesRecord final dose, yield, time, and set grinder cleaning and descaling intervals.
Tools Used
- Espresso Dose-Yield Ratio CalculatorPrimary
Calculate target beverage weight from dose using your preferred brew ratio for consistent extraction.
- Espresso Shot Timing CalculatorPrimary
Validate that flow time stays within the 25–32 second window while adjusting grind fineness.
- Coffee TDS CalculatorSupporting
Measure extraction strength with a refractometer to confirm you are hitting 18–22% extraction yield.
- Coffee Extraction Yield CalculatorReference
Cross-check TDS readings against calculated extraction percentage for recipe documentation.
Checklist
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Equipment
Preparation
Execution
Quality
Tracking
Maintenance
Reference Materials
Espresso Brew Ratio TargetsTable
Standard dose-yield ratios by drink style.
| Drink Style | Dose (g) | Ratio | Target Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ristretto | 18 | 1:1.5 | 20–25 s |
| Normale | 18 | 1:2 | 25–32 s |
| Lungo | 18 | 1:3 | 30–40 s |
Extraction Yield FormulaFormula
Extraction % = (TDS × beverage weight) / dose weight × 100 — target 18–22% for espresso.
SCA Espresso StandardStandard
Brew temperature 90–96 °C, pressure 9 bar, TDS 8–12% for espresso beverage.
Distribution Matters
Use WDT or leveling tool before tamping — channeling ruins even the best grind setting.
Fresh Beans Only
Espresso peaks 7–14 days post-roast; shots from 3-week-old beans rarely dial in cleanly.
Hot Surfaces
Group heads exceed 90 °C — use a towel when locking portafilters and never touch the steam wand tip.
Safety Notes
- Steam wand tips reach scalding temperatures — purge before and wipe immediately after steaming.
- Unplug the machine before removing the shower screen or performing internal maintenance.