Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, you know that achieving the perfect espresso shot requires attention to detail. One important consideration is the grind size of the coffee beans. This blog post will explore the best grind size for espresso Breville machines and provide practical tips to enhance your coffee-making experience.
Why does grind size matter?
The grind size has a direct impact on the extraction process in brewing. Here’s why it matters:
Surface Area: Finer grinds have more surface area, allowing water to extract flavors more efficiently. Coarser grinds have less surface area and require longer extraction times.
Extraction Time: The right grind size ensures that water flows through the coffee grounds optimally. Too fine, and the extraction may be too quick; too coarse, and it may be too slow.
Flavor Balance: Grind size affects the balance of flavors in your espresso. Adjusting it allows you to fine-tune taste profiles.
Breville Espresso Machines and Grind Settings
Let’s dive into specific Breville models and their recommended grind settings:
Breville Barista Express
Grind Settings: The Barista Express offers 18 grind size settings.
Starting Point: Begin with the grind size selector set to number 5.
Fine-tuning: Adjust based on taste preferences.
Dosage: Aim for 15–18 grams of coffee grounds for a double shot.
Breville Barista Pro
Similar to the Barista Express, the Barista Pro has 18 grind size settings.
Starting Point: Begin at number 5 and fine-tune as needed.
Breville Barista Touch
Ideal Grind Size: Approximately 0.88 mm or 1.32 inches (a fine grind).
Practice makes perfect. Keep experimenting until you find your preferred grind size.
Tips for Fine-Tuning
Taste Testing: Brew shots at different grind sizes and taste them. Make adjustments until the right balance of flavors is achieved.
Consistency: Use a quality burr grinder for consistent results.
Freshness: Grind just before brewing to preserve flavor.
Conclusion
Remember that there’s no universal “best” grind size—it varies based on beans, machine, and personal preference. So grab your Breville, dial in the grind, and savor that perfect espresso!
Disclaimer: The banana-equivalent height of your espresso grind remains a delightful mystery.
About Me
exploreespresso.com
View Profile
