So, you bought a Breville Barista Pro. Awesome! Now you're staring at a bunch of buttons, right?
The Grind: Where the Magic *Almost* Happens
First, the grind size. Finer is usually better, unless it's concrete. Then, you're just making sad, bitter mud.
Adjust that little dial on the side. Play around! Pretend you're cracking a safe, except instead of money, you get coffee.
Don't be afraid to go too fine! Getting that sweet extraction is a journey.
Dose it Right (or Wrong, We've All Been There)
Next up, dosing. The Barista Pro has a built-in grinder, which is pretty neat. But it can be temperamental, let's be real.
Start with the default setting. Then, adjust the grind time. You're aiming for around 18-22 grams, give or take a bean or two.
My unpopular opinion? A little extra coffee never hurt anyone. Overstuff that portafilter! Just kidding... mostly.
Tamping: Pressing Matters
Tamping. It sounds important, and it kind of is. You need to squish those grounds evenly.
Use the tamper that came with the machine. Press firmly. Imagine you're compacting sand on a beach, for a sandcastle that will brew coffee.
Too much pressure? Too little? Who knows! It’s art, not science. Kind of.
The Shot: Seeing is Believing (or Not)
Now, the moment of truth. Hit that double shot button. Watch the magic happen... or not.
Aim for a 2:1 ratio. That's coffee out vs. coffee in. So, if you used 18 grams, you want about 36 grams of espresso.
If it gushes out, your grind is too coarse. If it trickles, it's too fine. Back to square one (or the grinder dial).
Fine-Tuning: The Endless Quest
You'll be tweaking and adjusting forever. Welcome to the club! That's the joy (and the frustration) of espresso.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Try different beans. Try different grind sizes. Try closing your eyes and guessing!
Clean your machine. A clean machine is a happy machine. And a happy machine makes better coffee. Probably.
Unpopular Opinions & "Pro" Tips (Take with a Grain of Salt)
Okay, time for some controversial takes. Ready?
My unpopular opinion: pre-ground coffee isn't *that* bad. Sometimes convenience wins. Don't @ me!
Also, don't be afraid to use a scale. Those little things help a lot. Weigh your beans! Weigh your shot!
And one more thing: YouTube is your friend. Watch videos of people dialing in their Breville Barista Pro. Steal their secrets!
Finally, enjoy the process. Even the messy, frustrating parts. Because in the end, you'll have a delicious cup of coffee. And that's all that matters.
Okay, maybe two cups.
