Any advice on the best setting for a typical espresso? Is it the finest scale?
10941
I don't set it on the finest setting but pretty close to that. For espresso, you want the grind to be fine enough that as the water goes through it extracts the most flavor but not so fine that it becomes mud and the water doesn't go through well. If you have an espresso machine at home, you will want to play with the grind a little. The grounds should be well packed and not have excess moisture in them when the extraction is complete. If there is moisture left in the grounds, you will need to adjust.
10942
Absolutely. Go for as fine a ground as you can get without coffee dust flying out of the machine. A very fine setting and dark-roast beans will get you the strongest flavor -- because the more surface area that touches the water, the stronger the brew. I also use more coffee per cup than most instructions suggest: 1/4 cup of grounds per 8-oz mug of coffee. I prefer medium dark beans and less than espresso strength. You get more coffee flavor from beans that aren't dark roasted, in my opinion and that of many coffee roasters, baristas, buyers and growers. If you like the burnt bitterness of espresso, though, go for it. Absolutely. Go for as fine a ground as you can get without coffee dust flying out of the machine. A very fine setting and dark-roast beans will get you the strongest flavor -- because the more surface area that touches the water, the stronger the brew. I also use more coffee per cup than most instructions suggest: 1/4 cup of grounds per 8-oz mug of coffee. I prefer medium dark beans and less than espresso strength. You get more coffee flavor from beans that aren't dark roasted, in my opinion and that of many coffee roasters, baristas, buyers and growers. If you like the burnt bitterness of... » Read More Absolutely. Go for as fine a ground as you can get without coffee dust flying out of the machine. A very fine setting and dark-roast beans will get you the strongest flavor -- because the more surface area that touches the water, the stronger the brew. I also use more coffee per cup than most instructions suggest: 1/4 cup of grounds per 8-oz mug of coffee. I prefer medium dark beans and less than espresso strength. You get more coffee flavor from beans that aren't dark roasted, in my opinion and that of many coffee roasters, baristas, buyers and growers. If you like the burnt bitterness of espresso, though, go for it. « Show Less
10943
Try the finest setting with a measured dose. Something like 15 grams for a double. If the water has trouble passing through and takes more than 12 or 13 seconds to start dripping out them adjust the grind a little coarser, keeping the dose and the tamping pressure the same. Adjust just the grind until you get your desired time of around 30 seconds or your desired volume.
10944
You want expresso grind to be powder like and feel smooth between your fingers. If your beans are freshly roasted you can try one step less fine because the beans have a little more moisture in them. Really fresh ground beans should brew with some "crema" brown foam on top. That amount of crema is a clue to freshness. Different beans with different roast times also can change the "best" grind setting. Experiment, LOL
472523
You should be able to adjust the burr to give you a fine enough grind for espresso. It probably will require some experimenting to get it just right.
397118
Espresso might be a little darker...I have cappucino and it is dark enogh. That is all I can suggest
943389
patience is the key, at least for me. if i'm making 2 cu of espresso, i put in 3 cu of water, holding a whole cu of water for frothing. when i turn to the steam/froth setting i keep the tip pretty deep into the milk till I hear the machine really building up a full head of steam. the milk clearly thickens and rises in level. then i lift the end of the frother up a bit. frankly, i run out of space in the pitcher before the water is all used up, but then that leaves me enough water to steam clean the frothing arm. hope that helps. hang in there. it takes practice.
564564
I just bought one of these, and the grind is suitably coarse at its coarsest setting. I also use a French press, but I use a fine grind. On a scale of 1 to 8 (coarse to fine), I use no. 7. If I made espresso, I should like it a little finer. I use the grinder with the factory settings, but you can adjust it (recalibrate it) to grind either finer or coarser than normal. Full instructions are in the excellent manual. You should be able to get a grind you like with this model.
1857509
I dont know what "barista-like cup" means. As for the settings for best espresso, I also dont know how to answer that. The flavor and intensity of a coffee is different for each person. All I can tell you is to play around with the grind settings and brew/pre-brew settings until you find what you like. Maybe try different coffee brands. My favorites are Danesi and Lavazza Qualita Rossa.
963344
You want the grind to be fine as opposed to coarse. (6 or 7) I like a strong espresso so I set my dosage more towards the plus sign.
1144444
Hi Frank:If, cost and value and taste are your concerns, you will get far more for your dollar with the Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker. With this machine you control the flavor and number of shots. I've had many brands and they typically fail after a short time. Hands down this is the best machine yet and I use it everyday. One tip, grind beans yourself as preground is too fine and will likely block filter.Hope my feedback help! Happy brewing.
396324
i love storng coffee and espresso. mine was too strong- but after 3 weeks it is perfect.maybe you are not putting the grind on the correct setting- also- best to use french roast, espresso beans- etc for strong flavors
593166
I like my coffee really strong so I use espresso (fine) grind. I've noticed regular grind makes for a little weaker coffee.
529384
Haven't tried the Nexpresso.Rule of thumb for a better espresso is the higher number or pressure of the bar pump the better.
1360503
Anyone who takes the time to carefully choose espresso beans...+grinds them finely...+spends $$ getting an espresso maker, would know this is served in intentionally tiny espresso cups w/little saucers! (get the little silver spoons when purchasing the espresso set. U+ your guests will be glad. This does make the perfect amount for 4-6 espresso cup servings w/frothed milk. I serve it for after dinner parties w/biscotti !fabulous!
2244514
When you have everything dialed in correctly, we feel it is better. I've made the espressos from the same beans in a nicer pump machine and in the La Pavoni, and the LP had a better taste. We now have 2 machines, on at home and one at our studio because we love them so much. The espresso has a smoother, less harsh taste. Quite delicious. Of the grinders we've used with it, the Breville Smart Grinder has been the best.
275763
I do not use a calibration weight since I am using my scale for espresso. I am just interested in repeatability, not the exact weight. The others made great suggestions on using coins.
1009689
Percolator setting or drip. Just not espresso. French press should be course ground, not fine. Espresso coffee is much too fine for FP. I went with Percolator setting myself.
1828885
The grind setting scale on the unit runs 0 to 80. I use 9 or 10 for espresso and 40 for drip. I haven't made any press coffee since getting the unit but would start in the 60-70 range and no doubt it will make great press coffee.
1355239
I found that there is not really a specific setting for a specific machine. I adjust depending on espresso, paper filter, brass filter etc. I only grind one pot at a time, so a little trial and error is less painful. I still love my machine.