The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a high-performance machine that can produce delicious and perfect coffee with the right tips and tricks. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your machine:
Preheat the machine:
First and foremost, it is important to preheat the machine before using it. This machine is a single boiler machine and heats up very fast. However, you want everything to be hot, not just the boiler. It is recommended to have the machine on for 20 minutes before using it. This will ensure that the portafilter, brew head, and everything else is hot. If the machine is not hot, the shot will be cold, which will affect the taste of the coffee and make it sour.
Use the pressurized and non-pressurized baskets:
Another tip is to use the pressurized and non-pressurized baskets that come with the machine. The pressurized baskets are meant to be user-friendly, and will compensate for a less than perfect grind of the coffee. However, if you want to up your game and improve the taste of your coffee, use the non-pressurized baskets. This will give you a true crema, and you can dial in the grinder to get the perfect grind and taste.
Keep the machine clean:
Another important aspect to keep in mind is to keep the machine clean. This includes regular cleaning and descaling, as neglecting this can affect the performance of the machine over time.
Dial in the grinder:
The grinder setting is also crucial in making the perfect cup of coffee. With the non-pressurized basket, you should be looking for a double shot (two ounces) to come out in 20-35 seconds. The grind and the tamp are what make this happen. If the shot is coming out too fast, make the grind finer and tamp harder. Keep in mind that every time you change the coffee blend or single origin, you will have to dial in the grinder again.
Use decent water:
Lastly, water is an important factor in making the perfect cup of coffee. You want decent water, not water with too many minerals or void of minerals. Reverse osmosis or distilled water can add a certain amount of flavor, so if you want to perfect your cup of coffee, use reverse osmosis or distilled water. If you want to add the right amount of minerals to your water, check out the product “Global” on the website.
By following these tips and tricks, you will be able to make the perfect cup of coffee with your Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. Happy brewing!
