If the shot is extracting too quickly, check the puck by pressing the tip of your finger on the surface: if it’s soft and wet you need to increase your dose ; if it’s firm and dry you need to make the grind finer. If the shot is extracting too slowly, check you haven’t overdosed … Read more
The shots made using an angled tamp had a less consistent flow rate than the shots made with a level tamp The used coffee also showed obvious signs of channeling – and most importantly, in our blind taste tests, the espresso made with the angled tamp just didn’t taste as good. Are calibrated coffee tampers … Read more
Generally, that’s 7 grams for a “single” basket, 18 grams for a “double” basket, and 20 grams for a “triple” basket How much coffee do you put in an espresso puck? Generally, that’s 7 grams for a “single” basket, 18 grams for a “double” basket, and 20 grams for a “triple” basket. Why is my … Read more
A 58mm tamper is often used with commercial and high-end espresso machines (espresso coffee makers), while smaller size options include 57 mm, 53mm, and 49mm tampers. How big should my tamper be? The ideal tamper should be slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the portafilter basket so that the tamper does not bind while … Read more
Baristas often recommend 30 pounds of pressure, but some do as little as 20 pounds. More and more are finding that tamping pressure is overrated—it’s hard on the wrist and cause an over-extracted, bitter brew. Use a twisting motion as you pull up to “polish” the puck. Can you tamp coffee too hard? It turns … Read more
A knockbox (informally known as a “bash bin”, “coffee column“, “slam piece” or “bang bang”) is a device used to store spent espresso grounds, called a puck, after a shot of espresso has been pulled Why do you need a Knockbox? The knock box allows you to easily store your leftover coffee grounds until the … Read more
A knock box is a must have accessory for any machine that uses a portafilter to brew. They make clean-up a breeze and let you get back to your espresso faster Why do you need an espresso knock box? Conclusion. If you are a coffee enthusiast who has been looking for a way to keep … Read more
How do I choose a knock box? Your countertop space and the amount of espresso you make should dictate the size of your knock box If you only pull a shot or two a day, choose among smaller knock boxes. They’re less expensive and easier to store and clean. Is knock box worth it? Conclusion. … Read more
tamping mats are an essential must-have accessory for every barista , be it in a busy commercial setting or at home. Sure you can buy a flat square of rubber in any hardware shop that would achieve a lot of the aims of our Cafelat mats, but more often than not these are smelly old … Read more
It is generally made out of stainless steel or plastic , and has a sturdy bar known as a “bash bar“, against which a portafilter is tapped to release the puck. Because the espresso puck is typically very hot after extraction, knockboxes need to be sturdy. What is the knock box made of? It is … Read more