The Breville Barista Pro is a fantastic tool for any home barista. One of its most impressive features is its ability to be dialed in to achieve the perfect espresso shot.
But what does it mean to ‘dial in’ your machine, and how can you do it?
This blog post will guide you through this process step-by-step, helping you get the most out of your Breville Barista Pro.
Understanding The Concept of ‘Dialing In’
‘Dialing in’ refers to the process of adjusting various parameters on your espresso machine to achieve the ideal espresso shot.
These parameters typically include grind size, dose (amount of coffee), yield (amount of espresso), and extraction time.
Step-By-Step Guide: How To Dial In Breville Barista Pro?
Step 1: Start With Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans
For best results, use freshly roasted beans. The age of your beans can significantly affect the flavor of your espresso. Aim to use beans that were roasted between one and three weeks ago.
Step 2: Measure Your Coffee Dose
The Breville Barista Pro has an integrated grinder that allows you to adjust your coffee dose. Start with a standard dose of 18 grams. You can adjust this later depending on your taste preferences.
Step 3: Adjust Your Grind Size
The grind size is crucial for controlling the flow rate of your espresso shot. If your shot is flowing too quickly, adjust the grinder to a finer setting. If it’s too slow, go coarser. Aim for an espresso shot of 20-30 seconds.
Step 4: Weigh Your Yield
Weighing your yield (the output of your espresso shot) can help you achieve consistency. Aim for a 1:2 ratio of coffee to water. That means if you’re using an 18g dose, aim for a 36g yield.
Step 5: Time Your Shot
Time your shot from the moment you start the extraction. As mentioned earlier, a good starting point is between 20-30 seconds. However, you can adjust this based on your taste.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste your shot. If it’s too bitter or harsh, it might be over-extracted. Try a coarser grind or shorter extraction time. If it’s sour or weak, it might be under-extracted. Try a finer grind or longer extraction time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘dialing in’ mean?
‘Dialing in’ refers to the process of adjusting your espresso machine settings to achieve the ideal espresso shot. It involves tweaking parameters like grind size, coffee dose, yield, and extraction time.
How often should I dial in my Breville Barista Pro?
You should dial in your machine whenever you change your coffee beans, as different beans may require different settings. Additionally, factors like bean age, humidity, and temperature can affect extraction, so minor adjustments might be needed over time.
Can I use pre-ground coffee when dialing in my Breville Barista Pro?
While you can use pre-ground coffee, it limits your ability to adjust the grind size—one of the critical parameters when dialing in your machine. For best results, use whole coffee beans and grind them just before brewing.
Conclusion
Dialing in your Breville Barista Pro may seem complex at first, but with practice, you’ll be able to tweak your settings like a pro and extract the perfect espresso shot every time.
Remember, the goal is to balance all parameters to suit your personal taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make adjustments.
After all, the journey to the perfect cup of coffee is all about exploration and enjoyment.
