[zikzak]

I have the same machine and have learned I can get really good results but need to be precise. I even trained myself to do a consistent tamp (I mean I do my best).

What I wanted to say is a year or so ago I started doing a pre infusion. Run the pump for about 5 seconds until the first drip comes out. Then turn it off and let it sit until the heating indicator turns off again. Now pull your full shot. I get a much better result doing this.

Do you have a grinder that works well with it? I have just been buying Illy espresso as I find it gets the best result compared to any grinder I willing to buy (I love the cans, too). I'd like to get back into roasting and grinding but just haven't found the right grinder in my admittedly cheap price range.

[wcarss]

We admittedly splurged on the grinder and got another breville product, the Dose Control Pro I think, which was as much as the darn espresso machine. It has a timer and a good grind setting dial, and you can put the portafilter right into it, but I still just grind into a little tupperware container and then measure out by weight with a spoon though, as right into the basket always makes a mess imo.

I've never got the preinfusion step to work the way I want. I tried it a bunch after buying the non-pressurized basket, and found I'd get pours coming out way too fast (like <5s) no matter how hard I tamped, even at >18g in the basket, doing almost exactly what you mentioned! I think they worked okay in the pressurized one though.

I've since settled on ~16.5-17.5g at ~12.5 on the grinder (from 1-50), and tamped briefly about as hard as I can comfortably press. Comes out good enough every time that I stopped timing anything and just pull to the 34g weight (+5-6g of drip after) these days.

I'm inspired to go grab a coffee. :)

[zikzak]

Thank you for this great info. I forgot too mention I'm using an older portafilter from a machine I had years ago. I put it in storage when my son was born (counter space) and the pump siezed while in storage. I was unable up repair it and my wife took pity on me getting me the current one for me as a gift. :) I kept the old portafilter as it much heavier than the one that came with the machine and seems to pull a better shot.