Coffee equipment

A Short Guide to Espresso Machines and Coffee Grinders

If you’re just getting started with home espresso, the first step is choosing the right espresso machine and coffee grinder. They work hand in hand, and each piece of equipment has a direct impact on the quality of your final cup.

Espresso Machine

In our article on espresso machines , we dive into three key parameters:

1. Water Temperature (around 94°C or 201°F)
2. Pressure (around 9 bar)
3. Extraction Time (25–35 seconds)

For consistently great espresso, make sure your machine can maintain these specs. It also helps if you can adjust the temperature and set a precise extraction timer—especially if you plan to experiment with different coffee varieties.

Coffee Grinder

Your coffee grinder is just as crucial. In another article about coffee grinders , we explain two main settings:

1. Grind Size (how fine or coarse the coffee is)
2. Grinding Time (how many seconds the grinder runs)

Start by setting a desired dose (e.g., 18 grams of ground coffee in your portafilter) and adjust the time accordingly. If you still don’t hit your target, fine-tune the grind size next. This approach keeps things straightforward, ensuring you’re only changing one variable at a time.

Tamper

Een tamper helpt de gemalen koffie in de portafilter gelijkmatig en consistent aan te drukken, zodat het water uniform door de koffielaag stroomt. Dit proces voorkomt zowel onder- als over-extractie en behoudt de volle smaak en het aroma in elke shot. Veel barista’s streven naar een aandrukkracht van ongeveer 13–16 kilogram. Sommige tampers hebben een veermechanisme dat klikt zodra de gewenste druk is bereikt, wat het eenvoudiger maakt om steeds dezelfde druk te hanteren

Portafilter

The portafilter is where the magic happens—it's the handle that holds your coffee grounds and locks into the espresso machine. Portafilters come in different sizes (commonly 58mm or 51mm), and choosing the correct diameter ensures a proper fit and water distribution. This not only affects extraction but also impacts compatibility with accessories like tampers and dosing funnels. A well-fitting portafilter is vital for achieving a balanced and flavorful espresso shot.

Why Consistency Matters

The espresso machine and grinder work together:

• A too-coarse grind paired with a top-tier machine might result in a watery espresso.
• A too-fine grind with the wrong temperature or pressure can cause bitterness and over-extraction.

That’s why it’s best to tweak your setup gradually, changing only one parameter at a time (e.g., grind size, temperature, or pressure) so you can truly pinpoint what’s affecting the taste.

Final Thoughts

The key to excellent espresso lies in the right balance of machine capabilities and accurate grinder settings. If you’d like to learn more about each piece of equipment, check out our article on espresso machines and our piece on coffee grinders for detailed tips on dialing in your perfect home espresso.

Enjoy experimenting and savoring your coffee! If you have any questions or want to share your brewing adventures, drop by the Grachten Beansblog—we’re always happy to talk shop about new methods and recipes.