How to Dial In Your Espresso: A Step-by-Step Guide
Struggling with sour or bitter shots? Learn the professional workflow for 'dialing in' your espresso for perfect results every time.
"Dialing in" is the process of adjusting your grind size and dose to get the best possible flavor from a specific coffee bean. It's a skill that every home barista needs to master.
The quality of your beans matters just as much as your technique. Learn how to choose the right coffee beans for espresso, and understand coffee roast levels to find the perfect match for your taste preferences.
This guide assumes you have a quality burr grinder—if you're still shopping, our top burr grinders under $200 will help you find the right one. The grind quality is crucial for dialing in, so make sure you're using a burr grinder rather than a blade grinder (see our burr vs. blade comparison if you're unsure).
The Golden Rule: Change One Variable at a Time
If you change the grind size AND the dose at the same time, you'll never know which one fixed the problem.
The Step-by-Step Workflow
- The Dose: Start with a standard dose (e.g., 18g in a double basket).
- The Yield: Aim for a 1:2 ratio (18g in, 36g out).
- The Time: Aim for that yield in 25-30 seconds.
- The Taste:
- Too Sour? Grind finer or increase the yield.
- Too Bitter? Grind coarser or decrease the yield.
Who This Is For
New espresso machine owners who are frustrated with inconsistent results. If you're still shopping for your first machine, our guide to the best espresso machines for beginners will help you choose the right one. And remember, a quality grinder is essential—see our top burr grinders under $200 for recommendations.
Coffee bean selection matters too: The roast level and origin of your beans will affect how you dial in. Learn how to choose the right coffee beans and understand coffee roast levels to get the best results.
Want to learn more? Check out all our coffee education guides for more brewing techniques and tips.