Dial in the grinder

The starting points

The manual's starting settings.

1. Set GRIND SIZE to 5 (US and Australian manuals) or 8 (UK guide). Smaller numbers are finer.
2. Choose the basket: single wall for fresh beans, dual wall for pre-ground or older beans.
3. Press FILTER SIZE until SINGLE or DOUBLE matches the basket.
4. Set GRIND AMOUNT to 3 o'clock, grind, then tap the portafilter to settle the coffee.
5. Tamp, then check the dose: the top of the tamper's metal cap should be level with the top of the basket.
6. Trim with the Razor: rest its shoulders on the rim and turn it back and forth over the bin.

"It is normal for the portafilter to appear overfilled" before tamping (the manual).

Adjust from the shot

The manual's method: change one thing, then pull another shot.

1. Pull a shot and time it from pressing the button, watching the gauge.
2. Turn GRIND SIZE one step finer if it ran fast, thin and pale, or the needle stayed low.
3. Turn GRIND SIZE one step coarser if it only dripped, came out dark and bitter, or the needle went high.
4. Change GRIND AMOUNT if the tamped coffee sits above or below the tamper cap mark.
5. Adjust the upper burr if the shot is still fast at the finest setting: Adjust the upper burr.

Targets are in The perfect shot.

Breville / Sage Barista Express: every job