How to DIAL IN your Breville Barista Express | The COMPLETE GUIDE to set up your Espresso Machine

[@angiewebb8562]

I've watched about 50 videos,this is this is the first one that explains everything in a way I could understand. Thank you!

[@onor404onor]

Me too. I though that i have a problem 😂😂😂😂😂

[@johnhowell-xs5uv]

Over 250 KZbin videos on the machine

[@saulurena7681]

For anyone wondering... during my quest to find the perfect machine for my budget, I saw that the majority of negative reviews came from people who didn't even bother to learn how to use this darn thing. This video did indeed help me make my decision and helped me set it up. For its price range, it is hard to beat. Is it 'endgame'? No, but it does deliver tasty shots that stay as consistent as your methods. Even with stock tools. I'm fairly confident that once I find the bag of beans that suits my taste buds and make a couple of upgrades (bottomless filter/calibrated tamper) I'll be set until I have enough for a better machine. I work in a lot of different homes and have seen this machine on many counter tops but do not see a scale, timer, I see pre ground beans, and before making the purchase I'd ask what their opinion was and sure enough it was; it sux. It will if you don't use it right lol.

[@charlesolivermusic]

thank you for breaking this down so easily! most people don’t mention how your first bag of beans is probably all going to be used in 1-day dialling in that perfect espresso. your process here feels like I am minimising bean waste where possible, leaving the last variable (grind size) until the end. really appreciate it 🙏🏼

[@josephmaxwell6259]

I had no idea there was in internal adjustment to the bur grinder! I've had super inconsistent results with seemingly no reason. Thank you for illuminating the full function of this machine!!

[@navstajay]

Watched so many vids on dialling in and this was the best, which made the most sense and actually helped me dial it in. Thanks bro

[@emmamay434]

Thank you so much for this! I watched about 5 different videos and fiddled around for ages with my grinder. Wasted so many beans. This helped - I'm close to a good shot now!

[@wurtzi1221]

I've watched a bunch of "dialing in" videos before this one, and wish that I had found this one first. It was the most instructive, well presented and useful video of all. Well done.

[@jnoller49]

Thank you James. I just purchased this machine a few days ago and was getting so frustrated that I couldn’t get a good tasting shot for latte. I’d been watching another video but the person doing it got so overly complicated with I started getting down. You explained it much better and are far more down to Earth. I’ll try your methods tomorrow and look forward to it. I’m very intimidated to change Burr settings but if necessary will do that. Luckily I have a local roaster just 8 miles away who has Organic beans and bought a few bags. They’re expensive- average price $19 US but I figure I get what I pay for. Thanks again!

[@GVL_LAD]

I'm in the love-the-sound-of-your-voice camp! I also just bought a Breville Barista Express Impress, and this detailed tutorial is exactly what I needed! I've already blown through a bag of beans trying to get dialed-in and am not sure it's right even now. Sounds like I need to adjust the INNER burr.

[@azurarazali69]

Thank you for this James I just got my machine a couple of days ago. Almost cried, I just couldn’t get it right - it was either sour or bitter and I didn’t know how or what ‘dial in’ meant, adjust grind settings,etc. It was just all too complicated for me. FYI, I used a Nespresso machine/pods before this, so imagine my frustration! 😂 Now that I’m a bit more ‘educated’ I’ll be playing around with it a bit more and sacrifice a bag of beans in the process 😅 More importantly, you kept it plain and simple - very helpful for a newbie like me.

[@andrewralph1603]

Have been struggling to get a finer grind even when at 1 on the outside, had no idea there was an inner grind setting. Watched heaps of videos and this is the first time it’s mentioned…thankyou so much James

[@sherrieguiles8260]

Watched tons of videos yours is the most helpful. Thanku. No one else talked about what grind numbers they used

[@charlesunderwood7969]

Your video is very helpful. I have an older machine (2014) that does not allow for any adjustments to the burr grinder so can only change the grinder setting on the side.

[@whamburger5]

Knowing about adjusting the inner burr was a life saver! Thank you eternally

[@jamieMacdonalduk]

Whilst I would agree that some of this is good advice the key part of this that this chap is missing is that you need to weight the output, otherwise you are just guessing. start on a 2 to 1 ratio - weigh out 18grams , grind then extract your coffee but put your cup on a scale and aim for 36grams over 25-35 seconds as a starting point. THEN you will know if you have a good extraction. You also need to put your Barista express in manual mode, so you control the start / stop - Press the programme button and then you can press the double cup button to stop/start the flow. One last thing, this machine ony gets really good espresso when you let it heat up for AT LEAST 15 minutes, I leave mine for approx 20-25 minutes. The difference in taste is night and day. Edit - also you dont need to touch the amount knob, just hold the portafilter in until your beans are gone, it will grind until you let go.

[@Anonym-ur7wj]

The very last camera shot is such a treat! It is a bit of a messy process, perfectly normal!

[@adamf6381]

Just got mine today and made two shots. Really fast extraction. Your video made me realize I was adjusting the grind size the wrong way. haha Going to try again in the morning. Thanks for this video! I had no idea about the internal burr adjustment too.

[@aaronwatson88]

Literally spent about an hour doing exactly this, thanks for making me feel a little better

[@heisykamsler2750]

This was the best video I’ve ever seen in grinding. Thank you so much

[@bennyhaa]

I would love to see a video on in depth cleaning of the machine! Keep up the good work!!

[@jamesmakescoffee7772]

Thanks so much! Great idea. If you want videos now, I have lots of cleaning videos on my TikTok channel linked in the video description.

[@mrjprocks]

Thanks for being so clear & mentioning the grind amount. Couldn’t find a video that mentions this, also, thanks showing us your trials & errors. Appreciate it! ☕️

[@minjungahhh]

I was going crazy making bad yields after another. Ugh. This made me feel sane. Going to try this now. Thank you.

[@MrJuanupr]

This video is awesome. The machine finally makes sense. Thanks James

[@verdementeinc.7172]

Excelente video para los rookies como yo. Ajusté mi grider en el interior y ahora tengo un cafe perfecto de Puerto Rico

[@aubreyb3378]

You saved me from flinging myself off a bridge. I was trying to dial in for an hour and a half lolllll had NO idea there was an inner burr grinder.

[@demite5267]

I wish I saw this video first when I got this machine. Thank you! Now I just wish I could find one specifically for decaf beans...

[@sandymacdonald4810]

Thanks for explaining so well and leading into the discussion of the inner burr. This has given me confidence to give that a go as I am on a setting of 3 with a dose of 17.9 and i get a very spurty and sometimes drippy result. When I go up the grind size, the result is not much better. Going to give this a go. :)

[@marchri32]

hey great video. I got so confused after watching all others video and when i saw yours i followed your instructions and voila i am having my coffee now after only 2 tries!! I still need to try the grind size ofcourse but i am happy anyway with my coffee. Thanks!!

[@eyippee1804]

Thanks for creating this informative video! I'm curious if you could provide some insights on the "program" button/feature, if you have any. Thank you!

[@lsofi366]

This was a great video, thank you!!! Very informative. Just got this machine and it is a bit intimidating. Will be following your advice for sure!

[@handelhof]

Thank you very much for this detailed video!!!! Just bought this machine and thanks to you're explanation dialed in real fast for a great shot of espresso🎉

[@breathewithlilla]

Hi James, I bought a Barista Express second hand, but great condition. I cleaned the burrs (not the inner yet, as I'm lacking the tool to unscrew the hex nut.) but my shots are still running through on both inner and outer grinder on 1.... Fresh beans, proper tamp, changed the water temp to higher. 21 grams, so maxing out the basket. It's only an extra 5 seconds I'm seeking, but I'm lost what else I could do....

[@michaelbiediger6577]

Great video - your trick of changing the internal grinder setting worked! I got a great espresso shot.

[@StuPreeceNZ]

Thanks so much for making this video, James. As someone looking into my first machine (shortlist between either the Express or the Touch) its been really helpful to understand what i’m getting myself into.

[@ach8057]

Thank you so much James! Your explanation helped me 😊

[@kfam18]

you came up on my fyp on tik tok i’m so glad! just got my barista express today!!! this is so helpful- i hd no idea about adjusting the inner burr setting!

[@dcmak3up801]

Hey! Great video!! Just a quick question, how do you adjust the brewing time? Mine definitely doesn't get to 25/30 seconds. Thanks!

[@wolframravenpoe9124]

James thank you so very much, I am addicted to Chocolate, and Chocolate Lattes, and I drink them daily. I use to spent 80 dollars a month of chocolate lattes, plus Brista's Tip. Anyways, because of the Covid - 19, our days of driving to local coffee shops / coffee house an extreme PITA. After decades our Toaster gave up the toast ghost. But I bought completely poor quality Electric toasters. Then I went to a gourmet Kitchen ware and small appliance store. there I bought a Breville Smart Toaster. It coast a lot of money, however it was exactly what a toaster should be. Perfect toast every time and no issues as it works perfect for years now. SO I went out and bought a Breville Brista Express and with your KZbin video I am now my own family Barista. Thank you so much, thanks to KZbin, and thanks to Breville. James I am subscribed to your channel, and I look forward to your wonderful and professional Videos. Thank you.

[@pluuf]

Wtf I didnt know about that internal frind size adjustment. Ive been screwing around for a long time with my machine, but now I finally am able to make the adjustments needed, thanks!!

[@committed2thecore]

This is a really well done video!! Great info and production quality

[@ymartinez0202]

Thank you thank you! So simple instructions to help us a bit wow your video helped over so many others!!!

[@SpringismySeason]

Thank you! much simpler way to start dialing in a shot.

[@SebastianMorrisDr]

Thank you! I wish I had watched this video first! When dialling in my machine!

[@rahafizramli1283]

Thanks man. This video is really helpful.

[@Marian1st.]

New to espresso. Coming from Nespresso. Love your voice.

[@monicamunozllop1177]

Any suggestions for a Breville Barista Max espresso machine? I cannot find the correct grind setting (1-30). I wasted a lot of coffee and it is very frustrating...

[@BarbaraHayse-w4h]

Can I use this machine to grind coffee bean for a pour over or French press?

[@samdymond8538]

Awesome video mate. Hoping for one of these for Christmas.

[@michaelplauer]

My factory setting was 1! Who knew, this was incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@skytrooper506]

So what if your espresso is horribly bitter at 1:2 ratio and it's that way anywhere from 20 to 30 seconds? I can't seem to get a drinkable shot from my new Gaggia classic pro.

[@WarJackHammer]

I might be little late to the party here, but thanks a lot for this. I wish this video was further up so that I didn't watch all those other, confusing videos first. I had no idea you could adjust the inner burr, and that really did make the world of a difference. Another error I think I made was to be very strict on the yield, like you mention in the video. I would weigh the yield during the process and stop the extraction when it hit twice the weight of the grind (18g of beans meant going for 36g of yield) and it was meant to be no less than 20 seconds and no more than 30 seconds. Going about it this way was just frustrating and didn't make good results. Instead, just going with the machine's own version of a double shot and paying more attention to the stream makes a lot more sense. The stream itself tells you all you need to know. Besides, I weighed the yield from the machine's double shot espresso-button and it came out to be 35g anyway so there you go. Again, thank you for this video, it was great. Great production value, easy to follow, informative, dog-tax, coffee-roastery plug, nice flat with big green plants. It really does have it all. How you have less than 200 subscribes is beyond me.

[@feelmajestic]

I am having trouble with the amount of espresso. I have the same scale and the hopper is totally empty when I start. But filling it up with 18g totally overflows my double, non pressurized portafilter. 16g fits well, but I want to make sure I am doing it right. What is my problem?

[@marcies2798]

Thanks for this video. Super helpful! A way to “feel” what 30 lbs of pressure would feel like is to push on a scale till you hit 30

[@RR-qf9re]

No that’s not correct because it’s pounds per square inch which is completely different since the surface of your hand contacting the surface of the scale is more than a square inch

[@amac8487]

It’s actually way, way, way more than that. Take your pinky, and try and get 30lb….. it’s even way more than that lol

[@wolframravenpoe9124]

Also James can you create a video on how to clean and maintenance the Breville Brista Express. How to use the descale tablets. And I would like to see your custom Coffee mug, and Espresso cups, and Coffee bean Canister. Again James I and my family here we thank you so very much.

[@cenzo152000]

Nice job. It took me awhile to pull a good shot dial in etc and now I know how to check the burr setting as well. One thing I learned was to take a pick on my phone of the settings in case they’ve changed etc so you don’t have to remember.

[@SandraHernandez-ld7he]

Thanks James. Great demo video!

[@carmen.rebecca]

Thank you for this video!! So informative! Can I start pulling on your recommended setting from the end of the video or do I need to go through each step that you did?

[@russelljazzbeck]

Oooh I need to grind way finer to get pressure. I've been using the double wall to get pressure but it doesn't make the coffee taste much better.

[@BraddersMusic]

James Thanks for the video very useful, However you were going to show how to reset the Breville Express to factory settings- I am having over-grind issues and have to stop the grind process I press the porta-filter again! Am I doing something wrong or I need to reset the settings!

[@weldit321]

Have the stl (3d print file for muggles) for that funnel ? :D great vid thanks.

[@MrDellinx]

I followed your video, step-by-step, and the issue I’m finding is that when using a non-pressurized and moving closer, and closer to fine on the grind sized and burr I’m losing all pressure and my shots are only pulling at the beginning was seven seconds and now two 10 1/2 seconds but again no pressure at all. Why would you suggest this and how was yours increasing pressure?

[@foggybottombbq1916]

How long does the extraction process run? Mine has the right pressure but it doesn’t run for 20 seconds which is what the manual states. Good video

[@jaelhough202]

Super helpful & ready to start adjusting... I do have one question. Do you find the extraction "time" as suggested in the manual to be how long it actually takes? For instance it says correct extraction should start after 4-7sec & then it should take 25-35sec for it to be full extracted.. is that an accurate time table or should I really just focus on what the extracted shot looks like & not so much how long it took to extract.

[@ioanna_vsl]

Standard is 25-30 by the time you press the button

[@shaunaives5490]

Sometimes simple is better. Thank-you for helping me figure out the basics, it helped a lot.

[@XCNbt]

Hey james! great review! quick question: how much grams do i need for a normal size capuccino cup? 18 grams is a double shot right so is it good for it?

[@pcrate20]

hi, james I have the same problems I are going to chanche the setting of my internal grinder, and I let you, know , can you posted it the link of the dosing funnel?. .thank you

[@111scone]

What about water level? My breville doesn't produce as much water now on a double shot. The machine is now 3 yrs old.

[@vuduong173]

The amount of coffee you should grind into your basket depends on what roast level your coffee beans are. The lighter the roast, the denser (heavier) the coffee grounds are, the less volume it will fill the basket, and vice versa. 20g of dark roast coffee takes up more space (higher volume) than 20g of light roast coffee. So 18g is a good middle ground for the stock basket. As far as tamping pressure goes, the extraction and flow rate at 30 lbs or beyond has very little to no changes at all, so even if you tamp at 50 lb, it really does not matter. A way to look at it is that you want to tamp until the coffee grounds can no longer be compacted. That means you can tamp as hard as you possibly can, and you should be fine.

[@clutchhammer]

Thank you. Very helpful 😊

[@enamustapamustapa2785]

Can u make a tutorial how to use the milk frother?

[@andrewbenavidez1454]

How much water do you do for an americano?

[@samraadel6060]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I learn a lot.

[@XOAliciaMarie]

NEW SUB HERE! Love your channel! I can't seem to figure out how to get my Breville Barista to actually get into the Espresso Range! Yes, I purchase coffee beans from the grocery store and it's from a local Coffeeshop that roasts their own coffee here in Austin but now I have heard not to use 1 month+ old coffee beans ...so NOW I'm wondering how long the coffee bean bag had been sitting at the store. It's an organic brand and the 2 lb bag deal is the STEAL DEAL so I been buying this bag for over 10 years! (Ruta Maya Coffee in Austin, Texas... if you want to know) so that's what I buy and I would say that bag lasts me the whole month so I'm still not sure if it's the bag of beans I buy or just me needing to find that perfect grind setting. and sad to say I've never removed the grinder the way you did NOR have I ever seen anyone say to do this! What the heck? So there's another Grinder setting INSIDE the hopper and not just on the outside???

[@nicolec4480]

I'm having no success making a shot I've turned my inner grind to four and I've tried the outer grind at 17,16,15,14,12,10,7 when I've been below 12 it's come out choking it with tiny drips not making any expresso. I've been in the 17 and 16 it's come out with a 19 gram dose producing 47 to 60 gram shots and taking 30 to 35 seconds . I'm using coffee from a roaster that was done on September 24th and it's October 25th I've gone through three bags of coffee no success is there any way that you could help me? my pressure only ever goes just below the middle in the express oh range except when I've gone down to the 12 ground on the outside it doesn't get into the Gray. Is there a problem with the machine if the pressure is not getting higher than that? I've watched like eight different videos from people to try to understand what can be happening. I'm using the double shot basket single walled I'm not using the pressurized one because I thought these beans are fresh enough?

[@richardkeenan3079]

Bro thank you just got one and tuning it now!

[@1Coolbanana]

Thank you so much, I just bought one and this was exactly what I needed to know. The internal burr adjuster was the key for me as I couldnt get enough pressure. Thanks so much 👍👌

[@courtney1968]

Do you recommend starting with a cheaper bean for practice? I hate to waste my expensive beans :)

[@stephaniekwon6000]

Hi James!! thanks for video :) question where did you buy the funnel?

[@JULIOAIS]

Everything is in Amazon

[@WinnieK97]

Is it better to keep the inner burr finer and outer grinder coarser vs inner coarser and outer finer or it doesn’t matter?

[@maxhillier2058]

Thanks James that was very helpful.

[@sstampick]

Shouldn’t you be purging the grinder between each adjustment of finer/course grind?

[@alanh5348]

I’m having good pressure but still only about a half ounce is being extracted for a 2 cup, Any ideas?

[@michaelbergeron8526]

So helpful, thanks for not using expensive extra stuff. Where did you get that funnel?

[@lathspell87]

It's crazy how different beans can be. I just bought one and am using a Colombian coffee from my local grocery store. I go about 18g of coffee beans and set the internal burr to 4 and grind to 8. I barely got any coffee to come out. I had to set my grind to 14 to get a great brew. Anything less was barely coming out.

[@RRaider]

Fresher beans (roasted in the last week or 2) will be very different than older beans. Grocery store beans are often months old.

[@lathspell87]

@@RRaider Not my grocery store.

[@taylorwalter5225]

@@RRaider may I ask where you buy your beans? I'm in the market for fresh beans to use as I just bought my espresso machine

[@RRaider]

@@taylorwalter5225 I sometimes go to a couple of my local coffee shops that sell freshly roasted beans but ended up buying a coffee roaster so now I roast my own.

[@taylorwalter5225]

@@RRaider great, thanks!

[@Hocky_World]

Thanks for the video. I just purchased this one. The milk frother makes a knocking sound when it is used. Is this normal?

[@sjorlando7282]

Yes thats the pump helping it push through to make steam. Its normal

[@jackMcRyder]

good job on the vid production. 👍

[@kerryc3771]

Where do you buy the funnel from?

[@JULIOAIS]

You can't go wrong buying it in Amazon

[@joeybrazda364]

Great video. It’s helping me out with my new breville espresso maker

[@Miciah-j1v]

Mine is not flowing it barley comes out I've tried 18g and then 17g then went fine grind and then more course..

[@hmcsee]

I saw in another video that you start timing when the espresso first hits the cup. Is this accurate? Or is it when you push the button?

[@peni101sg]

Dude! You rock! Thank you so much!

[@Slrp]

dont you have to leave the grinder running to change grind size to finer?

[@jimwarrick]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@garethbranigan9277]

Hi James Been using the Barista Express since last May. I love it! Great tip on the inner burr adjustment, I did not know you could do that. I am going to use that tip going forward. Thanks

[@sneakypeekygaming]

hey mate, I'm not sure why my inside grinder doesn't have that dial adjustment. I have a BES870 model too.

[@sjorlando7282]

Earlier models didn't have it but you can buy them from Breville or on Amazon.

[@marketingTUNEUP]

Suggestion. Create time marks for your description per topic. For ex, I am still searching youtube to learn how to add freaking water for this machine. I can assume how its done, but its not my machine. Anyone have a suggestion? thx!

[@TheOutlier-c6o]

Why dont they put the inner grinder to 4 as factory reset?

[@crysjenkins6182]

Omgash, this was super helpful! Thank you!

[@eusebiosoares1]

Great vídeo. I've Just purchased mine. Unfortunelly the Grinder doesn't really works as shown. In fact, it almost doesn't work at all...

[@lamejorversioncondani]

The best video for sure

[@RamiroWainberg]

This was so helpful! Thanks 🙏🏻