Why 18g Doesn't Fit in Your Espresso Basket!

[@LifestyleLab_]

IMS Nanotech: geni.us/0dUh7 IMS Big Bang: geni.us/jZ8Oz6 Bottomless Portafilter: geni.us/HAbLE Try our coffee! geni.us/4AAmhpj (As an Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases)

[@wangouthangout]

If you buy a dosing ring and a WDT tool you can fit the right amount in more easily. The right dose in any basket is usually a bit higher than the top loose. 1) Put dosing ring in portafilter, 2) grind coffee into portafilter, 3) stir a little with WDT, 4) bang on something a couple times to settle grounds. The grounds should be under the level of the basket rim now and less likely to spill all over the place.

[@mikeh2613]

Totally agree, wouldn’t be without my dosing funnel bought after a few attempts and waste of good coffee. I have a Barista Pro and while it’s a very good machine nobody ever explained this issue when I purchased it causing me to lose large amounts of coffee, not to mention dialling in 😅

[@CalebsCars]

😂 you’re missing the entire point of this video. 18g with a ring can still overflow a basket

[@wangouthangout]

@@CalebsCars no. I get his point. The level of roast and grind size totally does affect how high the grounds pile up. My advice was supplemental if anything.

[@msdixie1972]

@@mikeh2613same lol

[@karlkrasnowsky3895]

How does a wdt aid in not overflowing the basket?

[@omzzy005]

that was the best 3 minute i invested in watching a video to explain something that is never covered making espresso videos... thnks

[@sameerchitley6968]

Had to figure this out myself through trial and error, and wished there was a resource like this online to explain it when I bought my machine a year and a half ago. Thanks for uploading!

[@thiagob.6412]

Thanks for sharing knowledge! It's the first time after 2 years watching videos about specialty coffees that I hear about darker roasts being so much less dense. Makes total sense.

[@romangreer2607]

It is crazy how complicated it can all seem. I am almost 2 years into espresso now and I was so frustrated I almost gave up. It’s so worth it to do your homework and don’t be afraid to experiment and break “rules” to get that good first cup

[@sebastiangudino9377]

Heck yeah, when you are starting just don't worry about this kind of things, how fine is the grain is not gonna be that important when you are still getting used to the espresso workflow. Just have fun and make a coffee that you can enjoy, everything else should come AFTER that

[@Gk2003m]

Only reason it gets ‘complicated’ is because people are loony. lol Seriously though, it does not need to be that complicated. Why the espresso world became obsessed with weight I cannot fathom. I go by volume. And I single dose using a “14 gram” basket. I fill the basket nearly to the top with beans. I grind them into the steel cup that came with the grinder, slow-feeding the beans for uniformity. (Takes about 5 seconds.) I shake that cup vigorously for a few seconds, then pour into the basket (using a dosing funnel, makes it a much cleaner process). I WDT for a few seconds, primarily to ensure grinds get into all the ‘corners’ of the basket. Note that by this point, the grinds are about even with the top of the portafilter. I then level and tamp.

[@thecuratedpath]

Exactly my problem right now, after owning a barista pro for a week or so. And I did exactly that. Went to my local grocer, got a bag of beans, set machine to default grinding, expected it to give me a perfect 18- 22g, it overflowed 😅😅. Somehow youtube read my mind and gave me your video even tho I did not search for it. Liked and subscribed. Thanks for making this video

[@Tass...]

I use the IMS B62.52TH26E for my Breville (54mm) and for the perfect amount it's 19gr of light roast, 18gr of medium roast and 17gr of dark roast. This also allows for my Puck screen and it not being overfilled. Without using a Puck screen you could add 1gr to each of the roast types. If you want 18gr or more of dark roast (and a Puck screen) then you would want the 28E model.

[@user-yr2mx9mn1j]

Thanks 4 the info / help;)

[@Intentional_soundscapes13]

Thank you, this was very helpful. I just ordered the 28E ims basket.

[@JL-wf2wp]

Wow all that for a fuckin coffee I wonder how much better your scientific coffee tastes than the one they serve at the corner cafe. IF it tastes any better which I highly doubt

[@leandrolongobardo3768]

​@@JL-wf2wp and still here you are watching a coffee tutorial, for people who have a passion, just to throw some frustrated and useless ass comment, bravo my guy

[@JL-wf2wp]

@@leandrolongobardo3768 nah I was just looking for why the recommended portion didn’t fit in my machine and then came across this…

[@andrewmontigue2810]

Went crazy the first day trying to figure this exact issue out. Great video makes me feel less crazy. Thank you

[@kiltedpiper98]

I use a porta-filter extension. Allows a bit more grounds, space to WDT then when I compress everything fits just fine and tastes great.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Great way to avoid mess! But still can’t change the capacity of the actual basket. Can also consider a dosing cup workflow :)

[@EllTheGamer]

This was exactly the video I needed. I was trying my first bag of espresso roasted beans that are really dark and was confused why all of a sudden I couldn't fit the grounds in the basket. Thanks!

[@MyHam-os4bq]

I’m so glad you forced me to allow you to explain. Never realized using a darker roast sometimes was the issue. Kind of embarrassed I’ve gone this long not knowing…

[@casaraku1]

Watch many videos on espresso and this is the first time i have noticed this aspect. Thanks.

[@marcbaldwin1887]

This was super helpful! I have a cheap DeLonghi espresso machine that uses a 51mm basket. I got a bottomless filter for it but have been having trouble getting 18g to fit in the basket. I know that darker roasts have less caffeine because of the roasting time, but it makes so much sense that darker roasts are less dense!

[@JRE-ut2tb]

Apparently according to James Hoffman on one of his YT vids I remember watching, darker roasts have more caffeine as they are less dense so one can extract more from them. I’m not an expert though.

[@MellisaN.Santos]

How many gram can you fit? I have the same model and problem

[@marcbaldwin1887]

@@JRE-ut2tb Actually lighter roasts have more caffeine because the highest level of caffeine is in a green, unroasted coffee been. The less you roast, the more of that caffeine that stays in the bean. However, darker roasts have a more bitter, classic coffee taste and so it makes for good espresso.

[@marcbaldwin1887]

@@MellisaN.Santos I can probably only realistically fit 16g of dark roast into my machine. I recommend using a medium roast for the 51mm DeLonghi portafilters. Currently, I’m blending a light and dark roast and using 18g, which has been working pretty well. This also allows me to use a puck screen to keep my machine clean. I couldn’t use a puck screen with 18g of dark roast at all.

[@JRE-ut2tb]

@@marcbaldwin1887true. What I should have wrote is that darker roast coffees have more caffeine than lighter roasts due to their higher solubility during extraction according to James Hoffman. 👍

[@ruimoura]

I have that exact machine, and have struggled with that exact problem. Nicely explained, clean and simple. New subscriber :) My ideal dose for the beans i use is 17g, and that allows me to use the puck filter to keep things clean

[@JRE-ut2tb]

I also bought a dosing ring that sits atop the porta-filler however I cheaped out and didnt get the one with the magnets so already kicking myself as have knocked it off a few times spilling ground coffee everywhere lol. If you don’t yet have a dosing ring or funnel buy one with magnets. 👍🏼

[@coulomjo]

Thank you for explaining this! I also have the Barista Pro and was wondering why 18g would barely fit my basket!

[@InTimeTraveller]

Worth noting is also that the 18g dosage is usually a "standard" for 58mm portafilters and the Breville machines use a 54mm portafilter. It might also be that the default basket that Breville ships with the machine is not rated for 18g but for 16 or sth.

[@chunri1626]

My goodness where were you a year ago to explain this so simply! Thank you

[@wellthyboss]

That is so helpful! Thank-you! I must be using a dark roast (indeed, it's an espresso roast from the local grocer), as it looks a lot like your example on the left--both in terms of color as well as volume. Since I live in a small town and am limited on local bean options (and I prefer to use organic like these beans are), this lets me know my options!

[@ThezRude]

This was actually really simply and well explained. And quite informational.

[@impulsesystems]

Great video, thanks! I mix a dark roasted bean with a medium roasted bean. Weighing 50g of each will show you the difference in density, as the medium contains more moisture and oil. You can then adjust your bean ratio to taste. I only use about 14g of the ground mixture for espresso.

[@hallyhop]

Thank you so much for this! I've been super confused and this was very straightforward

[@williamstone1536]

Newb here: I love you, and thank you! This was really helpful.

[@WaterKing9]

I got a drop down extender for my portafilter and it fixed the issue for me. I love it :)

[@TijmenDal]

Mate thanks so much! The absolute perfect video for the problem I'm running into. Much appreciated.

[@BobbieGWhiz]

People who are obsessed with weights and measures and time durations do that because they are like the vast majority of espresso drinkers who don’t know bitter from sour, don’t taste chocolate notes or caramel notes or fruity notes. Most espresso drinkers use lots of milk, sweetener, syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, cinnamon, etc., and they enjoyed it as much as anybody.

[@ex0ja]

I have a 15g VST basket for my Breville Oracle but I have to use at least 20g or I get a muddy puck (no matter which grind size or bean I use). Would like a nice puck simply to make the process a bit cleaner.

[@cissy2194]

Finally!!! This was the simplest explanation I’ve found! Thank you!

[@NoZenith]

I was just trying to explain this to my friend who is just getting into the idea of buying an espresso machine. I was trying to explain how different brands and different machines have different depth switch the shower screen pokes down into the portafilter basket and that being the headspace being more important than the actual grams of coffee in the basket so to look at it as a volumetric issue not particularly weight-based depending on the roast level of your beans. For example, I consistently dose 18.5 G of Panther 1985 ground through a Niche Zero in my Breville Bambino dual basket with the Breville razor tool just barely grazing top of it and the perfect headspace. Half a gram less and there's always water sitting on top of my puck, anymore and you can see the screw mark from the shower screen in the middle of the puck. The medium roast from Cuvee I had last I could barely get 18 G in the basket cuz the razor tool is always scraping a bit off. I only used that tool as a gauge until I figure out the weight of beans I need when I change beans and it's super handy

[@JRE-ut2tb]

Thank you for making this video. It all makes that much more sense now. I noticed the difference as soon as I adjusted the grind size.👍🏼

[@tjh7117]

Untamped coffee can overflow even when it fits the portafilter well after tamping. Get a dosing funnel if your still have trouble after dialling in the grind

[@LifestyleLab_]

You are right, but we’re talking about the final capacity of the basket

[@machineteacher3573]

this legend explained everything very simply, shortly, calmly, giving visual examples. IN UNDER 5 MINUTES!. you really got me subscribed from the first video :)

[@AdamKlingenberger]

I usually updose for light roasts due to reason 2. E.g. 20g coffee for the same target ratio&time I’d do for a medium roast. The light roasts retain more water and cellulose that wasn’t roasted out. So updosing ensures consistent total soluble coffee in the portafilter.

[@Cenot4ph]

It does help if your grinder doesn't go fine enough

[@AdamKlingenberger]

@@Cenot4ph sometimes. You can only push extraction so far. People should be thinking in terms of soluble mass, not the mass of the whole bean. Which of course you can’t casually measure, but as general principle, an equal mass of light roast has less solubles to extract than an equal mass of dark roast, because the dark roast is drier and has been partially burned off as CO2.

[@BobbieGWhiz]

Grind size is only limited by the Pauli exclusion principle.

[@antz123-m3f]

Great vid for me because this is exactly the problem I am having. The beans are actually a very dark roast. I had thought that the 54mm portafilter on my Bambino was basically not fit for purpose, like too small. It's also good to know about deep baskets. Maybe the way forward is a bottomless portafilter and deep basket. Interestingly, on the single shot basket there is no overflow. But doubling the shot (like on the smart pro grinder) and using the double basket, is causing overflow. Is the double basket not double volume of the single basket?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Generally no. The single baskets are around 9-11g and doubles are 16-18g. So not quite double on these machines at least

[@antz123-m3f]

@@LifestyleLab_ Thanks for clarifying. I prefer a lighter roast anyway so I'll see how the lighter roast grind looks in the double basket. I've already replaced the fiddly little tamper so don't really now want to go to the expense of buying a new portafilter and basket

[@FaithAndCoffeeBean]

Great video !!!!😎☕️👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@thearabkobe]

Please help! I only use dark roasts. So if I been having issues with 18g, and now experimenting with 16g…. Does it still need to be 32g (1:2 ratio) of output in 30-35 seconds ? Or does the time change as well? Of course as a regular benchmark rule.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Once you’re in the ballpark just start tasting. There’s no “right” answer. But generally, the brew ratio would stay the same 1:2 and same with the time

[@TheRealSamuiWebcam]

I use a 21g basket with my La Marzocco so I can fit a puck screen in as well. I love dark roasts. 20g in 40g out in 30 seconds. Perfect.

[@droelf-dg2qj]

Got the Barista Pro for 2 years now Dont try to squeeze 18g in your 54mm basket I usually go for 16g and it tastes 10/10 with a decent coffee. If you do the math, it's around 15,8g to get the same height of coffee as the 58mm baskets with 18g. Since you want the equivalent of contact time of water and coffee. Also remember to never fill the bean basket to the max or they dry out after 2 or more days.

[@georgew8586]

Having done research before I purchased my breville, I realized it would take a while to make sure I had medium roast (my preference), that was not too bitter, the puck was not to dry, the pressure look correct and there was crema, on the top of the pour. Yeah it was frustrating, dial up the grind #, what about adjusting the burr grind #. I think it’s dialed in now, not too bitter, enjoy a morning brew. I still have my old coffee maker and interesting enough I now realize it’s much more bitter. Next learning to properly foam milk, turned it into curds once 😝. Still work in progress, found I really like oat milk, instead of whole or 2%.

[@richardcarlson112]

Different people have different tastes in all things including coffee. Dark beans may taste bitter to some while to others, like me, medium and especially light roast beans are really acidic and I can’t drink it. It bothers my stomach for hours afterwards. I greatly prefer dark and don’t find it bitter (unless I get the darkest which isn’t for me either).

[@LifestyleLab_]

Agreed!

[@Oztorek]

So well communicated. Liked and subbed.

[@jose09841]

I usually get 20grams in my portafilter after dosing I wonder if I have a 22g basket. My ratio is 1:2 so 20g in and 40g out in about 26 seconds and no channeling just a perfect pull each time!

[@thumbtak123]

Something you forgot to mention is that you can get a device to extend the size of the basket. It attaches to the top. This is what I do, but it is only for a tiny bit that goes over the topic.

[@LifestyleLab_]

That is a dosing funnel, it does not change the capacity of the basket, it simply helps with mess when grinding. Can also use a dosing up :) but neither are relevant to this particular topic

[@thumbtak123]

@@LifestyleLab_ Oh. I thought it was about ways to make the dosing cleaner, and to fix issues. My mistake.

[@dennisfeldman56]

I also use a magnetic extension ring for the grind to prevent overflow. Tamp it down and done 18g fits fine and no mess. So I guess it is relevant 😊

[@LifestyleLab_]

@dennisfeldman56 Again, it’s a great workflow! But it’s not changing the capacity of the basket

[@thumbtak123]

@@LifestyleLab_ agreed. It saves on waste.

[@sjorlando7282]

Following what Tass said I myself use the 24E in my BBE.- I found I can do 18Gr consistently except light roasts but dont often pull them. Also I use a 1mm puck screen - they come in 1mm and 1.7mm. Also modded my grinder with a different adjustment wheel - more range. IMS baskets are the way to go for Breville machines

[@michaelerbreviews]

You approached this but didn't specifically say this. Some off-brand espresso machines simply come with smaller double baskets that can only be filled with about 15 grams of coffee.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Also true! At the end of the day, volume is volume. No getting around that

[@vickiebabcock9951]

I've just started making espresso. I was a Kuerig coffee drinker (can't stand the store bought pods, so I used refillable pods with my favorite coffee) and never really tried espresso. I decided to get an espresso machine for my birthday, and because I'm a beginner, went with the CasaBrews espresso machine. It comes with a 51mm portafilter. The most I can put in it AND use the puck screen is 13.5 gr. Is it because of the size of the portafilter, or am I just not tamping it down enough?

[@Kiaulen]

I wish I'd seen this video about 5 years ago when I started trying to do espresso. Those narrow 53mm Breville baskets just don't have a lot of room on top for the coffee to pile up. Something else that's helped me is getting a 53mm catch/dosing cup. I got a lovely one from Crema Coffee that can slide into the grinder and has a tab at the back to push it. It's also a lot easier to balance on a small scale than portafilters. Granted, it now sits under my Niche Zero, but I think most people buying a breville machine with a built in grinder (like my Barista Express) aren't going to use an external one, at least starting out.

[@goggo9]

Maybe not a useful info to everyone but classic Italian espresso is made with 7 grams of coffee. I have a Dedica and I am currently using the 51mm, 7gr, filter for the europiccola and it works great. Make sure you get beans that are fit for this purpose. I am now using a Passalacqua blend then I’ll try some Salimbene and Kenon next.

[@babayega1717]

* Classic Italian espresso *shot* . Double shot =14 grams, triple shot (what you use to incorporate in coffee drinks) is 21-22grams.

[@goggo9]

@@babayega1717 it’s just math, right?

[@nickverhoeven3913]

AHA!! Thank you! I had a bag of supermarket beans for whenever people were visiting that felt my personal coffee was too acidic for their taste, I never understood why I was always fiddling with it overflowing and using a lower dose, bean density it is. Noticed you were mentioned in a recent James Hoffmann video, well done!

[@LifestyleLab_]

Thanks! Yes, that sneaky little mention by James was neat to hear

[@AndyWoodger]

@@LifestyleLab_Having watched a lot of coffee videos I have found James Hoffman to be one of the easiest to understand. He is fun, informative and a great presenter. SO....if he was happy to mention YOU @Lifestylelab you've got yourself another subscriber! Great video, cheers. By the way, I had an issue with a large UK brand about their coffee and they sais exactly what you said regarding flow rate and type of roast.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Thanks for tuning in Andy :)

[@robwhitmore3040]

Yep. Bought a Picopresso and struggled to get a good extraction following advice online. Everyone was saying 18g, but for me and the light roasted beans I'm using, it was more like 20.5g and now it's perfect. This should be talked about more often because dark roasts are boring. Couldn't tell you how much my Barista Express doses. I should check

[@andreytravkin7579]

Hey! I really enjoy your reviews! Can you please suggest a grinder which can do both drip coffee and espresso? Somewhere in between $250-$500 maybe even I can go for a bit more expensive if there is a good deal, or some grinder that just head and shoulders above the rest

[@LifestyleLab_]

You can consider the Fellow Opus, Baratza Encore ESP, or on the higher end of price point the Turin DF64 Gen2. All great options that can do both filter and espresso quite well

[@mikeh2613]

The easiest solution, as someone has already mentioned, is a dosing ring which I would not be without. I would also recommend using a WTD tool to stir the coffee, then whilst still using the dosing ring just lower the tamper. This flattens the coffee so that when the dosing ring is removed there is no spillage. I then use a coffee distributor to level it and then tamp. Sounds complicated but isn’t.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Absolutely a great method that I also highly recommend! But it does not change the capacity of the basket, which is the primary topic of this video

[@mikeh2613]

@@LifestyleLab_ thanks, I take on board what you are saying 👍

[@PubRunner]

The stick baskets that came with my Oracle hold 24g of medium to light roasts. We don’t really like dark roasts much. The single baskets hold 10-11g

[@LifestyleLab_]

Remember if you want to lower the dose slightly you can do so by adjusting the tamping blades in the grinder

[@PubRunner]

@@LifestyleLab_ I’ve got them dialed in about right I can get really good shots with both the double and single shot baskets. It hard to tell the difference between the two. The singles get poured for 17 seconds and I end up with 25-30ish mil.

I had the opposite problem with my Lelit and after tamping it seemed to me that the distance to the brew group was too great, so I switched to an alternative basket with only 16g and now 18g fits better.

[@HaikuGhost]

Shoutout De Mello, I'd recognize that bag anywhere. Top tier roasters 🤘

[@LifestyleLab_]

Absolutely! We have a collaboration blend with them :)

[@jose09841]

Anybody have advice on what to do with the overflow coffee grounds?? I hate to throw away the excess but I also don't know if there is a way to preserve the freshness of ground beans or if its even worth storing them for later.

[@LifestyleLab_]

You shouldn't have to throw any out, just grind less :)

[@stoic1024]

Very nice video, as always. I really enjoy your content. Thanks.

[@PonzooonTheGreat]

I was dosing as little as 13g for light roasts before I got my IMS basket for my SBP. It was great but it feels good to do 18g.

[@boutserk5]

👍 how much pressure should I put on the espresso with my tamper?

[@LifestyleLab_]

There is no "right" pressure, consistency is most important! That being said, the harder you tamp, the easier it is to get consistency from shot to shot. We have a video on my channel about this! Check it out!

[@laurenzr.8524]

Great Video. Thanks for clearing things up!

[@youtubewts]

You haven't touched on the fact the coffee grounds can be mixed with a lot of air so can benefit from grinding in to a dosing cup on top of the portafilter, the portafilter being tapped on the side to allow it to settle and the use of a distribution tool before then tamping.

[@LifestyleLab_]

The capacity of a basket is how much it fits AFTER tamping. So no-matter how you get the grounds into the basket, it doesn’t change the fact that you won’t be able to tamp in 18g of certain coffees

[@rossyhead69]

Got a bambino+ just before Xmas and have had to go down to 10second grind amount on the SGP so it fits. That’s with grind size of 12 because anything smaller was struggling to get anything out the other side. Coffee tastes good though, will tweak in the new year!

[@Matt_H_26]

The taste is what is important. So many rules have been made up as to how coffee should be made, but they are only guides. For my Breville machine I usually grind 11-12 and get around 14-15 grams. The better the beans, the better the taste.

[@polloman29]

This was driving me absolutelz crazy. Thanks.

[@leondennis4659]

I like to drink different types of coffee so I just use the pressurized filter basket.

[@CoffeeJake]

I feel like the stock Breville basket is more like a 15-17g basket. I got an 18g IMS and it fits way more of the same grind.

[@ToonDeWachter]

But what to do with the brew ratio? Let's say that coffee A (darker roast) weighs 16g and coffee B (lighter roast) weighs 18g in my basket, would you go for the same yield? If you use a 1:2 ratio that would normally mean that coffee A should have a yield of 32g and coffee B 36g in around 25 seconds. Or would you go for a similar yield for the two coffees?

[@LifestyleLab_]

As always, your yield should be what tastes best for that particular coffee! Yes, if you are going for a 1:2 ratio then you would be aiming for 32 g out of a 16 g dose.

[@m1tab]

Ok thanks for the video, very useful. So what is the correct dosing ratio?

[@LifestyleLab_]

That will depend on your coffee and personal preferences :) A “traditional” ratio you’ll hear is 1:2 (18g coffee in > 36g espresso out) but this won’t necessarily be best for you or you coffee choice. Dial in to taste!

[@TheFuzzyskwerl]

Love these types of videos.

[@bene20080]

I put some of the grounds in, then compress, put the rest of the grounds in, then compress again. With that solution, it fits.

[@LifestyleLab_]

If that makes it fit, then you could consider a dosing cup or dosing funnel for a much cleaner workflow. This video, however, is an explanation for when 18g cannot fit no-matter the method

[@bored_pyro]

Super timely! Thanks brother!

[@LifestyleLab_]

Glad it was useful!

[@4wolverines]

So what will happen if you put 18g in a 20g basket? Does that affect flavor or time? Doesn’t that allow more water in the basket? Newbie here. Thanks

[@LifestyleLab_]

You’ll probably end up with a soupy mushy puck due to the extra headspace. Might encourage some channeling, but not the end of the world

[@AdamStranberg]

Anything wrong with just using a funnel? When it tamps its good, and doesn't hit the screen.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Nothing wrong with that, but this video is for those who can’t fit 18g EVEN when tamping. It can be not even close to fitting sometimes

[@Reefrugab]

Thanks for this video!!! 👏🏻 Im a beginner and this is a Good information for me

[@richhelsing]

Hi, i am pulling good espresso shots when the inner burr setting of my Breville Barista Pro is at 5 and the knot setting outside is at 6 ~ 7. If I set burr to finer, perhaps a 4, how much would you recommend I up my knot setting? Thanks

[@LifestyleLab_]

Upper Burr vs Outer Dial Grind Setting | Breville Barista kzbin.info/www/bejne/laalZHmQfNCFbKc

[@enricocasella5539]

i find that just having for example 16g of coffee and 32ml of extraction works just as fine. especially if you worked hard to tune the coffee to how you like it

[@Kazoom28]

My actual experience is the opposite, Fine grind size creates more volume initially. Coarse grind size will take up less space initially but will take up more volume than fine grind when compacted.

[@adrianfennell3680]

Is there any way to get a triple shot basket for gaggia Espresso deluxe which has a 53mm portafilter? It'd need to be deeper as I assume the diameter can't be changed. I've looked online and can't find anything... The max I can get in is 14 g.

[@LifestyleLab_]

If it fits the same baskets as the 53/54mm Breville's then yes. But if it's some proprietary Gaggia size then likely not

[@michedmck]

Great video!😊

[@ggivensjr]

You mention "brew ratio". Is brew ratio the volume of water going through portafiltet?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Brew ratio is the weight of the dose (coffee grounds) vs the weight of the final espresso in the cup.

[@kurtkesslinger7917]

Thanks for the video, learned a lot.

[@soumynonareverse7807]

Do you have a comparison between fhe profitec pro 3000 and the Rancilio silvia pro X? What are your thoughts prior to making this video?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Both are great machines. As a high-level summary, the Rancilio is going to edge out the Profitec slightly in terms of steaming performance and brewing features. While the Profitec is going to win out on external build quality and finishes.

[@soumynonareverse7807]

@@LifestyleLab_ how relative is that if you consider the non Pro X is still being used by some people for over decades? Also, if I'm already planning to swap out the PID for a Gaggiuino, will that edge the Profitect in steaming?

[@LifestyleLab_]

@soumynonareverse7807 I don't mean to say that the Rancilio build quality is poor. That's why is specifically mentioned external build quality. The Profitecs feel more high end and polished. Both machines will last a lifetime if taken care of properly.

[@soumynonareverse7807]

@@LifestyleLab_ haha, that's why I asked how relative it is. I didn't think you did. But by external built quality, do you just mean the case or the actual external components like the steam wand, driptray, buttons etc?

[@LifestyleLab_]

@soumynonareverse7807 Rancilio has always been a bit uninspiring. Cheap feeling plastic on the portafilter, plastic rocker switches, weird drip tray, etc... that's really all I'm referring to. Profitec is nicer to interact with for the $$ spent

[@thibaut5345]

But first of all I don't understand this ratio of 1/2. It's way too concentrated. Italian espresso is 1/4 (7-8 grams of powder for 30 grams in the cup). It's already quite strong, most people drink it lighter.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Answer: we're not all Italian, or drinking the same coffee. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGXao4iGachohpYsi=SG3uQDfS_DY2oiUa www.baristahustle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ACM-4.08-Schecter-Espresso.png

[@andrewallen4796]

How come we can watch hours upon hours of videos, everything gets repeated and still nothing really adds up so we just end up eyeballing it. Then in just under 4 minutes it makes sense. Great video, I've been having good coffee so far, but I've been missing out on great coffee.

[@MrEye4get]

I'm still struggling to achieve the "perfect" espresso shot. If I try using 18g of finely ground medium-roast coffee, it touches the water distribution head, and I have to clean the machine after every shot! I can only fit 17 grams of coffee, ground as fine as my grinder can go. The extraction time averages 22-23 seconds and produces about 38 to 40 grams of coffee. The taste still isn't what I hoped.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Could be so many things going wrong, including you just don't like the coffee you're using! You need to now adjust the brew ratio and grind to taste. Don't just use someone else's arbitrary numbers. Those are starting points only

[@maurimarcos]

Hello. Can you tell me if it happens something if i have a lot of space in the top ? Or its a good idea to buy the bigger one and have medium coffe 18 gr shots whith a lot of space, so that i never have to adjust the dose even gringring coarser or finer.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Having space on top will let water pool there and you will have a very soggy puck to knock out. It’s best to just dose properly for the basket size

[@SK_SANOWAR_786]

You mean 18 grams of beans is correct but grinding size and roasting profile have to be checked only then proper extraction will be done right...??

[@LifestyleLab_]

18g is a “traditional” dose, but may not fit in every basket with every coffee. Dose correctly for your coffee and basket size, not to 18g just because that’s what everyone says. Recipe can be adjusted accordingly

[@BusyAngel9999]

I have the bambino plus, should I change the filter top? Saw on Amazon ims one, don’t know if it makes flavor better…

[@LifestyleLab_]

Take a look at this :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2m6iHevj8-LjK8

[@stephanetzicuris3376]

sorry i dont recognise the portafilter in your link could you tell me wich one it is on the linkedpage please?

[@tammymeese4518]

I have this same machine it's been over a year and I am just giving up. It's so frustrating.

[@LifestyleLab_]

What’s frustrating you?

[@USA95]

Can you help me. In my breville barista, not enough coffee is coming out from the grinder and i have it in the maximum .

[@LifestyleLab_]

Then you must be grinding VERY very fine. Fine grind settings will take longer to grind than coarse ones

[@USA95]

I have the same setting for more than a years, using the same coffee. I use to get 16 to 17g of coffee. In the maximum setting .now the most i get is 12g from the grinder in the maximum knob setting, i made a deep.cleaning tonthe grider and stil getting only 12g. It got me crazy, i don't know what else to do. I started thinking it my be an internal electric problem in the machine amout know.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Hmm that is odd if your grind setting is correct. I would reach out to Breville directly

[@RedsareRoses]

I was wondering why this was happening I’ve been using Starbucks, espresso beans, dark roast. to the point where I got frustrated and stop using the machine.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Those are SUPER dark. Like 14g dose dark

[@KevinvanDiest]

thx, great info. Didn't know this before ...so there's a weight difference between light and dark roast ;)

[@LifestyleLab_]

Density difference ;) 18g will always be 18g, but 1 basket will not always equal 1 basket

[@lazyPawdy]

My solution to this is basically just use a bigger portable basket. I’ve found out that 1click difference from my current grinder would choke my machine.

[@KaiAndLily]

Hi, I'm using the Breville BES920 (Dual Boiler), but I'm having trouble consistently extracting 40ml in 35 seconds at 9 bars. The time extends well beyond 35 seconds. If I adjust the grind coarser, the pressure drops. Is it because my machine's original factory has revised the vibration pump, limiting it to a maximum of 9 bars? What should I do?

[@LifestyleLab_]

You can’t taste pressure. Run the shot how it flows and tastes best for that coffee. 9 bar will be the absolute maximum pressure with a blind basket in place, and flow will then have slightly lower pressure. That’s just physics, check out my video on flow control

[@MrArravelo]

When you are talking about 18gm, is this on the double basket or the single?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Double basket

[@ejc2064]

measure to taste not what some you tuber says I use dark roast and measure 16.69 and thats perfect for my machine, basket and taste everyone loves it. But I spend a good 3-6 brews to dial that in at first. Before when i had a different grinder and machine it was a different weight and grind size do what works for you.

[@wyatt8770]

I keep getting recommend coffee stuff and I don’t even like coffee. But it’s also working because I keep watching

[@NoMercyFtw]

What about the portafilter size 58mm vs a 51mm

[@LifestyleLab_]

Volume is volume whether it’s wider and shallower or narrower and deeper, a certain amount of coffee can only fit in it, described by the variables here

[@cyberjoe77]

Now I know YT is listening in…just got this same machine and was banging my head …saying “there’s no way 18 grams fits in here!” So thank you!🙏

[@LifestyleLab_]

Bless the algorithm

[@LarsGoldbachDP]

Doesn't the whole problem immediately go away when you start single dosing? You always weigh the correct amount of beans before grinding. (Suiting the given weight capacity of your basket) From attempt to attempt you change the grind size until you reach the sweet spot, without overflowing the basket.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Nope, because of reason #2 !

[@LarsGoldbachDP]

If my roast is very dark to beginn with and I weigh the unground beans why should my volume after grinding become inherently different to the same pre-weight beans of a different roast? sure the beans probably weigh a bit less, but usually manufacturers give different measurements for different roasts for the same puck. e.g. IMS for their BIG BANG puck. 17-19g for a dark roast for the puck with 23,5mm height and 19-21g for a light roast with the same puck. Average of 2g difference, also not to mention that theres medium roast in between (btw this manufacturer statement feels to me like lightly roasted coffee beans have less density than darf roast. Or did I misunderstood density and weight as a similar factor?) Your example works for the same grind settings of your time-based grinder for different roasts which I totally get. @@LifestyleLab_

[@LifestyleLab_]

It’s not the same setting on a time based grinder. The example of different roasts was with a weighed out dose of 18 g for both coffees. The volume difference is staggering

[@krisn115]

That’s exactly what I am having troubles with my barista pro! I use Peet’s dark roast coffee beans. I have already adjusted my burr size to 5 and the grind size all the way to 1, but 18g still wayyy off from fitting in the double shot basket..🤦🏻‍♀️ Do you think I should go even finer?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Nope! Your issue is mainly reason 2. Down dose, or use a lighter (and preferably fresher) coffee :)

[@krisn115]

​@@LifestyleLab_ Thank you so much for your feedback! Will definitely be trying that. I want to let you know that I truly appreciate you and your channel. Your videos have helped me a lot with troubleshooting and making purchase decisions! :D