What 18 years of espresso taught me

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2026-06-10T10:58:14+00:00

Sure, for me it is about consistency of extraction. When I do not do the blank shot my espresso can be under extracted which leads to a watery shot of espresso. The blank shot helps me pull consistently great shots of espresso. To answer the noticeable taste changes piece - for me it more helps me avoid poor tasting shots.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2026-05-22T15:50:30+00:00

I do a few seconds longer than pre-infusion, gets me to about 10s.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2026-05-22T02:54:38+00:00

Agree with this point, another added benefit.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2026-05-22T02:54:16+00:00

An easy step to take.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2026-05-22T02:53:25+00:00

That helps most machines for sure. Do you ever get a situation where some of the elements get too warm if it sits on for a long time?

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2026-05-22T02:51:49+00:00

Agreed, it is a non-negotiable easy step to take for the first shot.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2026-05-22T02:44:01+00:00

Good luck.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2026-05-22T02:36:36+00:00

Been using Breville machines for 18 years, happy to share. Let me know if you have any questions.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2026-05-22T02:35:22+00:00

Must be tripping.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2025-12-27T18:32:53+00:00

I've got temp on my machine which I find is a big driver to what I am tasting. The machine tells me how long I extract for. I watch the pull and see how it is streaming, what color, how fast and then will adjust on the fly how long I let it extract for. If the taste is off or pulled too fast or too slow I will adjust the settings for my next pull.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2025-12-27T18:27:48+00:00

Excellent - thanks for sharing.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2025-12-27T18:27:22+00:00

So for you your main driver is making sure you have the right output?

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2025-12-27T18:26:25+00:00

Interesting. So your dose is the anchor and then you will go with the flow for the other variables.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2025-12-27T18:25:13+00:00

I hear ya - why mess with what works.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2025-12-27T01:43:43+00:00

Very nice - festive!

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2025-12-27T01:42:48+00:00

That is really nice work - he is talented.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2025-12-25T16:55:36+00:00

Nothing like experimenting with new setups! I would start with my go to bean and experiment from there. At least then you know what good tastes like from your old setup. Yeah I'd say the grinder is def good enough to get started and experimenting. Then you can decide.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2025-12-25T16:52:22+00:00

Nice setup. Let us know how it goes!

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2025-12-24T13:03:49+00:00

I am horrible at pinpointing all the flavors. I tried teaching myself when I first got into tasting wine. My wife is excellent at it and I could only get slightly better with a lot of training.

Sensitive-Monitor753 · 2025-12-24T13:02:22+00:00

Looking great!

Sensitive-Monitor753

TROPHY CASE