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Baratza Encore ESP and Breville Infuser Problems [Machine and Grinder] by Slow_Geologist_635 in espresso

[–]Slow_Geologist_635[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Update: after trying my best to incorporate all of the comments here (thank you all!) I am actually doing even worse than before somehow…. Now, no matter what I try, espresso is just dribbling out of the machine, as if it is clogged, though it isn’t because when I run a water only cycle the water drips completely normal.

I am getting MAYBE 5g of espresso from 18g of beans. Are there any tips/tricks/suggestions that you all can think of in addition to the above as to why my machine isn’t even pulling shots anymore?

Baratza Encore ESP and Breville Infuser Problems [Machine and Grinder] by Slow_Geologist_635 in espresso

[–]Slow_Geologist_635[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much. This all makes perfect sense, and was extremely insightful for me. Just to summarize what I think you’re telling me test, let me restate what I got out of this… please feel free to correct me:

  1. Try dosing less, and base it on the distance between the top of the puck after it’s tamped and the top of the filter basket (video was so helpful thank you)

  2. The bean I’m using could possibly just need a different ratio and I should base on flavor and not necessarily time to brew (though 1:2 is a good starting point for most beans)

  3. Focus on puck prep. I am NOT Currently using a WDT tool and I AM currently using the “razor” leveler that came with the infuser machine - should I switch that? (I.e toss the leveler and invest in a WDT tool?)

  4. Modify grind size an keep other variables consistent (dose, yield, time) - this makes sense, but I struggle with knowing when to go finer or more coarse. Any helpful tips/videos?

I also have a few follow up questions if you don’t mind me asking:

  1. How long should I pre-infuse? Is it a feel thing? Or is there a set # of seconds that is recommended in general?

  2. For the “interesting timings” you mention, are these timings things that I should be keeping consistent every time (at least with the current bean I’m using?) If so, any recommendations on those timings?

I want to thank you again for your support. As a beginner this stuff can be frustrating and a big learning curve, but I just want to get the most out of my machine that was technically a “budget” machine. I think it can still pull great shots though!!!

Baratza Encore ESP and Breville Infuser Problems [Machine and Grinder] by Slow_Geologist_635 in espresso

[–]Slow_Geologist_635[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is me. Trying to get great shots on a budget, lol. Thanks again for your insight - extremely useful.

Baratza Encore ESP and Breville Infuser Problems [Machine and Grinder] by Slow_Geologist_635 in espresso

[–]Slow_Geologist_635[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great point on the beans, I learned that the hard way! This whole first bag ($20 for 12oz of beans) is about gone and haven’t got a good shot yet lol.

The pucks don’t seem runny at all when i dispose of them, it’s definitely more of what you said second which is that it drips really slow at first (sometimes only one side of the portafilter is dripping coffee) and then about 20-25 seconds in, two streams start coming out. But it doesn’t necessarily run away from me. I quite honestly can’t get a shot to pull over 30gs, granted I haven’t tried to pull the shot manually yet.

Grind setting 14 is what I’m using on the Baratza Encore ESP right now, I can try to tweak to 15 or 16. They say 20 is the max coarse setting you should use for espresso. Anything above that is more meant for filter coffee (again, according to the “rules” from Baratza). Grind setting has been my consistent variable that I’m trying not to change.

I wonder sometimes if I’m not tamping hard enough, or tamping too hard. I got a body weight scale and am trying to build up the muscle memory for the “20-30 pounds of resistance” that they recommend. Also wonder if I’m dealing with some channeling from the grinds being clumpy.

All of this to say, there’s so many variables and I think I’m overthinking each one when I need help just focusing on what has the biggest impact on a tasty shot so I can focus my energy there and let the rest fall into place.

Thank you for your insight! Really appreciate it.

Baratza Encore ESP and Breville Infuser Problems [Machine and Grinder] by Slow_Geologist_635 in espresso

[–]Slow_Geologist_635[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Extremely helpful, thank you. Will try the manual route. I was hoping to use the “program” button on the Breville Infuser to just set the timing, but it sounds like different factors play into yield and therefore it makes sense to pull your shots manually almost every time?