Finding your espresso

Grind fresh, start thoughtfully.

Choose one blend and stay with it while you learn. Freshly ground coffee makes small adjustments easier to understand. Weigh your dose rather than guessing, so you have a repeatable starting point.

Change one thing at a time.

Note the dose, drink weight and extraction time. Then adjust only the grind or the drink weight. A good espresso depends on your machine, basket and blend — one setting cannot suit every coffee.

Let taste guide you.

Stir and taste the espresso, then try it with the milk you normally use. Too sharp or too bitter? Compare your next extraction carefully. Keep the basket and shower screen clean so old coffee residue does not mask the flavour.