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The Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine is a popular choice among home baristas for its user-friendly design, consistent performance, and ability to produce café-quality espresso shots. To achieve the perfect espresso, it is essential to understand the process of dialing in, which involves adjusting various parameters to optimize the extraction of flavors and aromas from coffee beans. This article provides a comprehensive guide to dialing in the Breville BES870XL, ensuring a consistently delicious espresso experience.
Understanding Dialing
Dialing in espresso extraction refers to the process of adjusting variables such as grind size, dose, and extraction time to achieve the desired flavor profile and quality in the espresso shot. Dialing in is crucial because it allows baristas to control the extraction process, ensuring that the water extracts the optimal amount of soluble compounds from the coffee grounds without over- or under-extracting them.
Components of the Breville BES870XL
The Breville BES870XL consists of several important components that contribute to the dialing process:
- Grinder: The built-in grinder allows for precise adjustment of the grind size, which significantly impacts the extraction rate and flavor of the espresso.
- Portafilter: The portafilter holds the ground coffee and is inserted into the group head during brewing. It is essential to ensure that the portafilter is properly filled and tamped to achieve even extraction.
- Steam Wand: The steam wand is used to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. It is important to master the technique of steaming milk to create velvety microfoam that enhances the texture and flavor of the espresso-based drinks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Dialing In
- Set the Grind Size: Start with a medium grind setting and adjust it finer or coarser based on the extraction time. A finer grind will result in a longer extraction time, while a coarser grind will result in a shorter extraction time.
- Measure the Dose: Use a digital scale to measure the amount of ground coffee used for each shot. The recommended dose for a double shot is typically between 17 and 20 grams.
- Tamp the Coffee: Use a tamper to evenly distribute and compact the ground coffee in the portafilter. This ensures consistent extraction and prevents channeling, where water flows through the coffee grounds unevenly.
- Pull the Shot: Insert the portafilter into the group head and press the appropriate button to start the brewing process. Aim for an extraction time between 25 and 30 seconds for a balanced espresso shot.
- Evaluate the Shot: Taste the espresso shot to assess its flavor and quality. Look for a balanced flavor profile with sweetness, acidity, and bitterness in harmony. The crema, the golden-brown foam on top of the espresso, should be thick and persistent.
Troubleshooting
- Over-Extraction: If the espresso shot tastes bitter or astringent, it is likely over-extracted. Adjust the grind size coarser or reduce the extraction time.
- Under-Extraction: If the espresso shot tastes sour or weak, it is likely under-extracted. Adjust the grind size finer or increase the extraction time.
- Inconsistent Shot Quality: Ensure that the portafilter is properly filled and tamped, and that the machine is clean and well-maintained. Use a digital scale to measure the dose and extraction time accurately.
Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance is essential to keep the Breville BES870XL performing at its best and prolong its lifespan:
- Clean the Grinder: Regularly remove and clean the grinder burrs to prevent the accumulation of coffee oils and residues.
- Clean the Portafilter: Rinse the portafilter and basket thoroughly after each use to remove any residual coffee grounds. Periodically soak the portafilter in a cleaning solution to remove stubborn stains and odors.
- Clean the Steam Wand: Purge the steam wand after each use to remove any residual milk. Regularly clean the steam wand with a damp cloth and a descaling solution to prevent milk buildup.
Additional Tips and Resources
- Experiment with different coffee beans to discover the flavor profiles that best suit your taste preferences.
- Use filtered or purified water to ensure the best flavor and prevent mineral buildup in the machine.
- Invest in a quality tamper to ensure consistent and even tamping of the coffee grounds.
- Explore online resources, forums, and communities dedicated to espresso brewing to learn from other enthusiasts and troubleshoot any issues.
Sources
- https://www.keeproasting.com/articles/espresso-with-breville-barista-express
- https://www.breville.com/us/en/coffee-journey/tutorials/espresso-tutorials/dialing-in-espresso.html
- https://lifestylelab.ca/dialing-in-breville-barista-express-machines/
FAQs
What is dialing in espresso?
Dialing in espresso refers to the process of adjusting variables such as grind size, dose, and extraction time to achieve the desired flavor profile and quality in the espresso shot. It allows baristas to control the extraction process, ensuring that the water extracts the optimal amount of soluble compounds from the coffee grounds without over- or under-extracting them.
Why is dialing in important?
Dialing in is important because it allows you to optimize the extraction process and achieve a balanced and flavorful espresso shot. By adjusting the grind size, dose, and extraction time, you can control the rate of extraction and ensure that the water extracts the desired compounds from the coffee grounds.
What are the key components of the Breville BES870XL that affect dialing in?
The key components of the Breville BES870XL that affect dialing in include the grinder, portafilter, and steam wand. The grinder allows you to adjust the grind size, which impacts the extraction rate and flavor of the espresso. The portafilter holds the ground coffee and is inserted into the group head during brewing, ensuring even extraction. The steam wand is used to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
How do I dial in the Breville BES870XL?
To dial in the Breville BES870XL, follow these steps:
- Set the grind size: Start with a medium grind setting and adjust it finer or coarser based on the extraction time.
- Measure the dose: Use a digital scale to measure the amount of ground coffee used for each shot. The recommended dose for a double shot is typically between 17 and 20 grams.
- Tamp the coffee: Use a tamper to evenly distribute and compact the ground coffee in the portafilter.
- Pull the shot: Insert the portafilter into the group head and press the appropriate button to start the brewing process. Aim for an extraction time between 25 and 30 seconds for a balanced espresso shot.
- Evaluate the shot: Taste the espresso shot to assess its flavor and quality. Look for a balanced flavor profile with sweetness, acidity, and bitterness in harmony.
What are some common troubleshooting tips for dialing in the Breville BES870XL?
Some common troubleshooting tips for dialing in the Breville BES870XL include:
- Over-extraction: If the espresso shot tastes bitter or astringent, it is likely over-extracted. Adjust the grind size coarser or reduce the extraction time.
- Under-extraction: If the espresso shot tastes sour or weak, it is likely under-extracted. Adjust the grind size finer or increase the extraction time.
- Inconsistent shot quality: Ensure that the portafilter is properly filled and tamped, and that the machine is clean and well-maintained. Use a digital scale to measure the dose and extraction time accurately.
How do I maintain the Breville BES870XL?
To maintain the Breville BES870XL, follow these steps:
- Clean the grinder: Regularly remove and clean the grinder burrs to prevent the accumulation of coffee oils and residues.
- Clean the portafilter: Rinse the portafilter and basket thoroughly after each use to remove any residual coffee grounds. Periodically soak the portafilter in a cleaning solution to remove stubborn stains and odors.
- Clean the steam wand: Purge the steam wand after each use to remove any residual milk. Regularly clean the steam wand with a damp cloth and a descaling solution to prevent milk buildup.