Extraction times and flow for single shot
DT
via web
I'm currently making the transition from pods to fresh beans and had a question regarding extraction times and flow for single shots.
I'm using my zassenhaus hand mill for grinding and I think i've found the appropriate setting that will give me a pretty good good shot with decent crema. This would be a half turn coarser than the setting where the burrs fully touch, which produces a grind that's too fine and chokes the mypressi, in case anyone else is using a hand mill. With these settings, using the single basket and not attaching the bottom spouts, I get a flow rate that's slightly faster than single drips but slower than a continuous stream. I don't see any channeling. After ~30 seconds I have a very short shot, I would estimate volume as a little less than half a standard espresso cup. The crema is nice but on the lighter color side than I've seen using beans. Definitely lighter than when I used a grind setting that was an 1/8 of a turn coarser than my current setting. Tastes good, just curious if there's room for improvement.
So any suggestions? I am thinking that I'll try a slight nudge towards the coarser side of the grind tonight as I assume I should be seeing more of a continuous stream instead of the fast drips. Also, is this a function of using the single basket instead of a double? Also, I am doing the standard pre heating of the water bowl and cup as per the instructions. Thanks for the help.
-DT
Comments are currently closed for this discussion. You can start a new one.
Support Staff 2 Posted by Stephen on 05 Mar, 2010 05:54 PM
It sounds like you can definitely go coarser. The single basket should give you 1oz in about 20 secs. The double basket should give you 1oz in about 25-30 secs. Of course, this all varies depending on many factors.
The process you are going through is that of "dialling-in" the grind. Everyone has to do it with every machine, and baristas will often do it several times per day as humidity changes and the roast ages.
It sounds like you currently have an over-extraction, or too slow a shot. You will probably notice an improved taste and crema by allowing the shot to run a little faster.
Please let us know how you go.
Best regards,
Stephen
3 Posted by DT on 05 Mar, 2010 09:36 PM
Stephen,
Thanks for the info. I think I've found a grind setting on my zassenhaus that gives me great results with the double basket. Oddly, a grind that works excellent for the double stills yields a slow shot with the single. So i've given up on the singles and am sticking with the doubles for now.
Quick question: When you say that for a double basket I should get 1oz in 25-30 seconds does this apply to a naked shot or does that actually mean 25 seconds for 1oz in each of two cup using the bottom spout attachments. I'm exclusively going with naked shots so I just wanted to clarify if I'm looking for 1oz or 2oz into one cup after 25-30 sec.
Thanks for all the help. Fresh batch of beans arriving today so more grind optimization to come.
-DT
Support Staff 4 Posted by Stephen on 05 Mar, 2010 09:40 PM
Sorry, that was a typing error. You should get about 2oz in 25-30 seconds from the double. You can measure it while making naked shots, but ultimately these are just guidelines. Go with what tastes best. Some coffees like a 40-50 second extraction.
Stephen resolved this discussion on 12 Mar, 2010 10:28 PM.