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If you have a Breville Barista Express, getting a great espresso shot can take a little trial and error. After experimenting with my setup, these are the settings I like to start with for a consistent, rich shot at home.

The goal isn’t to find one perfect setting for every coffee bean. It’s to find a reliable starting point and make small adjustments based on how your espresso tastes.

My Go-To Breville Barista Express Settings

Here’s my current setup:

• Grind size: 6
• Filter basket: Double-shot basket
• Grind amount dial: Just short of the 6 o’clock position
• Coffee beans: Fresh beans make a difference, and different roasts may need different settings.

These settings are my personal starting point, not a universal recipe. Your ideal grind and dose can change depending on your beans, roast level, and how fresh the coffee is.

How I Adjust My Espresso

If your espresso tastes sour

Sour espresso can be a sign of under-extraction. Try making the grind slightly finer, then pull another shot and compare the taste. You can also check your dose and yield.

If your espresso tastes bitter

Bitterness can be associated with over-extraction, although darker roasts can taste naturally bitter, too. Try a slightly coarser grind and see whether the flavor improves.

If your shot runs too quickly

A grind that is too coarse can allow water to flow through the coffee too quickly. Try adjusting finer in small increments.

If your shot runs too slowly

Your grind may be too fine, or the basket may be overdosed. Try adjusting coarser or checking the amount of coffee in the basket.

Don’t Forget About the Beans

One of the biggest things to remember is that your settings won’t necessarily work perfectly with every bag of coffee. A new roast may need a different grind size or dose, even if you’re using the same machine.

When switching beans, start with your usual settings and make small adjustments until the espresso tastes balanced.

Final Thoughts

My current Breville Barista Express starting point is a grind size of 6, the double-shot filter basket, and the grind amount dial just short of 6 o’clock.

The most important thing is to use these settings as a starting point rather than a strict rule. Pay attention to how your espresso tastes, make one adjustment at a time, and keep track of what works for your favorite beans.

Want better espresso at home? Save these settings as a starting point and experiment with small changes to find your ideal shot.

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