How to Dial In Your Breville Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

Breville semi-automatic espresso machines, such as the Barista Express, Barista Pro, and Bambino Plus, are popular among home baristas for their ease of use and professional-level results. However, achieving the perfect espresso shot requires more than just pressing a button—it starts with dialing in your espresso beans. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master the process.

For those using the Oracle Jet or Touch Impress, the dialing-in process is handled by the barista guidance built into the machine, making it easier to achieve a balanced shot.

*Skip to the bottom of our blog post for a more precise look at parameter suggestions when using I.XXI espresso beans! 

1. Understand Dialing In

Dialing in refers to the process of adjusting grind size, dose, and extraction time to achieve a balanced espresso shot. A well-dialed-in espresso highlights the beans’ flavour notes, balancing sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. Different machines may require slightly different grind sizes, so experimentation is key.

2. Start with Fresh Beans 

• Use freshly roasted beans (ideally within 3-21 days of the roast date). 

• Store your beans in an airtight container away from light and heat to maintain freshness.

3. Get Set Up

• Turn your machine on, and make sure you have all the gear you need!

• Flush the group head: Run hot water through the portafilter to stabilize the temperature.

4. Adjust the Grind Size

The grind size directly impacts the extraction time. Here’s how to fine-tune it:

• On Breville machines, you typically sit around setting 5-10 on the built-in grinder.

• If your espresso flows too quickly (under 24 seconds), adjust to a finer grind.

• If it flows too slowly (over 35 seconds), adjust to a coarser grind.

• Note that machines like the Barista Express Impress, Oracle, or Oracle Touch will handle the dosing and tamping for you, but you will still need to adjust the grind size to achieve the best results!

5. Dose Your Coffee

• Use a digital scale, or the built in dosing system, dose out your grinds. For a standard double shot, aim for 18-20 grams of ground coffee (see below chart for more info). On some Breville machines the dose will be automatic or timed. 

• Level the coffee in the portafilter before tamping.

6. Tamp Consistently

• Use a firm and even pressure when tamping.

• Ensure the coffee bed is level to prevent channeling (water finding uneven paths through the coffee). Added tools and accessories can assist with a level bed of coffee! Try a WDT, or distributor for some help.

7. Extract the Shot

• Lock the portafilter into the group head and start the extraction.

• A perfect shot typically extracts in 2oz of liquid (for a double shot) in 25-30 seconds. Your pre-infusion is included in this time, the espresso should start to pour after approximately 8 seconds of pre-infusion. 

• Watch for a steady, honey-like flow.

8. Troubleshooting

• Under-extracted espresso (sour and watery): Use a finer grind, increase the dose, or lengthen the extraction time.

• Over-extracted espresso (bitter and dry): Use a coarser grind, decrease the dose, or shorten the extraction time.

• Uneven flow: Ensure even tamping and check for clogs in the basket or group head.

• Keep tweaking one variable at a time to refine the flavour.

Dialing in espresso beans on a Breville semi-automatic machine is as much an art as it is a science. By paying attention to details and practicing regularly, you’ll unlock the full potential of your beans and enjoy café-quality espresso at home. 

Stuggling to know where to start? Check out our chart below to dial in your Breville using our I.XXI espresso beans!

Note: This chart is merely a guide and starting point. 

Roast: 88MPH

Roast: Great Scott

Roast: Colombia Espresso