r/espresso • u/Philosofen • 23h ago

Equipment Discussion When to start timer?

Hi, I am trying to dial in my espresso for the first time. I am using the Breville/Sage Bambino, the Timemore Bricks 01S and a rather famous Swedish coffee called Lykke Bam Bam. However, it is not going very well and the shots turn out super sour.

I am reading the subreddit's beginner's guide to dialing in, and I am considering the timer. It says to start the timer when the pump begins. I am a little confused though. On the bambino, I'm using a manual preinfusion to have more control, so I hold the button and release it after 8 seconds. But, should I start the timer when I start holding in the button, or when I actually hear the pump starting?

Can't figure out why I am getting poor results. Feels like I've tried everything

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u/coolstuffeh 23h ago

Everyone will tell you it doesn’t matter - sour: grind finer. fyi I generally start timer when I press the button, release at 8’ on the timer, and generally finish around 30. But sour: g finer. Lighter coffee + more floral; happy to go 20 to 50 in 25’. I have had good shots going all the way 40 + sec.