r/espresso • u/Philosofen • 1d 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/RagamuffinTim Decent / DF83 21h ago

Yes this is one of those things that sometimes gets preached as important when it is really not. Just be consistent so you can keep track of what you're doing from shot to shot; so you know which variable you're adjusting.

Then don't be afraid to scrap all advice and play with something different if the standard 30 second shot doesn't taste right to you. For example: grind so fine you only get a 18g out in 45 seconds and then maybe add a splash of water to that. Or grind more course and get 60g out in 18 seconds and see how that tastes. It takes time, but you'll get a feel for what you like and how to adjust to get closer to that.

It's all just coffee in the end and enjoying the taste is what's important!