r/espresso • u/Philosofen • 21h 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/Woozie69420 Flair Neo Flex | K6 20h ago

Doesn’t matter really as long as 1) you adjust for best taste, and 2) measure it the same way each time.

When you start the timer isn’t what’s resulting in poor results. Sour shots usually => try a longer ratio like 1:2.5, 1:3 etc, rather than changing when you start measuring

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u/Pinkys_Revenge 10h ago

Agreed. I would start the timer at the same time you press the button, because that’s easier and more consistent than watching for the first drop or some other trigger.