Bargain€146
DeLonghi Dedica Style EC 685.S/M espressomachine
A compact, low-cost way to start pulling shots and practising the dial-in. Pair it with a separate grinder that has fine steps.
15 bar pump · Steam wand · Slim 15 cm body
Why your espresso tastes sour or bitter, and how to dial it in
Sour one day, bitter the next, from the same beans? That is usually extraction: how much of the coffee ended up in the cup, and how fast the water got through.
Start with 18 g in, 36 g out, in 25 to 30 seconds, then change only the grind. Use the dial-in desk to turn your numbers and your taste into a next step.
Stock the bar
Affiliate links, marked sponsored. Kit for this drink at three prices. Prices checked 4 Oct; every shop is on each product page.
Best value€370
DeLonghi La Specialista Arte EC9155MB volautomaat
Grinds and brews in one machine, so you can change the grind and watch time and taste respond, which is what dialling in is about.
Built-in grinder · Steam wand · Manual portafilter
Splurge€640
Sage the Bambino Plus Stainless Steel + Koffiemolen
A semi-automatic machine with a real portafilter and quick start-up, aimed at repeatable shots once you have a recipe worth repeating.
54 mm portafilter · Auto milk wand · Fast heat-up