Barista Essentials
The Routine
It’s like learning a drum solo. Start slow, master the beat & then build the tempo. Soon enough you’ll be able to make the perfect espresso time & time again. Even with high volume & the crowd demanding more.
Grind
Dose
Settle
Level
Tamp
Insert
Engage
Grind
For optimum flavour, consistency, & quality coffee, grind fresh & grind to order. If more than 10 mins have passed since last grind you will need to purge the stale coffee from the chamber, this will ensure you are using fresh grinds every time.
NB. Grinds have a limited shelf life as they start to oxidise within the first 10 minutes.
Dose
After removing the portafilter, purge the group head. This will rinse off coffee residue & release any built-up water pressure.
After emptying the portafilter’s used grinds into dump box, wipe & dry basket, then start dosing up to ¾ of the basket with fresh coffee.
Settle
Once ¾ of coffee has been added, settle the portafilter once, firmly, on the grinder fork.
NB. Settling ensures the removal of undesirable pockets of air formed during the dosing process. This is the foundation for better coffee pre-infusion. Settling creates consistency & better flavour during the brewing process.
Level
After settling, top up the portafilter basket until slightly overflowing with grind. Using the flattest part of the grinds lid, evenly distribute the grind, ensuring there are no holes on the surface or sides for water to channel through.
Then, level off any excess grind into the grinds chamber.*
While leveling, avoid scooping coffee out by digging the grinds lid or other tools.
*Manual Grinder Only
Tamp
Sit the portafilter on a level surface. Ensure you are not resting on the spouts as this may lead to damage. Line up the tamp so it is flush with the portafilter, then apply downwards pressure. Lift the tamp off & sit back in the portafilter to gently twist & polish any loose grinds. Remove the tamp & wipe away any excess grind.
NB. Using your wrist to apply pressure may lead to injury. Keep your forearm straight, using your shoulder for strength.
Insert
Insert. Quickly & gently lock portafilter into grouphead by turning anti-clockwise till tight.
Engage
Once the portafilter is inserted, activate the group head to start brewing.
NB. It is important to commence brewing immediately. Leaving coffee to sit under heat can burn the fresh coffee, resulting in inconsistent flow & unpleasant flavours.