Why 18g Doesn't Fit in Your Espresso Basket!

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Help! Why doesn't my espresso portafilter / basket fit 18 grams of coffee!?!? In this video, we cover that exact topic to explain why you aren't able to fit the "standard" 18g dose of espresso into your portafilter without it overflowing. Spoiler alert, it isn't your fault OR the machine's fault, and you'll fully understand why by the end of this video!

#espresso #coffee #barista

Filming Setup

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0:00 - Espresso Baskets
0:48 - Reason 1
1:29 - Reason 2
2:24 - Not willing to sacrifice?
3:07 - Conclusion

[LifestyleLab_]

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[wangouthangout]

If you buy a dosing ring and a WDT tool you can fit the right amount in more easily. The right dose in any basket is usually a bit higher than the top loose. 1) Put dosing ring in portafilter, 2) grind coffee into portafilter, 3) stir a little with WDT, 4) bang on something a couple times to settle grounds. The grounds should be under the level of the basket rim now and less likely to spill all over the place.

[omzzy]

that was the best 3 minute i invested in watching a video to explain something that is never covered making espresso videos... thnks

[sameerchitley]

Had to figure this out myself through trial and error, and wished there was a resource like this online to explain it when I bought my machine a year and a half ago. Thanks for uploading!

[romangreer]

It is crazy how complicated it can all seem. I am almost 2 years into espresso now and I was so frustrated I almost gave up. It’s so worth it to do your homework and don’t be afraid to experiment and break “rules” to get that good first cup

[thiagob.]

Thanks for sharing knowledge! It's the first time after 2 years watching videos about specialty coffees that I hear about darker roasts being so much less dense. Makes total sense.

[QiAligned]

Exactly my problem right now, after owning a barista pro for a week or so. And I did exactly that. Went to my local grocer, got a bag of beans, set machine to default grinding, expected it to give me a perfect 18- 22g, it overflowed 😅😅. Somehow youtube read my mind and gave me your video even tho I did not search for it. Liked and subscribed. Thanks for making this video

[Tass...]

I use the IMS B62.52TH26E for my Breville (54mm) and for the perfect amount it's 19gr of light roast, 18gr of medium roast and 17gr of dark roast. This also allows for my Puck screen and it not being overfilled. Without using a Puck screen you could add 1gr to each of the roast types. If you want 18gr or more of dark roast (and a Puck screen) then you would want the 28E model.

[andrewmontigue]

Went crazy the first day trying to figure this exact issue out. Great video makes me feel less crazy. Thank you

[RobJefferson]

I wish I’d watched this 12 months ago. Makes total sense. Thank you for explaining such a simple but important topic.

[MyHam-osbq]

I’m so glad you forced me to allow you to explain. Never realized using a darker roast sometimes was the issue. Kind of embarrassed I’ve gone this long not knowing…

[elliotlazarus]

Excellent…thank you. After 9 years and 3 oracles, I knew many of these component parts but it took your tutorial to put it all together……wow!

[chunri]

My goodness where were you a year ago to explain this so simply! Thank you

[Bartowham]

Got my new machine (ESP3630) and bottomless portafilter today. 18g didn't fit; now I know why. Thank you.

[williamborgmann]

This video needs more attention! Such a common issue

[BellaHawkes]

at my cafe, we have this issue because of the coffee beans we use. A way I find is super useful when filling the portafil is using a small cup the diameter of the portafil, filling it and then transferring to the portafil. It reduces so much waste. Hope this helps someone😊

[ruimoura]

I have that exact machine, and have struggled with that exact problem. Nicely explained, clean and simple. New subscriber :)

My ideal dose for the beans i use is 17g, and that allows me to use the puck filter to keep things clean

[michaelerbreviews]

You approached this but didn't specifically say this. Some off-brand espresso machines simply come with smaller double baskets that can only be filled with about 15 grams of coffee.

[TheRealSamuiWebcam]

I use a 21g basket with my La Marzocco so I can fit a puck screen in as well. I love dark roasts. 20g in 40g out in 30 seconds. Perfect.

[franklanzi]

This has been one of the most informative espresso videos I’ve seen/needed. A year into it and somehow missed this one after experiencing this issue today. I was using super dark and smokey roast today after only using medium roasts and was wondering why 19g in my basket was so much more thank usual. Thanks for the help