How To Dial-in Any Espresso

By Author: Madhu
Total Articles: 1
Comment this article

If you’ve ever tried making espresso at home and ended up with a shot that was too sour, too bitter, or just plain disappointing — you’re not alone. Dialing in espresso is one of the most important (and most misunderstood) steps in making great coffee. But the good news? Once you understand a few key concepts, you'll be able to pull consistent and delicious shots every time.
At Script Coffee, we believe that brewing great espresso should feel approachable, not intimidating. Whether you’re diving into specialty coffee in Lebanon, OH, or exploring the best of craft coffee Cincinnati has to offer, this guide is for you.
What Does It Mean to “Dial-In” Espresso?
“Dialing in” is a term used by baristas and home brewers to describe the process of adjusting your espresso grind, dose, and extraction time to achieve the best flavor from your beans. Espresso is highly sensitive to small changes, so this process helps you fine-tune your equipment to match the bean you're using.
It’s all about getting that sweet spot — where your coffee tastes balanced, complex, and clean. That’s what makes specialty ...
... coffee stand out, whether you're brewing at home or serving business coffee in a professional setting.
Start with the Basics
Before diving deep, it’s essential to make sure the foundation is solid. Here’s what you’ll need:
A quality espresso machine and grinder

Fresh, high-quality fresh roasted coffee

A digital scale

A consistent brew recipe (like a 1:2 brew ratio)

Patience and a willingness to experiment

Many of our customers who buy specialty coffee online start here, using our beans to master their espresso shots — whether at home or in corporate coffee environments.
➡️ Visit Our Lebanon Coffee Shop →

Know Your Grinder Type
Not all grinders are created equal. Most home setups fall into two categories:
Grind-by-Time (GbT)
These grinders dose coffee based on how long they run. You set a timer (e.g., 3.5 seconds), and the grinder runs for that duration. This is the most common type found in local coffee Cincinnati homes.
Grind-by-Weight (GbW)
These grinders are more precise. You input the amount of coffee you want (e.g., 20g), and the grinder delivers exactly that. These are often found in high-end best coffee shops Cincinnati wide or used by wholesale coffee suppliers.
For home use, Grind-by-Time is more common—just be sure to regularly check how much coffee is being dispensed with a scale.
Understand Coffee Density by Roast Level
Here’s a surprising fact: not all coffee beans weigh the same. Roast level impacts the density of the bean:
Lighter Roasts are denser and need a finer grind

Darker Roasts are less dense and need a coarser grind

This matters when switching beans. For example, many gourmet coffee Cincinnati drinkers love experimenting with lighter single origins. If you don’t adjust grind size, your shot may come out too fast or too slow.
Brew Ratios 101
A brew ratio refers to how much coffee you use compared to how much espresso you extract. The most common ratio is 1:2:
20g of ground coffee → 40g of espresso in your cup (in about 30–35 seconds)

This is a great starting point for everything from bulk coffee beans for sale in office settings to single-cup shots in a home setup.
The Cheat Code: Keep Time Constant, Adjust Grind
Now, here’s the ultimate tip for dialing in any espresso:
Keep your grind time the same and only adjust your grind size.
Let’s say your Grind-by-Time grinder takes 3.45 seconds to produce 20g of ground coffee with a medium roast. When you switch beans:
Switching to a Light Roast? Grind finer

Switching to a Dark Roast? Grind coarser

This strategy is great for cafes and homes alike — from local coffee Cincinnati aficionados to those buying bulk coffee beans for sale.

➡️ Explore Our Lebanon Coffee House →
What to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes, especially when experimenting with speciality coffee:
Changing both time and grind at the same time

Ignoring the density of new beans

Using stale or overly old coffee

Stick to one adjustment at a time — grind size is usually the one to focus on.

Going From Medium to Light Roast: A Real Example
Imagine you’ve dialed in a medium roast perfectly and then switch to a light roast.
If you keep the grind time at 3.45 seconds:
You’ll probably get more coffee than intended in your portafilter (because light roasts grind slower and are denser)

Don’t reduce the time!

Instead, make the grind finer until you hit 20g in 3.45 seconds

The same principle applies in reverse when moving to a darker roast: make the grind coarser.
Final Thoughts
Dialing in espresso doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you understand your equipment, your beans, and your preferred recipe, everything gets easier.
Keep your grind time consistent, adjust your grind size to suit the roast, and stick with a solid brew ratio—and you’ll be pulling excellent shots in no time.
At Script Coffee, we believe every espresso tells a story. Whether you're a home brewer, a corporate coffee buyer, or running one of the best coffee shops in Cincinnati, quality and consistency start with the bean.
Ready to brew better espresso?
Explore our fresh roasted coffee — perfect for dialing in and elevating your daily routine. Whether you're looking to buy specialty coffee online, supply your office with business coffee, or source from trusted wholesale coffee suppliers, we’ve got you covered.
➡️ Visit Us in Lebanon for a Fresh Brew →