How to Adjust Your Grinder for Perfect Espresso Extraction
How to Adjust Your Grinder for Perfect Espresso Extraction
(Why “0” is not used, why some grinders have 30 steps and others 35 or 60)
Choosing the correct grind size is one of the most important factors in achieving a perfect espresso shot. Even a powerful dual-boiler espresso machine cannot compensate for a grind that is too coarse or too fine. If your machine features a built-in burr grinder with selectable steps—such as 0–30, 0–35, or even 0–60—this guide will help you understand how to adjust it properly.
1. Why “0” Exists but Should Not Be Used
Many espresso grinders display a 0 at the start of the scale, but this level is not intended for brewing.
Why “0” exists
“0” is designed for factory calibration only.
At this position, the burrs are extremely close—sometimes touching—which can cause:
-
Motor stress
-
Burr damage
-
Extremely fine powder that clogs the portafilter
Usable range
On a 0–30 grinder, the practical range is typically:
⭐ 5–25
For beginners, a good starting point is:
➡️ Level 15–18 for most medium-roast beans.
2. Why Some Machines Have 30 Steps, Others 35 or 60
The number of grind steps varies between machines, but more steps does not necessarily mean better performance.
Here’s what the different ranges usually mean:
| Grind Range | Meaning | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 steps | Medium step size; each step changes extraction noticeably | Most home espresso machines |
| 0–35 steps | Slightly finer adjustments | Mid-range home machines |
| 0–60+ steps | Very fine control; micro-adjustments | Professional or standalone grinders |
Key takeaway
What truly matters is not the number of steps but:
-
The total grind range (fine → coarse)
-
The consistency of each step
-
The stability of the burr system
A high-quality built-in conical burr system with 30 steps already provides excellent control for home espresso.
3. How to Adjust Your Grinder for Espresso
Step 1 — Start at Level 15–18
This range is the most stable for achieving typical extraction times.
-
15–16 → Finer, suitable for light roast
-
17–18 → Balanced, suitable for medium roast
-
18–20 → Slightly coarser, suitable for dark roast
Step 2 — Check Your Extraction Time
The ideal extraction for a 1:2 ratio (e.g., 18g in → 36g out) is:
⭐ 25–30 seconds
| Extraction Time | Diagnosis | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| < 20 sec | Too coarse | Go finer by 2–3 steps |
| 20–30 sec | Ideal | No adjustment |
| > 35 sec | Too fine | Go coarser by 2–3 steps |
Step 3 — Adjust Based on Roast Level
| Roast Type | Grind Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light Roast | 15–16 | Harder beans, need finer grind |
| Medium Roast | 17–18 | Most forgiving and consistent |
| Dark Roast | 18–20 | Oily beans require coarser grind |
4. Troubleshooting: If You Still Can’t Dial In
Here are the most common reasons your extraction may still feel inconsistent:
1. Beans are not fresh
Coffee loses aroma and density after 3–4 weeks.
Old beans extract faster → adjust finer or replace beans.
2. Dose differences
Even with a 58mm portafilter:
-
14g → requires finer
-
16–18g → standard
-
20g → may require coarser to avoid choking
3. Switching beans = re-dialing required
Different origins, roast levels, and densities always require a new grind adjustment.
This is normal and expected.
5. Recommended Starting Points (Quick Reference Table)
| Bean Type | Recommended Grind | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Medium Roast (Colombia/Brazil) | 17–18 | 16–18g |
| Dark Roast (Italian) | 18–20 | 16–18g |
| Light Roast (Ethiopia) | 15–16 | 16–18g |
| Supermarket Oily Beans | 18–22 | 16g |
6. Why Your Grinder Is Designed This Way
A well-designed built-in grinder should provide:
-
A full usable range for espresso
-
Clear, stable step-by-step adjustments
-
Conical steel burrs for consistent particle size
-
Smooth operation across different roast levels
A 30-step internal grinder already covers the complete range required for home espresso brewing and gives beginners as well as home baristas plenty of room to fine-tune their shots.
Final Thoughts
Dialing in your grinder is an essential part of the espresso-making process. With the correct grind size—and a machine that offers stable temperature, pressure, and a reliable built-in burr grinder—you can consistently achieve café-quality results at home.