Espresso Machine
Product Information:
Specifications:
- Product Name: The Little Guy Espresso
Maker - Usage: Dosing & Tamping Guide
- Recommended Shot Time: 6-8 minutes
Product Usage Instructions:
1. Adjusting Grind & Dose:
If the espresso comes out too quickly (before the 6-8 minute
mark), the grind is likely too coarse. Adjust the grind setting on
your grinder to make it finer. Experiment with different grind
sizes until you achieve the desired shot time.
2. Tamping:
After dosing the coffee grounds into the portafilter, use a
tamper to evenly press down on the grounds. Apply firm and even
pressure to ensure a compact and uniform puck. This step is crucial
for proper extraction and flavor consistency.
3. Shot Performance:
Monitor the shot performance in terms of temperature and
pressure. Adjust the dose and tamping pressure accordingly to
achieve the desired flavor profile. Consistent shot times and
visual cues like crema thickness can guide your adjustments.
FAQ:
Q: How do I clean The Little Guy Espresso Maker?
A: To clean the espresso maker, disassemble the portafilter and
group head after each use. Rinse them with warm water and mild
detergent. Periodically backflush the machine with a cleaning
solution to remove coffee oils and residue.
Q: Why is my espresso shot sour?
A: Sour espresso shots can result from under-extraction, which
can be caused by using a coarse grind, insufficient dosing, or low
brewing temperature. Adjust your grind size, dose amount, and
brewing parameters to achieve a balanced extraction.
The Little Guy – Dosing & Tamping Guide
Before You Begin – Choose the Right Filter Basket The Little Guy includes two filter baskets: · Supermarket filter – for pre-ground supermarket coffee · Espresso filter – for café-ground or home-ground espresso coffee If you’re using supermarket pre-ground coffee, use the supermarket filter. Please note that some supermarket coffee is ground correctly for espresso, so you should use the espresso basket. Always start with the espresso filter when testing or learning – it provides better flavour and more precise control, even with pre-ground coffee. 1. Start with a 20-21g Dose
· Start by dosing 20-21 grams of finely ground coffee into the portafilter. · Distribute the coffee evenly and tamp once using The Little Guy’s 51mm tamper,
applying firm, level pressure (around 15-20kg). · Target a 25-30ml espresso yield in 25-30 seconds of extraction time. · The total brew time from cold start to finished espresso should be 6 to 8 minutes. 2. Progress to 22-24g Using the Double-Tamp Method Once you’re confident with your technique, increase the dose to 22-24 grams for a stronger, more developed shot. · Fill the portafilter about ¾ of the coffee you have measured. This should fill the portafilter to the top, distribute the coffee, and lightly tamp to compress the base. · Add the remaining coffee to fill the basket completely, distribute again, and apply a firm final tamp using The Little Guy’s tamper. This two-stage tamping method helps evenly compact the higher dose for optimal extraction.
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3. Adjust Grind & Dose Based on Shot Performance If the espresso comes out too quickly (before the 6-8 minute mark), the grind is likely too coarse.
· Adjust to a finer grind and ensure your tamp is firm and level. · If the shot takes too long (past 8 minutes), the grind may be too fine or the dose too
high. Adjust to a slightly coarser grind, or reduce the dose slightly. 4. Clean the Portafilter Rim Before brewing, always wipe away any loose coffee from the rim of the portafilter to ensure a clean seal in the group head and prevent channeling. Tips for Best Results · Use a fine espresso grind and adjust as needed based on shot time and total brew time. · For a 22-24g dose, aim for 30-40ml of espresso in 28-35 seconds, within a total brew
time of 6-8 minutes. · Use The Little Guy induction top or a stable heat source to maintain consistent
temperature and pressure.
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Documents / Resources
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THE LITTLE GUY Espresso Machine [pdf] User Guide Espresso Machine, Espresso, Machine |