How to Translate Older Barista Pro Grind Charts
Each number on the Breville Barista Pro grind setting dial corresponds to specific particle size measured in microns (μm). Settings 1-11 produce espresso-range grind suitable for the portafilter; settings 12-16 produce coarse grind for alternative brewing methods.
Settings 1-5: Ultra-Fine (Turkish to Ultra-Fine Espresso)
Setting Number 1
Ultra-Fine (Turkish to Ultra-Fine Espresso)
Best For: Turkish coffee, ultra-fine espresso, very oily dark roasts
Extraction Time: 35-45 seconds (may choke)
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 1 produces the finest particle size. Use only for Turkish coffee preparation or extremely oily dark roast beans that require maximum extraction resistance.
⚠️ Setting number 1 may completely choke the Breville Barista Pro pump. Start with number 4-6 for espresso and adjust finer only if necessary.
Setting Number 2
Ultra-Fine Espresso
Best For: Dark roast espresso, very fresh beans with high CO2
Extraction Time: 32-40 seconds
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 2 is suitable for extremely oily dark roasts where standard espresso settings flow too quickly. The ultra-fine particles create necessary resistance.
⚠️ Setting number 2 often too fine for medium roasts; monitor extraction time carefully to avoid over-extraction.
Setting Number 3
Very Fine Espresso
Best For: Dark roast espresso, single origin beans requiring fine grinding
Extraction Time: 28-35 seconds
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 3 suits dark roasted single origins and beans older than 3 weeks that require finer grinding to compensate for CO2 loss.
⚠️ Setting number 3 may still choke with light roasts; reserve for dark roasts only.
Setting Number 4
Fine Espresso
Best For: Standard dark roast espresso, older beans (3+ weeks)
Extraction Time: 26-32 seconds
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 4 is the recommended starting point for dark roasted espresso beans in the 2-4 week freshness window. Provides optimal resistance for dark roast extraction.
⚠️ Setting number 4 produces slow extraction with light roasts; adjust to number 7-8 for medium-light beans.
Setting Number 5
Fine Espresso Range
Best For: Medium-dark roast espresso, standard espresso preparation
Extraction Time: 25-30 seconds
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 5 works well for most medium-dark roast espresso blends at peak freshness (1-3 weeks post-roast). The 400-450 micron particles provide balanced extraction resistance.
⚠️ Setting number 5 may extract quickly with very fresh light roasts; pair with slightly higher dose if needed.
Settings 6-10: Fine Espresso Range
Setting Number 6
Fine Espresso Range
Best For: Medium roast espresso, versatile starting point
Extraction Time: 24-28 seconds
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 6 serves as an alternative starting point for medium roast espresso beans, offering slightly faster flow than setting 5 while maintaining proper extraction pressure.
⚠️ Setting number 6 produces fast extraction with dark roasts; pair with higher dose or adjust to setting 4-5.
Setting Number 7
Medium-Fine Espresso
Best For: Medium roast espresso, fresh beans (1-2 weeks)
Extraction Time: 23-27 seconds
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 7 is the recommended starting point for medium roast espresso beans at optimal freshness. The 500-550 micron particles balance flow rate with extraction yield.
⚠️ Setting number 7 may run fast with beans older than 3 weeks; adjust finer to setting 5-6.
Setting Number 8
Medium Espresso (Default)
Best For: Medium roast espresso, universal starting point
Extraction Time: 22-26 seconds (target: 25s)
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 8 is the factory default and recommended universal starting point for dialing in espresso. Adjust finer (numbers 1-7) or coarser (numbers 9-16) based on extraction results.
⚠️ Setting number 8 requires adjustment based on bean age and roast level; not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Setting Number 9
Medium Espresso
Best For: Light-medium roast espresso, very fresh beans
Extraction Time: 20-24 seconds
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 9 suits light-medium roasts with high density that resist water flow even at coarser settings. The 600-650 micron particles allow proper flow.
⚠️ Setting number 9 may produce under-extracted sour shots with dark roasts; adjust finer for darker beans.
Setting Number 10
Medium-Coarse Espresso
Best For: Light roast espresso, extremely fresh beans (1 week)
Extraction Time: 18-22 seconds
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 10 works for very light roasted specialty coffee with high acidity that requires faster extraction to preserve brightness.
⚠️ Setting number 10 typically too coarse for standard espresso; monitor for under-extraction and sour taste.
Settings 11-15: Medium-Fine to Medium (Moka Pot to Drip)
Setting Number 11
Coarse Espresso / Moka Pot
Best For: Light roast espresso borderline, Moka pot preparation
Extraction: 15-20 seconds
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 11 borders on too coarse for espresso; suitable for Moka pot coffee preparation using the machine's grind-by-time feature.
⚠️ Setting number 11 produces under-extracted espresso; not recommended for standard espresso shots. Use for Moka pot only.
Setting Number 12
Fine Drip / Moka Pot
Best For: Moka pot, AeroPress (fine side), pour-over borderline
Extraction: N/A (not for espresso)
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 12 produces grind suitable for Moka pot stovetop espresso makers and fine-side AeroPress brewing methods.
⚠️ Setting number 12 too coarse for espresso machine portafilters; use for alternative brewing methods only.
Setting Number 13
Medium Drip
Best For: Drip coffee makers, AeroPress (medium), pour-over (fine)
Extraction: N/A (not for espresso)
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 13 suits automatic drip coffee machines and medium-fine pour-over methods like Hario V60 with faster flow requirements.
⚠️ Setting number 13 exclusively for non-espresso brewing methods. Do not use for espresso extraction.
Setting Number 14
Medium-Coarse Drip
Best For: Pour-over (medium), Chemex (fine side)
Extraction: N/A (not for espresso)
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 14 produces medium-coarse grind ideal for Chemex and standard pour-over brewing with 3-4 minute contact time.
⚠️ Setting number 14 exclusively for pour-over and drip coffee preparation. Not suitable for espresso.
Setting Number 15
Coarse (French Press Fine Side)
Best For: French press (fine side), cold brew (fine side), Chemex coarse
Extraction: N/A (not for espresso)
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 15 suits French press coffee preparation and fine-side cold brew grinding for 12-18 hour cold extraction.
⚠️ Setting number 15 exclusively for immersion and cold brewing methods. Never use for espresso extraction.
Setting 16: Coarsest (French Press)
Setting Number 16
Coarsest (French Press)
Best For: French press, cold brew, cupping
Extraction: N/A (immersion brewing)
Breville Barista Pro grind setting number 16 produces the coarsest grind suitable for French press plunger coffee and cold brew immersion requiring 12+ hours extraction time.
⚠️ Setting number 16 exclusively for coarse brewing methods; never use for espresso machine extraction. Largest particle size the grinder produces.
Particle Size Ranges by Setting Number
| Setting Number Range | Particle Size | Category | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings 1-5 | 200-450 microns | Ultra-fine to Fine Espresso | Turkish coffee, dark roast espresso, aged beans |
| Settings 6-10 | 450-700 microns | Fine to Medium-Coarse Espresso | Medium roast espresso, light roast espresso, fresh beans |
| Settings 11-15 | 700-1400 microns | Coarse Espresso to Medium-Coarse | Moka pot, drip coffee, pour-over methods |
| Setting 16 | 1400-1600 microns | Coarsest | French press, cold brew immersion |
Breville Barista Pro Grind Setting Numbers by Bean Type
Different coffee beans require different Breville Barista Pro grind setting numbers based on roast level, origin, density, and freshness. Use these specific number recommendations as starting points.
Light Roast Single Origin
Setting 9-10Roast Profile: Light brown, no oil, high acidity, dense structure
Particle Size: 600-700 microns
Target: 22-26 seconds for 36g output
Light roast beans are dense and resist water flow. Breville Barista Pro grind setting numbers 9-10 provide coarser grind compensating for bean density while maintaining extraction pressure for bright, acidic profiles.
Medium Roast Espresso Blend
Setting 7-8Roast Profile: Medium brown, no surface oil, balanced flavor
Particle Size: 500-600 microns
Target: 24-28 seconds for 36-40g output
Medium roast espresso blends work best with Breville Barista Pro setting numbers 7-8 providing standard espresso particle size for balanced extraction of sweetness and acidity.
Dark Roast Espresso
Setting 4-6Roast Profile: Dark brown, surface oil visible, low acidity
Particle Size: 400-500 microns
Target: 26-30 seconds for 36g output
Dark roast beans extract quickly due to bean structure breakdown. Breville Barista Pro setting numbers 4-6 provide finer grind slowing extraction and preventing over-extraction bitterness while preserving crema.
Very Fresh Beans (1-2 weeks)
Setting 8-9Roast Profile: High CO2 content, active blooming, resistant to water
Particle Size: 550-650 microns
Target: 23-27 seconds for 36g output
Very fresh beans contain CO2 causing resistance. Breville Barista Pro setting numbers 8-9 provide slightly coarser grind allowing CO2 escape during pre-infusion while maintaining proper flow.
Aged Beans (3-4+ weeks)
Setting 5-7Roast Profile: Degassed, less aromatic oils, faster extraction
Particle Size: 450-550 microns
Target: 25-29 seconds for 36g output
Older beans extract faster due to CO2 loss. Breville Barista Pro setting numbers 5-7 provide finer grind compensating for reduced extraction resistance and preserving flavor intensity.
Decaf Espresso
Setting 6-8Roast Profile: Variable roast, typically darker, more brittle
Particle Size: 500-600 microns
Target: 24-28 seconds for 36g output
Decaf beans are more brittle due to decaffeination process. Breville Barista Pro setting numbers 6-8 provide balanced grind size accounting for increased friability of decaf beans.
What Number Should I Use? Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Find the exact Breville Barista Pro grind setting number for your specific situation with these quick-reference answers.
1 What number should I use for Breville Barista Pro espresso?
Start at setting number 8 (factory default). Adjust based on extraction: if shot runs faster than 20 seconds, use a lower number (7, 6, 5); if slower than 30 seconds, use a higher number (9, 10). Most espresso extracts properly between settings 4-10 depending on bean type.
2 What number should I use for dark roast beans?
Use Breville Barista Pro grind setting numbers 4-6 for dark roast espresso. Dark roasts extract quickly due to oil content and bean structure breakdown. Setting 4 (350-400 microns) for very oily beans, setting 6 (450-500 microns) for moderately dark roasts.
3 What number should I use for light roast beans?
Use Breville Barista Pro grind setting numbers 8-10 for light roast espresso. Light roasts are dense and resist water flow. Setting 8 (550-600 microns) for medium-light, setting 10 (650-700 microns) for very light roasts with high acidity.
4 What number should I use for fresh beans?
Use Breville Barista Pro grind setting numbers 8-9 for beans 1-2 weeks post-roast. Fresh beans contain CO2 that creates resistance. The slightly coarser grind (550-650 microns) allows proper flow while the gas escapes during pre-infusion.
5 What number should I use for old beans?
Use Breville Barista Pro grind setting numbers 5-7 for beans 3+ weeks post-roast. Older beans have lost CO2 and extract faster. The finer grind (450-550 microns) compensates for reduced resistance and maintains extraction yield.
6 What number should I use for French press?
Use Breville Barista Pro grind setting numbers 15-16 for French press coffee. Setting 15 (1200-1400 microns) for fine-side French press, setting 16 (1400-1600 microns) for standard coarse French press grind requiring 4-minute steep time.
7 What number should I use for Moka pot?
Use Breville Barista Pro grind setting numbers 11-12 for Moka pot brewing. Setting 11 (700-800 microns) borders espresso-fine for strong Moka, setting 12 (800-900 microns) for standard Moka pot grind that prevents over-extraction on the stovetop.
8 What number should I use for pour-over?
Use Breville Barista Pro grind setting numbers 13-14 for pour-over coffee. Setting 13 (900-1000 microns) for fine pour-over like V60, setting 14 (1000-1200 microns) for medium-coarse pour-over like Chemex with 3-4 minute brew time.
9 What number should I use if my shot is gushing too fast?
If your espresso shot extracts faster than 20 seconds (gushing), decrease the Breville Barista Pro grind setting number by 1-2. For example, change from setting 9 to setting 7. Lower numbers produce finer grind that slows extraction.
10 What number should I use if my shot is dripping too slow?
If your espresso shot extracts slower than 35 seconds (dripping), increase the Breville Barista Pro grind setting number by 1-2. For example, change from setting 4 to setting 6. Higher numbers produce coarser grind that speeds extraction.
Breville Barista Pro vs Barista Express: Setting Numbers Comparison
The Barista Pro and Barista Express do not translate one-to-one. Use this table to understand direction and workflow, then dial in by dose, yield, time, and taste.
| Feature | Barista Pro | Barista Express | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Grind Settings | 30 external settings on most current machines | 16 settings (numbered 1-16) | Do not translate numbers directly between models; use shot time and taste. |
| Espresso Range | Common starting range: 8-16 | Settings 1-9 (200-600 microns) | The exact number changes with roast, age, dose, and internal burr setting. |
| Default Setting | Often around the middle of the 1-30 range | Setting 5 (400-450 microns) | Use the factory default as a starting point, then time the shot. |
| Finest Setting | Setting 1 (200-250 microns) | Setting 1 (200-250 microns) | Both achieve same finest particle size for Turkish coffee |
| Coarsest Setting | Setting 30 on current 1-30 range | Setting 16 (1200-1500 microns) | Higher numbers are coarser, but brew-method suitability depends on calibration. |
| Grinder Type | Stainless steel conical burrs, digital timer | Stainless steel conical burrs, manual dial | Barista Pro features digital grind time adjustment |
Key Difference: The Barista Pro's current 1-30 range gives more visible external steps. Always start near the recommended range for your bean type, then move lower for finer/slower shots or higher for coarser/faster shots.
How to Dial In Using Breville Barista Pro Grind Setting Numbers
Start at Breville Barista Pro Setting Number 8
Setting number 8 (550-600 microns) is the factory default and universal starting point for dialing in espresso on the Breville Barista Pro.
💡 Tip: If you know your bean type, start at setting 6 for dark roasts, setting 8 for medium roasts, or setting 9 for light roasts.
Pull Test Shot and Time Extraction
Extract 18-20g of espresso from 18g dose. Time from pump activation to reach 36-40g output target.
💡 Tip: Target 25-30 seconds total extraction time. Faster than 25s requires lower setting number (finer). Slower than 30s requires higher setting number (coarser).
Adjust Setting Number by 1
Change the Breville Barista Pro grind setting number one step at a time. Each number change significantly affects extraction time.
💡 Tip: Decrease number for finer grind (slower extraction). Increase number for coarser grind (faster extraction). Never adjust more than 2 numbers at once.
Evaluate and Taste
Assess extraction flow (steady stream like honey is ideal) and taste the espresso for balance between sour and bitter.
💡 Tip: Sour taste = decrease setting number (finer). Bitter taste = increase setting number (coarser). Balanced taste = document the setting number.
Document Your Setting Number
Record the optimal Breville Barista Pro grind setting number for each bean type, roast level, and freshness.
💡 Tip: Different beans require different setting numbers. Keep a log: bean name, roast date, optimal setting number, extraction time.
Grind Setting Number Adjustment Rules
⬇️ Decrease Setting Number (Finer)
- • Shot extracts faster than 20 seconds
- • Espresso tastes sour or under-extracted
- • Using dark roast beans
- • Beans are 3+ weeks old
- • Flow appears gushing or thin
Adjust 1 number at a time toward 1
⬆️ Increase Setting Number (Coarser)
- • Shot extracts slower than 30 seconds
- • Espresso tastes bitter or over-extracted
- • Using light roast beans
- • Beans are 1-2 weeks old (very fresh)
- • Flow is dripping or stalled
Adjust 1 number at a time toward 16
