Grind Settings Overview
1-5 (Finest)
Espresso, very fine grindsExtraction: Slower, more resistance
Notes: May choke machine with dark roasts
6-15 (Fine to Medium)
Most espresso and pour-overExtraction: Target 25-30 seconds
Notes: Good starting range for most users
16-25 (Medium to Coarse)
French press, drip coffeeExtraction: Faster flow, less resistance
Notes: Too coarse for espresso
26-40 (Very Coarse)
Cold brew onlyExtraction: Very fast flow
Notes: Not suitable for espresso or drip
How to Dial In
Start at Setting 8
Why: Middle ground for Breville's range
Adjust: Go finer if too fast, coarser if too slow
Pull a Shot
Why: Observe extraction time and flow
Adjust: Target 25-30 seconds for 2oz output
Assess Flow
Why: Fast gushing = too coarse, slow drip = too fine
Adjust: Change 1 setting at a time
Taste Test
Why: Sour = under-extracted, bitter = over-extracted
Adjust: Finer for sour, coarser for bitter
Document Settings
Why: Different beans need different settings
Adjust: Note what works for each coffee
Bean-Specific Settings
Light Roast
5-8 (Finer)Dense beans need finer grind for proper extraction
Medium Roast
8-12 (Standard)Good starting point, adjust to taste
Dark Roast
12-16 (Coarser)Oils extract quickly, coarser prevents bitterness
Fresh (1-2 weeks old)
Standard or slightly coarserFresh beans have more CO2, may need adjustment
Older (3-4+ weeks)
Finer than usualCompensate for degassing with finer grind
Troubleshooting
❌ Shot runs too fast (under 20 seconds)
Cause: Grind too coarse
Solution: Decrease grind setting by 1-2 numbers
❌ Shot runs too slow (over 35 seconds)
Cause: Grind too fine
Solution: Increase grind setting by 1-2 numbers
❌ No crema
Cause: Stale beans or grind too coarse
Solution: Use fresher beans, go finer
❌ Bitter taste
Cause: Over-extraction from too fine grind
Solution: Increase grind setting, reduce dose
❌ Sour taste
Cause: Under-extraction from too coarse grind
Solution: Decrease grind setting, increase dose
❌ Channeling (uneven extraction)
Cause: Inconsistent grind distribution
Solution: Tap portafilter, distribute grounds evenly
