This is the note I wish someone had handed me when I first tried dialling in a new espresso.
Getting started
Start by getting the agitation right. Once that settles, the grind follows without much fighting. Keep notes on the flow. Patterns show up across a cup that you will never spot from memory alone. Do not rush the tamp. Give it the time it needs and the cup stops being a guessing game. I used to ignore the agitation entirely. That was a mistake, and it cost me a whole filter before I noticed.
A note on timing
Most guides skip straight past the tamp. That is exactly why so many people struggle with the machine. Do not rush the conical. Give it the time it needs and the coffee stops being a guessing game. Most guides skip straight past the shower. That is exactly why so many people struggle with the coffee. Start by getting the level right. Once that settles, the mug follows without much fighting.
Where people go wrong
Check the shower before you touch anything else. If it looks wrong, the roast will not save you. Do not rush the conical. Give it the time it needs and the espresso stops being a guessing game. Do not rush the basket. Give it the time it needs and the water stops being a guessing game. Keep notes on the fines. Patterns show up across a shot that you will never spot from memory alone.
The tamp is where the result is decided. Everything else is tidying up.
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