How to Pull a Great Shot of Espresso at Home

Pulling a perfect shot of espresso might seem like something only pros can do—but with a few fundamentals, you can get café-quality results right from your kitchen. Whether you’re using a home espresso machine or upgrading your morning ritual, this guide will help you get the best from your beans.

Start with Fresh Beans

Great espresso starts with great coffee. Use high-quality, freshly roasted beans—ideally roasted within the last few weeks. Espresso tends to work best with a medium to dark roast, but experiment to find what you love.

Tip: Always grind your beans just before brewing. Freshness matters.

Get the Grind Right

Espresso requires a fine, consistent grind—something close to table salt in texture. Too coarse and your espresso will be weak and sour. Too fine and it’ll come out bitter or not at all.

Your target is a 25–30 second extraction time for a double shot. If it runs too fast or too slow, adjust your grind.

Dose Precisely

Use a digital scale for this part. For a standard double shot, you’ll want:

• 18 to 20 grams of coffee in

• 36 to 40 grams of espresso out

This 1:2 ratio is a great starting point, but you can adjust slightly based on your taste preferences.

Tamp with Purpose

Tamping helps create resistance for water pressure and ensures even extraction. Use a level, firm tamp (around 30 pounds of pressure), and make sure your puck is flat.

An uneven tamp leads to “channeling”—where water flows through certain areas too fast, ruining the shot.

Preheat Your Gear

Espresso is sensitive to temperature. Always preheat your espresso machine and portafilter by running a blank shot (without coffee). This helps maintain stability and improves flavor consistency.

Pull the Shot

Lock in the portafilter and start your shot. You’re aiming for:

• 25–30 seconds of extraction

• A smooth, steady flow (like warm honey)

• 36–40 grams of liquid for a double shot

The result should have a rich crema on top and taste balanced—bold, yet smooth.

Taste and Adjust

Espresso is a game of small tweaks. If it’s too sour, try a finer grind or a longer extraction. Too bitter? Try a coarser grind or a shorter shot. Keep notes, taste often, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Bonus: Use the Right Cup

Your espresso deserves a vessel that holds the heat and elevates the experience. At Ceramora, we design our cups to keep your espresso warm, feel great in your hand, and showcase that golden crema. Our Jupiter and Venus cups are built just for this.

Enjoy the process. A great shot of espresso isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual. One that rewards patience, care, and good ceramic.