Dosing & measuring for the perfect brew

When it comes to brewing the perfect cup, getting the right dose and measurement is essential. Whether you’re using an Espresso Machine, Pour Over, French Press, or other filter methods, precise measurements can make all the difference in flavour and consistency.

 

Why Dosing & Measuring Matters

Coffee is a precise science, and the amount of coffee you use relative to the water affects everything from strength to extraction. Too little coffee can result in a weak, under-extracted brew, while too much can lead to an intense, bitter flavour. Consistent dosing ensures that every cup you brew tastes just the way you like it.

A common starting ratio for filter coffee is 1:15 (1g of coffee to 15g of water). However, this can vary based on your roast, taste preference and brewing method. Below are recommended dosing guidelines for different brewing methods. These guidelines are based on industry standards and make a great starting point. Feel free to adjust according to your roast and flavour preference.

 

Dosing recommendations by brewing method

 

Espresso Machine

  • Dose: 1:2 coffee-to-water ratio, e.g. 21g of coffee yields approximately 42g of espresso. Experiment with 21-24g of finely ground coffee for a double shot.
  • Extraction time: 20-30 seconds
  • Tips: We recommend using a double portafilter for consistency in yield. Adjusting the dose or grind size will affect the extraction time, so experiment to find the balance that suits your taste.

 

V60 Pour Over

  • Dose: Approx. 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio e.g. we like to follow 14g of ground coffee for 200ml of water.
  • Brew time: 2 minutes, depending on the grind size and pour technique.
  • Tips: For a well-rounded flavour, aim for a medium-fine grind. Adjust the grind or water temperature slightly to control the extraction.

 

French Press / Plunger

  • Dose:  Approx. 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio e.g. we like to follow 22g of ground coffee for 350ml of hot water.
  • Brew time: 4 minutes.
  • Tips: A coarse grind works best for the French Press, preventing grounds from seeping through the filter and creating a clean cup.

 

AeroPress

  • Dose: Approx. 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio e.g. we like to follow 14g of ground coffee for 200ml of water.
  • Brew time: 2 to 2.5 minutes.
  • Tips: The AeroPress offers versatility, try adjusting the steeping time to explore different flavours. A medium-fine grind is ideal for the AeroPress.

 

Tools you’ll need

  • A digital scale is the most accurate way to measure both your coffee and water.
  • A dosing cup is a great tool to help you measure and transfer coffee grounds easily, particularly for espresso and filter brewing. It ensures you’re using the right amount of coffee every time without the mess.
  • For methods like Pour Over and Espresso, a timer will help you track brew time to deliver precise extraction.
  • A grinder for that beautiful, freshly ground coffee. Use the right grind size for your brewing method. We recommend coarse for French Press, medium for Pour Over, and fine for Espresso.

 

Dosing your coffee

When dosing your coffee, begin by weighing your coffee beans to ensure consistent flavour and strength. The grind size should match your brewing method, as finer grinds slow extraction, while coarser grinds allow for faster brewing. For most brewing methods, you’ll also want to measure your water according to your coffee dose, maintaining a balanced coffee-to-water ratio. Espresso machines differ slightly, as they don’t require weighing the water, focusing instead on the coffee dose and extraction time.

With everything properly measured, you can brew confidently, knowing your ratios are set for an optimal extraction.

 

Tips for consistency

  • Use the same scale and grinder each time to keep your measurements consistent.
  • Adjust ratios based on personal preference. If your coffee tastes too intense, try reducing the amount of coffee, vice versa.
  • Keep track of your results so you can fine-tune your process over time.

You can check out our full range of machines, brewing tools and equipment online. Happy brewing!

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