Solution Guide
Preheat Machine Properly
Can be done immediately with no special skills
No additional cost required
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Step-by-Step Visuals
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Allow your espresso machine to heat for at least 20-30 minutes. Run water through the group head before your first shot.
Stable brewing temperature, more consistent extraction, better flavor development.
Effectiveness
Based on community feedback and expert recommendations
Full Guide
Goal
Ensure your espresso machine and portafilter are fully heated before pulling shots for temperature stability.
Why it matters
Cold metal absorbs heat from the brewing water, dropping the actual temperature at the coffee puck. This leads to under-extraction, sourness, and inconsistency.
Steps
- Turn on your machine at least 15–30 minutes before brewing (varies by machine).
- Run a blank shot (water only) through the group head.
- Keep the portafilter locked in the group head while preheating.
- For E61 groups, run water through every 5–10 minutes to maintain temperature.
Machine-specific notes
- Single boiler: May need longer warmup; temp surfing may be required.
- Heat exchanger (HX): Do a cooling flush before brewing if the machine has been idle.
- Dual boiler: More stable, but still benefits from full warmup.
- Thermoblock: Heats quickly but portafilter still needs warming.
Signs of proper preheat
- Portafilter is too hot to hold bare-handed for long.
- Consistent shot times across multiple extractions.
- No temperature-related sourness or harshness.
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