Getting the coffee dose wrong means bad espresso. This is frustrating. I will guide you on how much coffee to use for a great shot.

The amount of coffee depends on filter basket size and desired shot (single/double). Generally, a single shot uses 7-12 grams. A double shot uses 14-22 grams. Always use a Gamp scale for accuracy. Your specific basket will have an optimal range.

Figuring out the perfect coffee dose can feel like a secret art. But it's more science than magic once you understand the basics. I want to share what I've learned from years in the coffee industry, from brewing to manufacturing accessories like our precision portafilters at SIF Coffee Tools, so you can dose with confidence. Let's help you achieve that perfect extraction.

How much coffee does a 58mm portafilter hold?

Your 58mm portafilter seems big. Wondering how much coffee it truly needs? Using too little or too much will spoil your espresso.

A 58mm portafilter basket typically holds 14-22 grams for a double shot. Some larger triple baskets can hold more, up to 25-30 grams. Single shot baskets for 58mm hold around 7-12 grams. Always check your specific basket's recommendation.

The 58mm portafilter is the commercial standard. We manufacture many 58mm portafilters and baskets at SIF Coffee Tools. Their larger diameter offers great extraction potential. But this also means dosing correctly is very important.

Standard Dosing for 58mm Baskets

The most common application for 58mm portafilters¹ is pulling double shots².

• Double Shot: The sweet spot for most standard double baskets (often labelled 18g or 20g) is usually between 17-22 grams of coffee. I find that 18-20 grams is a popular starting point for many specialty coffees.
• Single Shot: If you have a single shot basket for a 58mm portafilter, it’s designed for a smaller dose, usually 7-12 grams. These are less common these days as double shots are more popular.
• Triple Shot/Competition Baskets: Some specialty 58mm baskets are deeper or wider internally. They can hold 22-30 grams for very large, concentrated shots. These are more for specific preferences or competition use.

Factors Affecting Dose in 58mm Portafilters

Remember that the exact amount depends on:

1. Basket Design: Not all 58mm baskets are the same. Look for manufacturer recommendations (e.g., "18g VST basket"). The depth primarily dictates capacity.
2. Coffee Roast Level: Darker roasts are less dense. They take up more volume for the same weight. You might need to adjust your dose slightly.
3. Grind Size: A finer grind might compact differently.
4. Desired Shot: Your target output (e.g., 1:2 ratio – 18g coffee in, 36g espresso out) will influence your dose.

I always recommend using a coffee scale to weigh your dose. It’s the only way to be consistent.

How much coffee do you put in a 51mm Portafilter?

Your 51mm portafilter is smaller. You dose too much and choke your machine. Too little makes a watery shot. This is annoying.

For a 51mm portafilter, a double shot basket usually takes 12-16 grams of coffee. A single shot basket would use around 6-10 grams. The specific basket depth is the key limiting factor for this smaller diameter.

I remember my first home espresso machine used a 51mm portafilter. It taught me a lot about how dose interacts with smaller baskets. The margin for error can feel a bit tighter.

Dosing Guidelines for 51mm Baskets

51mm portafilters are common in many entry-level home espresso machines, like some De'Longhi models.

• Double Shot: Most double baskets designed for 51mm portafilters are optimized for doses between 12 grams and 16 grams. I've found 14 grams is often a good starting average. Going much higher can lead to a dense puck that the machine struggles to push water through.
• Single Shot: Single baskets for 51mm portafilters will naturally hold less, typically in the 6-10 gram range.

Why Dose Matters in 51mm Portafilters

With a smaller diameter, the coffee puck is deeper for a given dose compared to a 58mm basket.

1. Headspace: It's crucial to leave enough headspace (space between the tamped coffee and the shower screen). Too much coffee can press against the screen, disrupting flow and potentially damaging the group head.
2. Water Flow: A dose that's too high for the basket depth can create excessive resistance. This can choke the machine or lead to uneven extraction.
3. Basket Capacity: Always respect the intended capacity of your specific 51mm basket. Some are deeper than others. The manufacturers of these baskets usually have a recommended dose range.

When we at SIF Coffee Tools develop accessories, even for smaller diameters, precision really matters in how the basket is formed to allow for consistent packing and extraction.

How much coffee is in a 54mm portafilter?

You use a 54mm portafilter, perhaps on a Breville. Getting the dose just right avoids weak or bitter shots. This needs attention.

A 54mm portafilter basket typically holds 13-18 grams for a double shot. Some specific Breville baskets might be rated for 19-22 grams. For a single shot, expect around 7-11 grams. Always check your basket.

The 54mm portafilter size is quite specific, most famously used by Breville for many of their popular home espresso machines like the Barista Express. As a manufacturer of compatible accessories, we at SIF Coffee Tools pay close attention to these dimensions.

Dosing Specifics for 54mm Portafilters

The 54mm size sits between the smaller 51mm and the commercial 58mm.

• Typical Double Shot: For most standard 54mm double shot baskets, a dose between 13-18 grams is common. Many Breville users find a sweet spot around 15-18 grams, depending on the beans and desired output.
• Breville "The Oracle" Style Baskets: Some higher-end Breville machines come with baskets (even if the group head is 58mm, their internal dosing tools might use 54mm geometry for the puck) or their own specific 54mm baskets that can accommodate slightly more, sometimes in the 19-22 gram range for a double. It's essential to know which Breville basket you have.
• Single Shot: If using a single shot 54mm basket, the dose will be lower, likely around 7-11 grams.

Optimizing Dose for 54mm

Like other sizes, several factors come into play:

1. Basket Design: Breville offers different baskets. Their "dual wall" (pressurized) baskets behave differently from their "single wall" (non-pressurized) baskets. Single wall baskets give you more control but require a good grinder and consistent dosing/tamping.
2. Grind Size: This is always critical. Your dose and grind are interconnected.
3. Target Yield: If you aim for a 1:2 ratio (e.g., 17g grounds for 34g espresso), your starting dose is crucial.

I find that with 54mm baskets, especially single wall ones, precision in dosing helps achieve the extraction quality these machines are capable of. It's why using a scale is non-negotiable for me.

How hard is it to tamp espresso?

You're tamping espresso. Too hard or too soft, and extraction is bad. This process seems simple but affects your final cup.

Tamping espresso is not about extreme force, but about consistency and creating a level bed of coffee. Aim for around 15-20 kg (30-40 lbs) of pressure, but evenness is more important than the exact force. It's easy to learn.

I remember when I first learned to tamp. I thought I had to press down with all my might. I soon realized that consistency and a level surface are far more critical. As manufacturers of ergonomic tampers at SIF Coffee Tools, we focus on designs that promote good technique.

Mastering the Tamp: Technique Over Strength

Tamping compacts the coffee grounds. This creates resistance for the water during extraction.

1. Distribution: Before tamping, ensure your coffee grounds are evenly distributed in the basket. Use a distribution tool or gentle taps. This prevents channeling, where water finds easy paths through the puck, leading to uneven extraction.
2. Level Tamp: Your primary goal is a perfectly level coffee bed. An uneven tamp will cause one side to extract faster than the other.
3. Consistent Pressure: While the exact force isn't super critical (as long as it's firm enough to compact the grounds), being consistent with your pressure from shot to shot is key. This helps you diagnose other issues if your shots vary. Many experienced baristas settle into a comfortable, repeatable pressure.
4. Avoid Second Tamping/Polishing: Usually, one firm, level tamp is enough. Excessive tamping or "polishing" (spinning the tamper) can sometimes disturb the puck's integrity.

How Hard is "Hard Enough"?

The 15-20 kg (30-40 lbs) figure is a guideline. You don't need a bathroom scale under your portafilter. Focus on:

• Firmly compacting the grounds so there are no loose pockets.
• Ensuring the surface is flat and parallel to the rim of the basket.

It becomes muscle memory quite quickly. It's less about "hard" and more about "deliberate and even."

Is 3 double shots of espresso too much?

You love coffee. Maybe you need an energy boost. But you wonder if three double shots of espresso is overdoing it.

Three double shots of espresso can be too much for many people. This is due to high caffeine content, around 540-720mg. This can cause jitters, anxiety, or sleep issues. Individual tolerance varies greatly. Listen to your body.

I love espresso myself, and on busy manufacturing days at SIF Coffee Tools, the temptation for an extra shot is real. But I've learned to be mindful of caffeine intake.

Understanding Caffeine in Espresso

A typical single shot of espresso (around 7-9 grams of coffee) contains roughly 60-100mg of caffeine. A double shot (around 14-18 grams of coffee) therefore has about 120-200mg of caffeine.

• One Double Shot: ~120-200mg caffeine
• Two Double Shots: ~240-400mg caffeine
• Three Double Shots: ~360-600mg caffeine (could be higher depending on exact beans and dose; my initial estimate was a bit wide, adjusting here)

Health Considerations and Moderation

General health guidelines often suggest a moderate caffeine intake³ of up to 400mg per day for healthy adults.

1. Individual Tolerance: This is key. Some people are very sensitive to caffeine. Others have a higher tolerance. Factors like genetics, body weight, and regular consumption play a role.
2. Potential Side Effects: Too much caffeine can lead to:
   • Jitters, nervousness, anxiety
   • Increased heart rate or palpitations
   • Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
   • Digestive issues
   • Headaches
3. Time of Day: Consuming large amounts of caffeine, especially later in the day, can significantly disrupt sleep patterns.
4. Underlying Health Conditions: Individuals with certain heart conditions, anxiety disorders, or who are pregnant should be particularly cautious with caffeine.

While a roaster or cafe owner might sample many shots in a day, they often don't consume the entire volume of each. If you're feeling negative effects, it's a sign to cut back. Enjoying coffee is great, but a balanced approach is best.

Conclusion
Dosing coffee well depends on basket size and your desired espresso shot. Always weigh your coffee. We at SIF Coffee Tools make precise tools for this. Contact billy@espressobasket.com.