Just got an espresso machine for Christmas? I’m an ex-barista and these are the 3 critical mistakes you need to be aware of

Dec 27, 2024
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Letting your espesso sit is not an issue, 20 seconds is unrealistic in a home barista scenario, as most machine prep for steam takes around this time to even warm up. Steaming milk before pulling a shot is also not recommended, as the temperature difference from moving from steam to brew will most likely mess up the shot. It's bad advice in this scenario and has been shown in tests to not have much difference anyway. Just warm the cup before your shot if you can and expect a little weaker crema and you'll be fine if you wait a few minutes.
 
Aug 24, 2024
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"dead shots" is a myth that was implemented to get baristas to work faster. Realistically if a shot of espresso tastes crap after it cools down it tasted crap to begin with, flavour doesn't "collapse". Coffees does oxidise but it impacts the taste far less than you'd think and takes longer than a few seconds.