When should the grinder settings be adjusted?

Adjusting the grinder settings when the espresso quality changes is essential for maintaining the desired flavor and consistency in the brew. Coffee beans can vary in moisture content and density, which can affect how they grind and extract. Additionally, factors like age, roast profile, and even the environment can influence the extraction process.

When you notice changes in the quality of the espresso—such as a shift in extraction time, taste, or crema—this is an indication that the grind may have become too coarse or too fine for the current conditions. Adjusting the grinder at this point allows for fine-tuning, ensuring that the espresso extraction meets the expected standards for taste and texture. This approach is more immediate and responsive to quality changes rather than set intervals or conditions that may not reflect real-time performance, which could lead to inconsistencies in the espresso served.

Making adjustments only when changing coffee beans or on a fixed schedule, such as once a week, does not take into account the variability present in the coffee, and adjusting after every shot may be impractical and unnecessary. Therefore, recognizing quality changes as a cue for adjustment provides a more effective and dynamic method for ensuring consistently excellent espresso.