How Many Grams of Coffee for a 53mm Portafilter?

Ever wondered how much coffee you should actually put into your 53mm portafilter?

If you're making espresso at home with machines like the Breville Barista Express or Bambino, you'll know the struggle of getting your dosing right. Too much coffee, and it turns into a bitter mess. Too little, and you're left with weak, watery espresso. I've been there—trust me. Let's clear things up.

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Finding Your Dose Sweet Spot

Most home baristas agree that a dose around 17-19 grams hits the mark perfectly for a 53mm basket. From my own experience—and from plenty of conversations online— 18 grams is typically the ideal starting point. This is usually enough coffee to get that full-bodied espresso without choking your machine.

Keep in mind though, your exact dose might shift slightly depending on the beans you're using. Dark roasts can expand more than lighter ones, so sometimes adjusting by half a gram can be the difference between good and great espresso.

Why Dose Matters

The dose directly impacts extraction time and flavour balance. If you've been getting shots that run too fast (under 20 seconds) or way too slow (over 35 seconds), tweaking your dose can help. What I've seen repeatedly is that consistent dosing is your best friend, which is why having accurate coffee scales is essential. A slight variation can really mess things up.

It's also worth investing in reliable dosing tools. They'll make your life easier and your espresso tastier.

Baskets Aren’t Created Equal

One confusing bit about espresso is basket sizes. Not every basket labelled 53mm is exactly the same. I came across an interesting thread pointing out the differences between baskets labelled similarly but performing differently.

So, before blaming your technique, it could be your basket. Precision baskets can make a noticeable difference. Check your basket and make sure it's consistent. Brewed Co Coffee has some excellent precision baskets that can sort you out quickly.

Dialing in Your Espresso

If you're new to this, dialing in can be a bit tricky. Here's a quick breakdown to make it less intimidating:

1. Start with an 18-gram dose.

2. Aim for a 2:1 extraction ratio. So, 18 grams in, around 36 grams out.

3. Your shot should take roughly 25-30 seconds.

4. Adjust your grind finer if the shot runs too fast, coarser if it drags too slowly.

This isn't just random advice—it's backed up by plenty of home espresso enthusiasts who've been through the same frustrations.

Distribution and Tamping

Don't overlook distribution and tamping either. Your coffee bed should be evenly distributed before you tamp down. I've noticed using a WDT tool helps heaps in creating a more even extraction, especially for beginners.

Pair that with a good tamper—I recommend a solid self-leveling tamper—and you'll significantly cut down your learning curve.

Is a 53mm Portafilter Good Enough?

There's an ongoing debate whether a 53mm basket is as good as the more common 58mm basket. Some people suggest a bigger basket is always better, but that's not necessarily true. A detailed comparison I've read argues convincingly that with proper technique, your 53mm basket can deliver exceptional espresso consistently. It's less about size and more about how you manage the details.

If you've got a Breville machine (and let's face it, heaps of us do in Australia), 53mm is your reality. Embrace it. Get comfortable with the right dose and method, and you'll nail it every morning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here's a quick round-up of common mistakes I've seen time and again:

1. Not weighing your coffee: Guesswork doesn't end well.

2. Ignoring your grind size: Adjusting your grind size matters more than you think.

3. Inconsistent tamping: Get a good, easy-to-use tamper.

4. Neglecting cleanliness: Dirty baskets and screens ruin good espresso.

If you’re still stuck, you can always reach out on our contact page. We love helping home baristas get it right.

Wrapping it Up

Getting the perfect espresso dose in a 53mm basket isn't rocket science. It just needs a bit of patience, the right tools, and consistency. Keep your dose around 18 grams, use quality beans, and don't skimp on measuring or prep tools.

If you’re still searching for the perfect setup, check out our full range of equipment designed specifically for the Breville 53mm range.

Your morning espresso deserves the best start. Now go pull some amazing shots!

Written By Laurie Nance

I'm the founder of Brewedco Coffee™, passionate about coffee, coffee tools, and helping others better understand how to utilize them. With years of experience in the coffee industry, I love sharing insights on brewing techniques, choosing the right equipment, and the science behind making the perfect cup.