this post was submitted on 13 Apr 2026
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Coffee

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What's wrong with my daily espresso? (lemmy.ca)
submitted 1 week ago by GreatBlueHeron@lemmy.ca to c/coffee@lemmy.world
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I've used a home espresso machine, with built-in grinder, daily for at least 10 years. I'm generally happy with the results - there's some variability but most everything I make is acceptable, and I fairly regularly get something I feel is good. Recently I've been getting a lot of "acceptable" and it's been a long time (many months) since I've made one that I'd call "good". They're missing that bit of oily lustre that I feel really makes it perfect.

  • I drink a single shot over a small amount of hot water
  • I get my beans from a local (same province) roaster that say they roast to order
  • I like dark roast beans - the roaster calls it their Italian roast
  • my house water comes from a well and is naturally a bit hard, but we have a whole house softener
  • I've never de-scaled the machine because of the water softener - there's no build up or crusting at any orifices
  • I don't make any attempt to get perfect extraction quantity - I grind, tamp and trim with the tool supplied with the machine. When I first got this particular machine (about 4 years ago) I programmed the extraction time, but a can't remember the "recipe" I used
  • I've tried beans from one other local roaster (via a grocery store) with the same results

My experience says it's stale beans, but I'm buying roast to order, so I'm confused.

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[โ€“] GreatBlueHeron@lemmy.ca 4 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

I've cleaned the grinder and I'll see how that goes.

This grinder is only just over 4 years old - I've had the same model for over 10 years but moved county and left one behind and bought a new one.

I know my water isn't perfect - I get a bit of salty residue on the chilled water dispenser in my fridge. I might try some (bulk) bottled water.

I really struggle with the coffee compass - I can't describe (even to myself) what I'm tasting, or relate it to what I'm supposed to be tasting, so I can't relate it to what I need to adjust. I just know if I like it. I'm the same with wine - I did a tasting course and most of it was lost on me.