Is a distributor worth it for espresso?

Is a distributor worth it for espresso?

First, this accessory helps ensure that coffee grounds are evenly distributed, which can lead to a more even and uniform extraction. This can improve the overall quality and flavor of the espresso. First and foremost, before tamping your coffee to make espresso, you need to carry out some kind of distribution technique. In simple terms, once you have dispensed ground coffee particles into a portafilter basket, distribution is the practice of evenly dispersing them.Espresso demands a very fine grind, almost like powdered sugar. If your coffee is ground too coarsely, water rushes through too fast without extracting the flavours and oils that create crema. Therefore, ensure to get your grind size right as it is the key to avoiding watery coffee shots that lack flavour and crema.EXTRACTION TIMES A 30ml single espresso should extract between 27 – 35 seconds. Using a Double 18-21g basket: A 30ml single espresso should extract between 15 – 20 seconds. A 60ml double espresso should extract between 27 – 35 seconds.Why distribute coffee? A tamper alone is usually not enough to make a top-quality espresso. This is because you can squeeze the coffee crookedly during the tamping process, leading to uneven extraction. Some of the espresso will be under-extracted and some will be over-extracted.The 10-second rule for espresso is a general guideline that suggests a well-brewed espresso shot should take around 10 seconds to start dripping from the portafilter. However, this rule is not always accurate, as factors such as coffee roast, grind size, and machine temperature can affect the brewing time.