Pour yourself a cup for this one: After months of sputtering steam and water everywhere, I finally pulled a shot that didn’t feel like a science experiment. The Breville Barista Touch isn’t magic—it’s a tool, and like any tool, it demands respect. My setup? A 54mm Naked Portafilter, a high extraction basket, and a kitchen sink of patience. No fancy gadgets yet—just a toothpick as a WDT tool and the stock tamper. Yeah, it’s clunky. But here’s the thing: this shot wasn’t perfect. It had a thin crema, maybe too much or too little. But it didn’t flood the counter or leave a trail of water like a toddler’s tantrum. That’s the win.
The key? Consistency. I stopped chasing “perfect” and focused on basics: tamping pressure, grind size, and water temperature. The stock tamper? It’s not a luxury—it’s a starting point. I learned to trust it, even when it felt like it wasn’t doing enough. The toothpick? It’s a hack, but it taught me how to level the portafilter without over-tamping. The Breville’s PID kept the water temp steady, which is half the battle. This wasn’t about flash; it was about fundamentals.
What killed my early attempts? Overthinking. I was trying to force a “perfect” shot, not respecting the machine’s limits. The portafilter’s basket size and grind coarseness had to align. I stopped adjusting everything at once and focused on one variable at a time. The result? A shot that didn’t feel like a disaster. It’s not about being a barista—it’s about being a student.
Here’s what you can take: First, trust your tools, even the basic ones. Second, prioritize consistency over perfection. Third, the Brev’s PID is your ally—don’t ignore it.
So, how did you break through your first shot.
So, how did you break through your first shot? Share your story below.
Questions & Answers
How do I prevent coffee from spraying when pulling a shot?
Ensure your portafilter is clean, tamped evenly, and pre-infused. Use the right grind size and maintain steady pressure. Avoid over-tamping or using too fine a grind to prevent spraying.
What’s the best way to avoid channeling in a coffee shot?
Use a consistent tamp, proper grind size, and pre-infusion. Check for clogs in the grouphead and ensure even water flow. A clean portafilter and basket also help prevent channeling.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
