Time to spill: You’ve got a shot that looks good on paper but tastes like a warning label. The Delonghi Dedica’s 51mm basket and 15g dose might be your setup, but the bitterness? That’s a red flag. Medium-dark beans are your starting point, but if they’re leaning toward dark, you’re already flirting with over-extraction. The numbers here are telling—40 seconds of extraction time, a 33g yield, and a 2:1 ratio. That’s not just a shot; it’s a science experiment gone wrong.
The problem isn’t just about time. A 2:1 ratio means the water is sitting on the grounds too long, leaching out compounds that make bitterness the star of the show. Darker roasts have more of these compounds, but even medium-dark beans can turn sour if the extraction isn’t balanced. Your basket size matters too—51mm is a sweet spot for control, but without the right dose, it’s just a cage for your coffee. You’re not alone in this. Many newcomers hit the same wall: too much water, not enough precision.
Adjusting the ratio is your first move. Aim for 1.5–1.75, which should cut extraction time to 25–30 seconds. That’s the golden window where clarity and body meet. But don’t just tweak the timer—grind size is your secret weapon. A finer grind will slow water flow, while a coarser grind speeds it up. Test both, but keep the dose steady. You’re not just chasing a better shot; you’re rewriting the rules of extraction.
The real takeaway? Bitterness isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a signal. Your setup is close, but the math is off. Focus on ratio, not just time. And remember: coffee is a conversation between bean and brewer. If your shot tastes like a warning, it’s time to ask why.
Drop a comment and let’s troubleshoot together.
What’s your go-to fix for bitterness? Drop a comment and let’s troubleshoot together.
Questions & Answers
Is the Delonghi Dedica bitter?
Yes, the Delonghi Dedica is known for its strong, bitter taste, which is common in many espresso machines. It’s not a flaw but a characteristic of its brewing style.
Is the DF54 model bitter?
The DF54 can produce a bitter shot if over-extracted. Proper grind size and tamping help reduce bitterness, but it’s still a common trait in many espresso machines.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
