Hi everyone,
espresso beginner here
I've had a Breville / Sage Barista Express since the beginning of the year and I still can't really make a good espresso with it
I use 16 to 20g, aim for 1:2 to 1:3. and my shots are usually around 30 seconds. I've tried lots of grind settings, both internal and external, several local beans, different roast levels. Volvic water (the recommended mineral water online lol), and maintain the machine regularly.
Still most straight espressos taste bad. Milk drinks are fine, but alone it's often very sour or just not good.
My best result was weirdly with Starbucks dark roast from the supermarket. Not great, but at least it tasted like coffee.
I bought this machine to get better coffee than Nespresso, but right now I feel like I'm doing something wrong. What should I test first? (Grind finer doesnt work) Should I just quit and accept the BBE is not for me?
Thanks in advance for your help