A Beginner’s Guide to Brewing Espresso with the Cafelat Robot

If you’re new to the world of espresso or have just received your Cafelat Robot, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. After all, making espresso manually can seem complex, but with the right guidance, you’ll quickly master the process and enjoy some of the best espresso shots you’ve ever tasted. This guide will walk you through the basics of using the Cafelat Robot and explain everything you need to know to get started, from grinding the beans to brewing your first perfect shot.

What is the Cafelat Robot?

The Cafelat Robot is a manual espresso machine that allows you to create barista-quality espresso without the need for electricity or complex machinery. It relies on a simple lever system to extract espresso, giving you full control over your shot’s pressure, timing, and overall quality. While this may sound intimidating, the Cafelat Robot is designed to be easy to use once you understand the basics.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Cafelat Robot

Before you begin brewing, ensure your Cafelat Robot is properly set up and ready to go. Here’s how to get started:

1. Place the Cafelat Robot on a Stable Surface:
   • Find a solid, level surface to place your Cafelat Robot. A countertop or table works perfectly.
   • Make sure there is enough space around the machine to operate the lever and move your portafilter easily.
2. Set Up Your Portafilter:
   • Ensure your portafilter is securely attached to the machine.
   • Clean it before use to remove any leftover coffee grounds or oils that may affect the taste of your espresso.

Step 2: Grinding Your Coffee Beans

Freshly ground coffee beans are essential for making a great espresso. A burr grinder is ideal for achieving a consistent grind. For the Cafelat Robot, you’ll want to grind your coffee to a fine consistency – almost like table salt.

1. Grind Size:
   • The grind size for espresso is crucial. If your grind is too coarse, the water will flow through the coffee too quickly, resulting in under-extracted and weak espresso. If the grind is too fine, the water will struggle to flow through, causing over-extraction and bitterness.
   • Start with a grind similar to table salt and adjust as needed.
2. Amount of Coffee:
   • The standard dose for a single espresso shot is around 18 grams of ground coffee, but you can adjust this depending on your taste preferences and the size of your portafilter. Experiment to find what works best for you.

Step 3: Preparing Your Coffee Basket

1. Distribute the Coffee Grounds:
   • Once you’ve added the coffee grounds to your portafilter, ensure they are evenly distributed. Uneven distribution can lead to channeling, where water flows unevenly through the coffee, resulting in an inconsistent shot.
   • Use a tool like the Planetary Gear Spirograph Espresso WDT Tool to help distribute the grounds evenly and break up any clumps.
     • Planetary Gear Spirograph WDT Tool.
2. Tamp the Coffee:
   • Use a tamper, such as the Cafelat Robot Tamper Handle, to tamp the coffee evenly. A firm, consistent tamp ensures that the coffee puck is compacted evenly, allowing for a smooth extraction.
     • Cafelat Robot Tamper Handle.
   • Make sure to tamp with even pressure, making sure the surface of the coffee grounds is level and compact.

Step 4: Brewing Your Espresso Shot

1. Attach the Portafilter:
   • Place your portafilter into the Cafelat Robot and lock it into place. The machine has a lever mechanism that you will use to apply pressure during extraction.
2. Pull the Lever:
   • The key to making espresso with the Cafelat Robot is the lever action. Gently pull down on the lever to initiate the extraction. The goal is to apply consistent pressure to the coffee grounds.
   • You’ll want to apply pressure slowly and steadily. Typically, a shot should take around 25-30 seconds to extract. If the shot is too fast or too slow, adjust your grind size, tamp pressure, or dose to fine-tune the process.
3. Monitor the Pressure:
   • For beginners, the Cafelat Robot Pressure Gauge Mount is a helpful tool to monitor the pressure during extraction. Keeping the pressure around 8-9 bars is ideal for most espresso shots.
     • Cafelat Robot Pressure Gauge Mount.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Espresso

Once your shot is extracted, admire the beautiful crema on top of your espresso. The crema is a sign of a well-pulled shot, and it should have a rich, golden color. Take a sip and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

• If the taste is too strong or bitter, adjust your grind size to a coarser setting.
• If the shot is too weak, adjust to a finer grind or increase your dose of coffee.

Essential Accessories for Beginners

As a beginner, there are a few accessories that can help you get the most out of your Cafelat Robot:

1. Cafelat Robot Comfortable Mittens (Hands):
   • The Cafelat Robot Comfortable Mittens are great for preventing hand fatigue during long brewing sessions. They provide comfort and grip, making it easier to handle the machine for multiple shots.
     • Cafelat Robot Comfortable Hands.
2. Cafelat Robot Basket Holder for DF64 Gen 1/2:
   • If you’re using the DF64 grinder, the Cafelat Robot Basket Holder provides extra stability for your portafilter while you grind the coffee.
     • Cafelat Robot Basket Holder.
3. Cafelat Robot Portafilter Handle:
   • The Cafelat Robot Portafilter Handle is an ergonomic tool designed for a better grip and more control while you brew.
     • Cafelat Robot Portafilter Handle.

Troubleshooting Tips for New Users

1. Weak or Under-extracted Espresso:
   • This could be due to using a grind that is too coarse, insufficient tamping pressure, or too little coffee. Try using a finer grind, a firmer tamp, or increasing your dose of coffee.
2. Bitter or Over-extracted Espresso:
   • Over-extraction can occur if the grind is too fine or the shot takes too long. Try adjusting the grind to a coarser setting or reducing the shot time.
3. No Crema:
   • If your espresso lacks crema, it may be due to stale coffee beans or incorrect tamping. Make sure you’re using fresh, high-quality beans and a consistent tamp.

Conclusion

Starting out with the Cafelat Robot may seem like a challenge, but with a bit of practice, you’ll soon be pulling perfect espresso shots. The key is patience and consistency. Keep experimenting with grind sizes, tamping pressures, and extraction times until you find the ideal formula for your perfect espresso.

If you need further support or want to explore some essential accessories to elevate your brewing experience, visit our Cafelat Robot Collection for everything you need to get started.