How to Brew Espresso Like a Pro with the Cafelat Robot: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve just purchased the Cafelat Robot or are thinking about making the switch to a manual espresso machine, congratulations! You’re about to enter a world of hands-on espresso-making that’s both rewarding and fun. While the Cafelat Robot is designed to offer an easy entry into manual espresso brewing, it can still feel like a lot to handle at first. Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through every step, from the initial setup to pulling your first perfect shot of espresso.

Understanding the Cafelat Robot

The Cafelat Robot is a high-quality manual espresso machine that operates with a lever mechanism, giving you complete control over your espresso extraction. It doesn’t rely on electricity, which means that every shot you pull is done with your hands—literally.

With its simplicity and sleek design, the Cafelat Robot is an excellent choice for those who want to take their espresso-making skills to the next level without complicated electronics or features.

Step 1: Getting Your Cafelat Robot Ready

Before you begin, you’ll need to set up your Cafelat Robot properly. This is essential for ensuring that your espresso shots come out perfectly every time.

1. Place the Machine on a Stable Surface:
   • The Cafelat Robot is sturdy, but it still needs a solid base. Make sure to place it on a flat, stable surface like a kitchen counter or coffee station.
   • Ensure there’s enough space around the machine for you to comfortably handle the lever and portafilter.
2. Assemble the Portafilter:
   • Attach the portafilter to the Cafelat Robot. The machine is designed to work with standard 58mm portafilters, so it’s easy to use with most accessories.
   • Clean the portafilter before every use to ensure that there are no coffee oils or old grounds that could affect the flavor of your espresso.

Step 2: Grinding Your Coffee Beans

Freshly ground coffee is key to a good espresso shot. For the Cafelat Robot, it’s important to use a burr grinder for consistency and uniformity in your grind.

1. Grind Size:
   • Espresso requires a fine grind—think of a texture similar to table salt. A too-coarse grind will lead to a weak shot, while a too-fine grind may cause over-extraction and bitterness.
   • Start with a grind size that feels like fine sand, and adjust from there based on the performance of your shots.
2. How Much Coffee to Use:
   • For a single espresso shot, use about 18 grams of coffee. If you want a stronger shot, feel free to increase the dose slightly.
   • Keep in mind that the Cafelat Robot allows for experimentation, so don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of coffee based on personal taste.

Step 3: Preparing Your Basket

Now that your coffee is ground, it’s time to load it into your portafilter basket. An even distribution of coffee grounds is vital for a good extraction.

1. Distribute the Grounds:
   • Before tamping, make sure the coffee grounds are distributed evenly in the portafilter. This prevents uneven extraction and helps the water flow smoothly through the grounds.
   • For better distribution, you can use a tool like the Planetary Gear Spirograph Espresso WDT Tool. This tool will help break up any clumps and ensure an even spread of coffee.
     • Planetary Gear Spirograph WDT Tool.
2. Tamp the Coffee:
   • Once the grounds are evenly distributed, tamp them down using a Cafelat Robot Tamper Handle. A firm, consistent tamp ensures that the coffee is compressed evenly, which leads to more uniform extraction.
     • Cafelat Robot Tamper Handle.

Step 4: Brewing the Espresso Shot

With your coffee perfectly prepared, it’s time to brew!

1. Lock the Portafilter into the Cafelat Robot:
   • Once your portafilter is filled and tamped, attach it to the Cafelat Robot. Make sure it’s secured tightly so that no pressure escapes during extraction.
2. Pull the Lever:
   • To extract your espresso, simply pull the lever down. The Cafelat Robot uses a manual lever system to apply pressure to the coffee grounds.
   • Start with a slow, steady pull and continue for about 25-30 seconds. The goal is to maintain consistent pressure during the shot to get the best flavor from the coffee.
3. Watch the Pressure:
   • Monitoring the pressure during extraction is vital. You can use the Cafelat Robot Pressure Gauge Mount to keep an eye on the pressure during your shot. Ideal pressure is typically between 8 and 9 bars.
     • Cafelat Robot Pressure Gauge Mount.

Step 5: Enjoying Your Espresso

Once your shot is extracted, it should be topped with a nice layer of crema, the golden foam that’s a hallmark of a well-pulled shot.

1. Taste Testing:
   • Take a moment to admire your espresso shot. The crema should be thick, smooth, and rich in color.
   • Take a sip and notice the balance of flavors. If it’s too bitter, adjust your grind to a coarser setting. If it’s weak, try a finer grind or a slightly higher dose of coffee.
2. Adjusting for Perfection:
   • As with any manual brewing process, you may need to tweak your grind size, tamping pressure, or extraction time over time to perfect your shots. Espresso is all about experimentation and fine-tuning.

Essential Accessories to Enhance Your Brewing Experience

When starting out with the Cafelat Robot, a few accessories can make the process smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Comfortable Mittens (Hands):
   • The Cafelat Robot Comfortable Mittens are designed to reduce hand fatigue and improve your grip while pulling shots. If you plan on making multiple espressos, they are an essential accessory.
     • Cafelat Robot Comfortable Hands.
2. Basket Holder for DF64 Gen 1/2:
   • If you’re using the DF64 grinder, the Cafelat Robot Basket Holder will make it easier to align your portafilter while grinding, reducing mess and increasing accuracy.
     • Cafelat Robot Basket Holder.
3. Portafilter Handle:
   • The Cafelat Robot Portafilter Handle is designed for maximum comfort and control when you’re handling the portafilter during brewing.
     • Cafelat Robot Portafilter Handle.

Troubleshooting Your Espresso Shots

If your shots aren’t coming out quite right, don’t be discouraged! Here are a few common issues and how to solve them:

1. Weak or Watery Shots:
   • This could be due to too coarse of a grind, insufficient tamping, or too little coffee. Try using a finer grind, tamping more firmly, or adding more coffee.
2. Bitter or Over-extracted Shots:
   • If the espresso tastes overly bitter, you might be using a grind that’s too fine or tamping too hard. Consider using a coarser grind or tamping with less pressure.
3. No Crema:
   • If there’s no crema, make sure you’re using fresh, high-quality coffee beans and that your grind is the correct consistency. Stale beans or an incorrect grind size can prevent crema from forming.

Conclusion

Brewing with the Cafelat Robot is a rewarding experience that gives you full control over the espresso-making process. With a little practice, you’ll be able to craft rich, flavorful espresso shots that rival those made by professional baristas. Remember, it’s all about experimentation—don’t be afraid to adjust and refine your technique as you go.

For even more accessories to help you perfect your espresso game, visit our Cafelat Robot Collection. You’ll find everything you need to take your espresso-making experience to the next level.