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How Many Tablespoons in a Shot of Espresso?

Making the perfect espresso shot requires a specific set of procedures. Have you ever wondered how many tablespoons in a shot of espresso?

Many sophisticated coffee lovers search for the right answer to this question. The number of tablespoons in a shot of espresso must be calculated correctly; the taste and aroma depend on it and on the brewing time.

Here are the things I’ll discuss in this post:

  • How many tablespoons in a shot of espresso
  • The grinding factors that affect coffee beans
  • How to pull a shot of espresso correctly
  • The consistency of the espresso shot

Contents

Tablespoons in a Shot of Espresso

There are two kinds of espresso shots. Each type requires a specific number of tablespoons for optimum flavor. However, the brewing process can affect the espresso’s quality as well.

  • Single shot
  • Double-shot

Let’s identify the right number of tablespoon in each of the shots.

  • A single shot is made up of 1 ounce of espresso. In proper brewing, a single shot needs 1 tablespoon of ground coffee in the filter or needs about 7 grams of ground coffee. The scoop in each coffee spoon contains 7 grams.
  • The brewing time needs about 20 seconds from the moment you start the pump to make the right shot of espresso
  • A double-shot is made up of 2 ounces of espresso. In proper brewing, a double shot needs 2 tablespoons of ground coffee in the filter or needs 7 grams of ground coffee. It takes 20 to 25 seconds to brew a double-shot espresso. Once it reached the volume, the grounds will be fully extracted.

The Grind

The grind for pump-driven model machines should be shorter to produce a finer ground. Here are some factors that make a difference on your grind coffee beans:

  • The heat effect on coffee beans
  • Always factor in the level of humidity
  • The place where to store coffee

These are the things you need to know to achieve perfect shots of espresso. Now, let’s try to identify how to check if your coffee grind is too coarse.

Please check if there’s enough coffee in the filter.

Make sure to use 1 tablespoon or 7 grams for a single espresso shot and 2 tablespoons or 14 grams for a double shot. If a tablespoon sized scoop came with your machines, you can be certain that a level fill is approximately 7 grams.

The water will run through it too quickly if the coffee is not tamped firmly. If this happens, use the back of your measuring spoon to press down the espresso to allow for slower brewing.

Pulling the shot

It is your decision to choose what type of machine you would like to use. After picking up the best machine for your espresso, it’s your time now to pull shots. Here are some things to remember:

  • In every 1 ounce of liquid, you need an actual measurement of a tablespoon of espresso ground coffee. That’s nearly 7 grams per ounce.
  • You have to make sure that the portafilter is ready to use. The portafilter is where you place the ground coffee prior to brewing.
  • The ground coffee must be carefully tamped. Wipe all the excess grounds in the rim of the filter to ensure cleanliness.

A good espresso machine will yield an ounce in 18-23 seconds. Here are some other things to keep in mind regarding timing:

  • A 17-second shot is already “sweet” but never try to exceed on the 23 second time.
  • The longer time you exceed on it, the more bitter you can get
  • The shorter time you do it, the lesser flavor you can make
  • Observe if your shots are pulling too quickly, it means your grind was too coarse
  • If the shot flows too slowly, then your grind was too fine

Consistency

For sophisticated coffee lovers, consistency is indeed a big word. Consistency for a shot is difficult to achieve. Here are the tips we want you to do for consistency.

  • How much coffee do you buy in the market every week? Will it be consumed in a week or in a month? Make sure to buy enough coffee for only one week.
  • Coffee starts to lessen its taste due to “air-out” after seven days. As time goes by, the quality and the flavor of the coffee diminish.
  • Aside from the time of consumption, the coffee should be in a sealed container. Remember to keep it in a cool, dry place. The heat and humidity have a significant impact on the coffee tastes and aroma.
  • Make sure to grind the coffee by the guidance of a person who’s knowledgeable to espresso, but sometimes, you need to try it by yourself.
  • Grind the coffee right after pulling the shot.
  • Please make sure to grind enough coffee for an ounce or two. Having the right amount of coffee to grind lets you make any adjustments to grind for future shots.

The Upshot

This article has discussed everything you need to know to answer the question ‘How Many Tablespoons in a Shot of Espresso?’

Make sure to follow the number of scoop in each espresso type as well as the brewing time. In short, you must use the right number of tablespoons in each shot for the best possible espresso experience.