Double Espresso: How Many Grams of Coffee Do You Need?

How much coffee goes into that perfect double espresso? It’s a question that plagues both home baristas and coffee shop aficionados alike. Getting the dose right is crucial for achieving that rich, balanced shot that forms the foundation of so many beloved coffee drinks. But between varying basket sizes, grind settings, and personal preferences, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of confusing measurements and ratios.

For a double espresso, a typical coffee dosage falls between 16 and 20 grams. This is the industry standard, offering optimal taste, extraction, and balance when brewing a double shot.

This blog post will dive deep into the world of espresso dosing, exploring everything from the industry standards to the subtle nuances that can affect your final cup. You’ll discover how to adjust your dose based on grind size, brew ratios, and even the type of coffee beans you’re using. We’ll also address common questions and clear up any lingering confusion about espresso measurements.

Key Facts:
* Optimal Extraction: A properly dosed double espresso (16-20g) extracts the most desirable flavors from the coffee grounds.
* Industry Standard: The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) often recommends 18 grams as the standard dose for a double espresso.
* Brew Ratio Consistency: Using a consistent coffee-to-water ratio (typically 1:2) ensures predictable espresso results.
* Grind Size Matters: Finer grinds may require a slightly lower dose due to increased surface area, impacting extraction.
* Weight vs. Volume: Measuring coffee by weight (grams) is more accurate than by volume due to variations in bean density and crema volume.

What Exactly Is a Double Espresso?

A double espresso is a concentrated form of coffee, brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure. It differs significantly from a regular drip coffee or a single espresso shot.

A double espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage made with approximately twice the amount of ground coffee as a single espresso, typically 16-20 grams, extracted using an espresso machine. It results in a stronger, more intense coffee experience.

But what distinguishes it from its single-shot counterpart?

Single vs. Double Espresso: Key Differences

The primary difference lies in the amount of coffee used and the resulting volume and strength of the beverage. A single espresso typically uses around 7-10 grams of coffee, producing a smaller, less intense shot.

Standard Terminology in Espresso Brewing

Before we delve further, let’s clarify some essential espresso terminology:

• Dose: The amount of ground coffee used for a single or double espresso (measured in grams).
• Yield: The weight of the liquid espresso produced (also measured in grams).
• Extraction: The process of drawing out the flavors and compounds from the coffee grounds using hot water and pressure.
• Ratio: The relationship between the dose (coffee grounds) and the yield (liquid espresso). A common espresso ratio is 1:2 (e.g., 18 grams of coffee in, 36 grams of espresso out).
• Portafilter: The handle with a basket that holds the coffee grounds in an espresso machine.
• Basket: The metal filter inside the portafilter that holds the coffee grounds.
• Tamping: The process of compressing the coffee grounds into a puck before extraction.

How Many Grams of Coffee Should You Use for a Double Espresso?

This is the core question, and the answer, while seemingly straightforward, has some nuances. Let’s break it down:

For a double espresso, you should typically use between 16-20 grams of ground coffee. 18 grams is the most common dose used by professional baristas, providing optimal extraction and flavor balance.

The Industry Standard: 18 Grams

Why 18 grams? This amount has become the sweet spot for many baristas and coffee professionals.

The industry standard, often recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and followed by professional baristas, is to use 18 grams of ground coffee for a double espresso.

This dose provides a good balance between coffee strength, extraction, and flavor clarity. It also works well with many standard espresso machine baskets.

The Acceptable Range: 16-20 Grams

While 18 grams is a great starting point, it’s not a rigid rule.

While 18 grams is standard, the acceptable range for a double espresso is 16-20 grams of ground coffee. This allows for adjustments based on personal preference, bean type, and desired strength.

Different coffee beans, roast levels, and even your personal taste preferences might call for slight adjustments within this range. For instance, a darker roast might benefit from a slightly lower dose (16-17 grams) to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.

Factors Affecting Coffee Dose

Several factors can influence the optimal coffee dose:

• Grind Size: A finer grind exposes more surface area, potentially requiring a slightly lower dose. A coarser grind might need a higher dose.
• Basket Size: Different portafilter baskets are designed to hold different amounts of coffee. Ensure your dose matches your basket’s capacity.
• Coffee Bean Type: Different beans have different densities and extraction characteristics.
• Roast Level: Darker roasts generally extract faster than lighter roasts.
• Tamping Pressure: Consistent and even tamping is crucial for proper extraction, regardless of the dose.

What is the Ideal Yield for a Double Espresso?

The yield is the weight of the liquid espresso you extract. It’s directly related to the dose and the brew ratio.

The ideal yield for a double espresso, using a 1:2 brew ratio, is approximately 36 grams of liquid espresso when starting with 18 grams of ground coffee.

Understanding Brew Ratios

Brew ratios are a fundamental concept in espresso making.

A brew ratio in espresso refers to the relationship between the weight of ground coffee used (dose) and the weight of the liquid espresso produced (yield). A common ratio is 1:2.

This means for every 1 gram of ground coffee, you aim to extract 2 grams of liquid espresso. So, with an 18-gram dose, a 1:2 ratio would yield 36 grams of espresso. Other common ratios include 1:1.5 (ristretto, a more concentrated shot) and 1:2.5 (lungo, a longer, less concentrated shot).

Weight vs. Volume in Espresso Measurement

Should you measure espresso in grams (weight) or ounces/milliliters (volume)?

Weight (grams) is a more accurate and consistent way to measure espresso than volume (ounces or milliliters) because the crema, the foam on top of espresso, can affect volume measurements. [➊]

Crema, while visually appealing, is primarily composed of CO2 gas and doesn’t accurately reflect the actual amount of extracted coffee. Using a scale to measure both the dose and the yield provides much greater precision and consistency.

How Does Grind Size Impact the Amount of Coffee Used?

Grind size is a critical variable in espresso brewing, and it directly affects how much coffee you should use.

Grind size significantly impacts the amount of coffee used. Finer grinds may require a slightly lower dose due to increased surface area, while coarser grinds might need a slightly higher dose for optimal extraction.

Fine Grind Adjustments

With a finer grind, the water has more surface area to interact with, leading to faster extraction.

If your grind is too fine, you might experience over-extraction, resulting in a bitter, astringent taste. In this case, slightly reducing the dose (e.g., from 18 grams to 17 grams) can help balance the extraction.

Coarse Grind Adjustments

Conversely, a coarser grind has less surface area, leading to slower extraction.

If your grind is too coarse, you might experience under-extraction, resulting in a sour, weak, and underdeveloped flavor. Increasing the dose slightly (e.g., from 18 grams to 19 grams) can help compensate for this.

FAQs About How Many Grams of Coffee for Double Espresso:

How many grams of coffee for a double shot of espresso?

The standard range is 16-20 grams, with 18 grams being the most common recommendation.

Is 36g of espresso a double?

Yes, 36g of espresso is typically considered a double shot when using a 1:2 brew ratio with an 18g dose of ground coffee.

How much espresso from 18g?

With a 1:2 brew ratio, 18g of ground coffee should yield approximately 36g of liquid espresso.

How many grams is 1 shot of espresso?

A single shot of espresso typically uses 7-10 grams of ground coffee.

How many grams of coffee for double espresso Starbucks?

Starbucks’ espresso dosing can vary, but it often falls within the standard 16-20 gram range for a double shot. It’s best to ask your barista for specifics.

How many grams of coffee for a single espresso?

A single espresso typically uses 7-10 grams of coffee.

Double shot espresso ml?

While weight is more accurate, a double shot (approximately 36g) is roughly equivalent to 60ml, but this can vary due to crema.

How many grams of coffee in a double shot Breville?

Breville espresso machines typically use portafilter baskets that accommodate the standard 16-20 gram range for a double espresso.

What should a double shot of espresso weigh?

A double shot of espresso, using a 1:2 brew ratio and an 18g dose, should weigh approximately 36 grams.

Has the size of a double espresso changed?

While the generally accepted range remains 16-20 grams, there has been some variation over time and across different coffee cultures. [➍] Originally, double shots may have been closer to 14g, but the trend has moved towards slightly larger doses.

What is a good brew ratio for espresso?

A 1:2 brew ratio (coffee in : espresso out) is a widely accepted standard for espresso, providing a good balance of strength and flavor.

Summary:

Mastering the art of the double espresso starts with understanding the correct coffee dose.

The standard amount of coffee for a double espresso is 16-20 grams, with 18 grams being the most common. Understanding brew ratios and adjusting for grind size ensures a balanced and flavorful shot.

Experiment within this range, pay attention to your grind size, and use a scale for accurate measurements. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to pulling consistently delicious double espressos.

What are your experiences with dosing for double espressos? Share your tips and questions in the comments below!