Set Espresso machine

Setting an espresso machine with PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) can be the key to achieving perfect espresso every time. A PID controller precisely adjusts the temperature of the machine, helping to ensure consistent results. In this guide, we'll dive into how to optimise your espresso machine with PID for the best results.

What is a PID control and why is it important?

A PID controller is an electronic device that precisely controls the temperature in an espresso machine. Temperature is crucial for espresso quality as even small variations can drastically affect the flavour. The PID keeps the brewing temperature stable, ensuring that each extraction is precise, which means better and more consistent espresso shots.

Step-by-step guide to setting up your espresso machine with PID

1. Understand your machine and PID settings

Before you start adjusting, it's important to understand the machine's PID interface. Most machines with PID allow you to adjust:

  • Brewing temperature: The water temperature when it hits the coffee.
  • Steam temperature (vapour): The temperature generated for steam for frothing milk.
  • Offset setting: A parameter that adjusts the difference between the measured temperature in the boiler and the brewing temperature at the group.
  • Pre-infusion time: The period where the coffee is exposed to low pressure or small amounts of water before the full brewing pressure is applied. This process ensures an even saturation of the coffee bed, reducing the risk of channelling and improving extraction for a more balanced flavour profile.

Read the machine manual to understand how to navigate the PID settings and which parameters you can adjust.

2. Set the brewing temperature

Brewing temperature is one of the most important variables to set correctly as it directly affects the flavour. Most espresso blends brew well at around 90-96°C, but this depends on your bean type:

  • Dark roasted beans: Use a lower temperature (90-92°C) to avoid bitterness.
  • Light roasted beans: Use a higher temperature (94-96°C) to bring out the full flavours.

Start with a temperature of around 93°C and adjust as needed. A lower temperature can dampen the acidity, while a higher temperature emphasises it.

3. Know the Offset Value

Some PID controllers have an offset value that is important to ensure that the temperature the PID displays matches what actually hits the coffee. The offset setting adjusts the difference between the boiler temperature and the actual brewing temperature at the group. If you experience inconsistent shots, it may be worth fine-tuning this value to ensure you get the correct water temperature.

4. Lav Consistent test shots

After setting a temperature, you need to test how the coffee tastes. It sometimes takes 2-3 shots for the temperature to stabilise in the system. Make several shots and evaluate the flavour:

  • If the coffee tastes bitter, the temperature may be too high.
  • If the coffee tastes sour, the temperature may be too low.

Use a small notebook or app to record your observations to find the optimal temperature for your beans.

5. Consider External Factors

Although the PID provides precise control, factors such as grind, dosage, and tamp pressure can also affect the brewing result. Make sure that:

  • Grind: Make sure the coffee is ground correctly (fine enough for espresso). If the water runs through too quickly, the coffee is too coarsely ground.
  • Dosage: Use a scale to ensure you always use the same amount of coffee - typically between 18-20 grams for a double espresso.
  • Tamp pressure: Tamp the coffee with even force to ensure that the water is evenly distributed.

6. Steaming and steam temperature

If your machine also has a PID to control the vapour pressure, you can adjust this to get the ideal steam for frothing milk. Higher vapour pressure makes it easier to create microfoam, but it takes some practice:

  • Set the steam temperature between 120-135°C for efficient milk frothing.
  • Keep in mind that higher temperatures require faster frothing, while lower temperatures allow a little more time for precision.

7. Experiment with different beans

The temperature can change depending on the beans you use. While dark roasted beans often require a lower temperature, light roasted beans can benefit from higher temperatures. Try adjusting the PID slightly up or down depending on the specific beans.

Typical Errors and Troubleshooting

  • Unstable Temperature: If you find that the PID is not keeping the temperature stable, check if the machine has been descaled recently. Limescale build-up can affect the temperature control.
  • Bitter flavour: If the espresso tastes bitter, try reducing the brewing temperature by 1-2°C and see if this helps.
  • Make Steam Foam Quality: If the milk is not foaming properly, you may need to raise the steam temperature or thoroughly clean the steam wand of milk residue.
Working with an espresso machine with PID requires some experimentation, but the reward is a more consistent and precise espresso. Start with the recommended settings and slowly adjust until you achieve the perfect flavour. The most important thing is to have patience and the desire to fine-tune.
A PID can really take your home brewing to a new level, and once you understand how it affects brewing, you can easily get the best out of your beans. Happy brewing!
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