How to make Espresso at home (Classic 1:2 Brew Ratio)

How to make espresso at home is easier than you think. With just a few tools and the right technique, you can brew café-quality espresso in your own kitchen. This guide walks you through one of the most trusted espresso recipes: the 1:2 brew ratio.
It’s simple, effective, and perfect for home baristas who want a well-balanced espresso with a rich crema and full flavor.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your technique – this guide will help you brew with confidence.

What is the 1:2 Brew Ratio?

The 1:2 espresso ratio means:
For every 1 gram of dry coffee, you extract 2 grams of liquid espresso.

So, if you use 18 grams of ground coffee, your final shot should weigh around 36 grams in the cup including crema.

This ratio results in a balanced shot with:
• Good body
• Defined sweetness
• Pleasant acidity
• No overpowering bitterness

Why use this brew ratio?

This brew ratio tends to deliver an espresso that is:

✅ Well-balanced in body and flavor
✅ Shows clear sweetness without being flat
✅ Offers a pleasant acidity
✅ Avoids overpowering bitterness

It’s a great place to start for anyone looking to brew café-quality espresso at home. Once you’ve mastered it, you can experiment with other ratios to suit your personal taste.

Equipment You’ll Need

To pull a truly satisfying espresso shot, having the right gear is just as important as using quality beans.

Here’s what you’ll need to set yourself up for success:

• Espresso machine
• Precision scale
• Coffee grinder
• Fresh espresso beans
• Tamper

☕ Espresso Machine

The heart of your setup. Choose a high-quality espresso machine that can deliver consistent pressure (ideally 6-9 bars) and stable water temperature between 90–96°C (194–205°F). Machines with a PID controller offer superior thermal stability – a game-changer for consistent shots.

⚖️ Precision Scale

Consistency starts with precision. A digital scale that reads to at least 0.1 grams allows you to dial in both your dose and your yield with confidence. No more guesswork – just reproducible, balanced results.

⚙️ Burr Grinder

Grind size is critical. A burr grinder (not blade!) ensures an even grind, which leads to even extraction. Freshly ground beans retain more flavor, and dialing in your grind is essential to getting the shot just right.

🌱 Fresh Espresso Beans

Start with high-quality, freshly roasted beans – ideally 2 to 4 weeks off the roast. Store them in an airtight container, away from heat, moisture, and sunlight to preserve flavor and aroma.

🔩 Tamper

Your tamp should feel solid in your hand and fit snugly in the portafilter. A flat, even tamp helps prevent channeling and ensures that water flows evenly through the coffee puck – essential for optimal extraction.

How to make Espresso – Step-by-Step Guide (1:2 Ratio)

Follow these four key steps to pull a balanced, flavorful espresso shot at home:

1️⃣ Grind Your Coffee

Use 18 grams of freshly ground espresso beans.
Aim for a fine grind, similar to the texture of table salt.
Use a precision scale to weigh your dose — accuracy matters.

💡 Tip: If your shot brews too quickly, your grind may be too coarse. If it brews too slowly, it might be too fine.

2️⃣ Distribute and Tamp

Distribute the coffee grounds evenly in the portafilter to avoid channeling.
Use a flat, consistent tamping pressure to create a uniform coffee bed.
✅ Consistency is more important than strength. Aim for a level, even surface every time.

3️⃣ Brew the Espresso

Insert the portafilter into your machine and start the shot.
Use a timer and aim for a total extraction time of 25 to 30 seconds.

🕒 This is your window for balancing flavor — under 25 seconds may taste sour, over 30 seconds could bring bitterness.

4️⃣ Stop at ~36 grams

Stop the shot when your scale reads around 36 grams of liquid espresso – including the crema.
This gives you the classic 1:2 ratio: 18 g in → 36 g out.

Pro Tips for Success

If the espresso tastes sour, try grinding finer
If it tastes bitter, try grinding coarser
Always use fresh beans and clean your equipment regularly