How Many Espresso Beans In A Shot?

on January 20, 2023

Are you curious about how many espresso beans go into making a perfect shot? The answer may surprise you. While the exact amount can vary depending on personal taste and desired strength, the standard serving size for a single shot of espresso is 7 grams, or about 0.25 ounces of coffee beans.

As the average coffee bean weighs 0.1325 grams or 0.0046738 ounces according to honestcoffeeguide.com this means the average shot of expresso contains around 52 beans.

Can You Make An Expresso Without A Machine?

You can make an espresso without a machine. There are several methods to make espresso without a machine, such as using a French press, a moka pot, a manual lever press, or an aeropress. Each method has its own unique process and may produce slightly different results. The main differences between the methods of making espresso without a machine are listed below:

French press: A French press, also known as a cafetière or coffee plunger, is a simple method of making coffee by steeping ground coffee in hot water and then separating the grounds from the liquid using a metal or nylon mesh filter. To make espresso with a French press, you would need to use a finer grind of coffee and a smaller amount of water than you would for regular coffee. The resulting coffee will be stronger and more full-bodied than a traditional espresso, but will not have the same level of crema (foam) on top.
Moka pot: A moka pot, also known as a stovetop espresso maker, is a small, stove-top coffee maker that uses pressure from boiling water to force water through ground coffee and produce a concentrated coffee similar to espresso. Moka pot coffee is generally stronger than French press coffee, but still not as strong as a traditional espresso. It will have a crema on top, but it will not be as thick as that of a machine-made espresso.
Manual lever press: A manual lever press, also known as a piston or lever espresso, is a manual device that uses a lever to exert pressure on ground coffee and force hot water through it to make espresso. This method is considered to be the closest to traditional espresso, and can produce a coffee with similar strength, flavor and crema as machine-made espresso. However, it may require more skill and effort to use a manual lever press than other methods.

Aeropress: An Aeropress is a manual coffee maker that uses air pressure to force coffee through a microfilter, producing a coffee that is less concentrated and more similar to a filter coffee. It is a simple and easy to use method, and you can make a coffee that is less bitter and more clean-tasting than using other methods. It will not produce the same level of strength, flavor or crema as a traditional espresso, but it is a good alternative for those who prefer a milder coffee.

Keep in mind, each of these methods may produce different results, and the final product may not be as consistent as a machine-made espresso. It may take some experimentation to find the method that works best for you and your taste preferences.

How Many Beans Do You Need To Grind To Produce An Expresso Shot?

The amount of coffee beans you need to grind to produce a single shot of espresso will vary depending on the method you choose and your personal taste preference.

For example, if you are using a French press, you may need to use more coffee grounds, around 15-17 grams, to achieve a similar strength to a traditional espresso shot due to the less pressure and the longer extraction time. If you are using a moka pot, you may need to use less coffee grounds, around 5-7 grams, as the pressure and the extraction time is similar to a traditional espresso machine.

When using a manual lever press or an aeropress, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended amount of coffee to use, and adjust as needed to achieve the desired strength and flavor.

Keep in mind, that the weight of the beans you need to grind can vary depending on the quality of the beans, the roast, and the humidity and temperature of the environment. It is recommended to grind and measure the beans by weight, not by volume, as the density of the beans can vary.

How Finely Do You Need To Grind The Beans?

The grind size for making espresso without a machine will vary depending on the method you choose.

French press: A French press requires a coarse grind, similar to that of sea salt. The grind should be large enough so that the coffee grounds will not pass through the mesh filter.
Moka pot: A moka pot requires a medium-fine grind, slightly finer than that used for a French press. The grind should be small enough to allow the water to pass through easily, but not so fine that it will clog the filter.

Manual lever press: A manual lever press requires a fine grind, similar to that of granulated sugar. The grind should be small enough to allow the water to pass through easily, and to achieve the pressure needed to make the espresso.
Aeropress: An aeropress requires a medium to fine grind similar to that of table salt. The grind should be small enough to allow the water to pass through easily, but not so fine that it will clog the filter.

Keep in mind that the grind size will also depend on the type of beans, the roast, and even the humidity and temperature of your environment. It is best to experiment with different grind sizes and adjust as needed to achieve the desired flavor and strength. If the grind is too coarse, the coffee will be weak and flavorless. If the grind is too fine, the coffee will be bitter and hard to press through.