Baratza Sette 30AP: Setup Guide Video

Congratulations on your new Baratza Sette 30AP Espresso Grinder. Dialing in your coffee grinder isn't always easy. We discuss the steps to fine-tune your burr grinder for the best possible extraction.

Join Victoria as she demonstrates how to set up and dial-in the Baratza Sette 30AP Espresso Grinder. Please note that Clive Coffee also offers a grinder dial-in service if you prefer to have someone else do the hard work for you!

Step 1: Out of the box and onto the counter

Remove the grinder from its box and place it on a solid level surface.
Inspect the grinder for any damage. If you notice any, contact us immediately.
Insert the hopper by aligning the 3 prongs and rotate a quarter turn clockwise to lock into place.
Plug the grinder in. It will turn itself on.

Step 2: Feeling the coffee

Put some beans in the hopper and grind them into your hand.
Feel the grounds. For espresso, they should feel similar to table salt. Not as fine as powdered sugar, and not as coarse as sand.
If too fine, adjust coarser. Too coarse, adjust finer.
We find that the espresso setting is generally around 9.

Step 3: Dialing the dose

Now that the grind is in the ballpark, it’s time to start pulling shots.
First, grab a scale and tare the weight of the portafilter.
It’s worth noting that the Sette 30 is a single dosing powerhouse. It’s conical burrs and vertical grind path make for almost no grind retention.
If you’re only making a couple of cups a day, single dosing is ideal for keeping your coffee fresh.
If you plan to single dose: simply weigh out your beans ahead of time and grind them through.
If you plan to do weight-based dosing, now would be the time to fill your hopper. With the portafilter in the portafilter holder, press the play/pause button to start grinding. Press it again to stop when the portafilter is nearly full.
Now weigh the portafilter. Add or remove grounds as necessary to get to 20g.

Step 4: Adjustments - shot time

Grip the tamper handle as though you were grasping a doorknob. Tamp straight down and simply lean your weight into it comfortably. The amount of pressure is not nearly as important as your consistency and ability to keep the tamp perfectly level so water doesn’t find weak spots.
Insert your portafilter and start the shot.
We’re going to be watching for the time of the first drops of espresso to fall between 6 and 10 seconds.
If they fall outside the window, you’ll have to adjust the grind setting: under six seconds will be thin and sour, so you will need to adjust finer; over 10 seconds will be bitter, so you will need to adjust coarser.
Make small adjustments. This will be easier than making big changes and overcorrecting.
As the shot progresses, we’ll observe the total shot time: Our target output is 1.5oz (or 30g) liquid espresso in 25 - 30 seconds.
If it falls under 25 seconds, adjust your grind finer. If it falls over 30 seconds, adjust coarser.
If you find that your ideal setting would be between two numbered settings, we suggest adjusting your dose. If your shot is pulling too fast, add a gram or so to slow it down. If it’s pulling too slow, try removing a gram to speed things up.

Once you've dialed in your grind, it's time to start pulling shots! Check out our Espresso 101section to learn about steaming milk, latte art, our suggested starter espresso recipe and much more!