If your espresso tastes sour, bitter, or just off, chances are your brew ratio is the culprit — not your machine. The secret to consistently delicious espresso lies in understanding brew ratios and using a scale to measure them with precision.

In this guide, we’ll break down what espresso ratios are, why they matter, and how a coffee scale (like the MANTABREW WeighMaster) helps you master every shot.

What Is an Espresso Brew Ratio?

Your espresso brew ratio is the weight of coffee grounds you use (input) compared to the weight of espresso you extract (output).

$$\text{Brew Ratio} = \frac{\text{Espresso Yield (g)}}{\text{Ground Coffee Dose (g)}}$$

Example:
If you use 18g of ground coffee and extract 36g of espresso, your ratio is 1:2.

This ratio tells you how much water is passing through the coffee — and directly impacts flavor.

Common Espresso Ratios and What They Mean

✅ Pro tip: Small changes in ratio = big changes in taste.

Why a Coffee Scale Is Essential for Espresso

Pulling espresso by time or volume (e.g. 30 seconds or 1 oz) is unreliable. Water flow can vary due to grind, tamp, temperature, or pressure. Only a precision scale gives you full control over dose and yield.

With a smart scale like the MANTABREW WeighMaster, you get:

• Accurate dose input (0.1g precision)

• Real-time yield monitoring

• Integrated timer and flow rate display

• Consistency shot after shot

How to Test and Dial In Your Espresso Ratio

Step-by-step:

1. Tare the portafilter on the scale and add your grounds (e.g. 18g).

2. Insert the portafilter into your machine.

3. Place your cup and scale on the drip tray. Tare again.

4. Start your shot and monitor weight & time in real-time.

5. Stop when you reach your target yield (e.g. 36g for a 1:2 ratio).

🔁 Repeat with slight adjustments (grind, dose, ratio) to find your sweet spot.

Ratio, Taste & Extraction: The Triangle

• Too low a ratio (e.g. 1:1) → Overextracted, harsh, bitter

• Too high (e.g. 1:3) → Underextracted, watery, sour

• Balanced (1:1.8–2.2) → Sweet, rounded, complex

Using a scale allows you to track what works — and repeat it.

Tools That Make It Easy

Recommended Gear: MANTABREW WeighMaster

• 0.1g precision & fast response

• Real-time weight, time & flow rate display

• Auto-start timer for espresso

• Water-resistant, rechargeable, travel-ready

👉 Explore the WeighMaster Combo →

Conclusion

Perfect espresso doesn’t start with guesswork — it starts with ratios and repeatability. By using a reliable coffee scale, you’ll unlock better taste, better control, and a whole new level of brewing confidence.

If you're serious about espresso, tracking your brew ratio is not optional — it’s essential.