AUTOMATIC COFFEE MACHINES
So you have an automatic machine: water and coffee, and pressing the button equals excellent coffee, right? Not necessarily, and there are different ways to take your automatic machine to the next level.
In this video, “How To Dial In A Bean-to-Cup Machine (Like a Nerd)”, James Hoffmann presents a step-by-step guide for getting the most out of your bean-to-cup machine—a perfect watch for coffee enthusiasts who love convenience without sacrificing quality. Hoffmann explains how these machines work and what “dial-in” coffee means. His insights, especially on adjusting grind size, coffee dose, and extraction time, are great for those wanting to experience the complex and unique flavors of specialty coffee.
You can follow Hoffmann’s suggestions to bring out our coffee's distinct notes and balanced profile in a fully automated machine. He recommends beginning with a coarser grind and gradually going finer until you find the ideal balance for your taste. This is especially relevant with TLAKO’s Special Edition coffee, which, due to its acidity and fruitiness, offers you the possibility to adapt the level of acidity in your cup with the right grind size.
Hoffmann also discusses adjusting the coffee dose—an essential step for single-origin beans like TLAKO. Our beans, crafted with care from seed to cup and roasted weekly to preserve freshness, are best enjoyed when you experiment slightly with the dose, ensuring the notes are pronounced and not overshadowed by bitterness or under-extraction. He suggests experimenting by adding or subtracting a small amount of coffee to balance strength and sweetness.
Regarding extraction time, Hoffmann points out that even minor adjustments can significantly impact flavor. With TLAKO TACANÁ coffee, for example, you may find that a slightly longer extraction brings out its earthy, sweet undertones, while a shorter one emphasizes a more delicate acidity. Using high-quality beans also ensures that each cup reflects the true essence of the coffee without harsh or undesirable flavors.
In addition to this, remember to clean your machine and grinder regularly. That alone will help you get consistently good results. So, give it a try, explore what your machine can do with TLAKO coffee, and elevate your bean-to-cup experience to new heights!