Singapore’s coffee culture is booming — and the perfect espresso starts right at home. With the right technique, tools, and a touch of Swiss precision, you can craft café-quality coffee in your own kitchen. Here’s how to brew an espresso that looks, smells, and tastes just like your favourite barista made it.
1. Start with Fresh, High-Quality Coffee Beans
Your espresso is only as good as your beans.
Choose freshly roasted, 100% Arabica or premium Arabica–Robusta blends from reputable local roasters in Singapore.
For best results:
- Use beans roasted within the past 2–4 weeks.
- Store them in an airtight container, away from heat and light.
- Grind only what you need for each cup — freshness fades quickly after grinding.
2. Grind Size Matters
Espresso requires a fine grind — finer than drip coffee but not powdery.
If the grind is too coarse, your espresso will taste weak and watery.
If it’s too fine, it’ll extract too slowly, making the shot bitter.
Tip:
For Solis grinders (like the Grind & Infuse Perfetta), start at the mid-fine setting and adjust based on flow time — a perfect espresso should extract in 25–30 seconds.
3. Get the Right Coffee Dose
Precision is key.
Use a coffee scale to dose 18–20 g of ground coffee for a double shot (or 9–10 g for a single).
Distribute the grounds evenly before tamping — uneven tamping causes channeling, which makes the espresso taste inconsistent.
4. Perfect Your Tamping Technique
A consistent tamp pressure of around 15–20 kg ensures even extraction.
Keep your wrist straight, apply steady pressure, and make sure the coffee bed is level.
Pro tip: Use a Solis tamping mat and Solis tamper for stability and accuracy.
5. Mind Your Water Quality & Temperature
Singapore’s tap water is safe but slightly hard, which can affect both taste and your machine’s lifespan.
Use filtered or soft water for better flavour and less scale buildup.
The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is 90–94 °C.
Machines like the Solis Barista Perfetta Plus automatically maintain optimal temperature for a balanced extraction.
6. Master the Extraction Time
Extraction time determines the espresso’s balance:
- Under 25 seconds: Sour and under-extracted.
- Over 30 seconds: Bitter and harsh.
- 25–30 seconds: Perfect — rich aroma, creamy body, balanced flavour.
Adjust grind size or tamp pressure to hit this sweet spot.
7. Keep Your Machine Clean
Even the best beans won’t shine if your machine isn’t clean.
Descale regularly (every 2–3 months in Singapore’s climate) and backflush after each week of use.
Use Solis Solipol descaler for safe, effective cleaning that protects internal components.
Bonus: Craft the Perfect Finish
Top your espresso with silky microfoam for a cappuccino, or serve it neat to taste the full complexity of your coffee.
Enjoy with a pastry or chocolate — a true café moment at home.
Brew Like a Barista with Solis
Mastering the perfect espresso is an art — and with Solis, it’s one you can enjoy every day. From precision grinders to barista-grade espresso machines, our Swiss-engineered tools help you craft your ideal cup with consistency and style.
Experience the art of espresso with Solis Singapore.