Measuring a shot - g or oz?

Post by **bugbus** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 7:06 am

Hey all,

In trying to obtain the correct grind for 15g of beans in my Mazzer Mini E for a 25s pull, I'm trying to get a fairly precise measurement of the resulting shot. With varying amounts of crema depending on bean, I was wondering if I could simply weigh the shot in grams instead of trying to guess the volume? Would 1.5-2oz be the same as 42-47g since an oz can be converted to 28g? I've never seen a discussion of weighing a shot before. How does one normally measure a shot?

Post by **ronsil** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:18 am

- In the UK we measure in grams - A 15 gram double shot = 1 oz. If you can use grams it is more accurate than fractions of ounces for variances.

Post by **Bigtwin** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 11:04 pm

@Bugbus,

Don't confuse volume with weight.... 1.5 oz in volume = 45 ml and 2 oz = 60 ml (30 ml/oz).

Post by **jmcphail** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 11:15 pm

Bigtwin makes a great point - when using ounce measurement, context is everything. Ounces of grinds are a weight measure, while ounces of liquids are a volume measure.

For some reason I measure the grinds in grams, and the brewed coffee in ounces. I use 15 grams of grinds to produce 1.5 - 2.0 oz. of espresso in 25 seconds. I don't know what I'd do if I ever had to calculate dissolved solids in the brew, my head would explode! :D

Post by **bugbus** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 11:19 pm

Hey Bigtwin,

I've since discovered this: http://www.home-barista.com/forums/brew ... t2402.html

Which says:

The only quick, accurate way to measure the actual amount of espresso produced is by weighing it, NOT by measuring it volumetrically.

According to the chart used by the SCAA, 16g of beans produces 32g of espresso for a typical double.