How to adjust the grind for lungo coffee?
For a lungo on an espresso machine, grind a little coarser than you do for espresso, because the longer pull with more water over-extracts and turns bitter if the grind is too fine. Nespresso confirms its lungo capsules use a coarser grind than its espresso ones. Change the grinder one small step at a time and taste.
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In this article
What grind do you use for lungo?
A lungo is a longer espresso, with more water pushed through the same coffee. More water means more extraction, so you move the grind slightly coarser than for a regular espresso. It should still be fine, close to espresso, not drip-coffee coarse. Nespresso states that its lungo capsules contain a coarser grind than espresso capsules; it lists espresso as a 40 ml cup and lungo as 110 ml.
How do you adjust the grinder?
- Start from the setting that gives a good espresso on your machine.
- Move one small step coarser.
- Pull a lungo with the same amount of coffee and stop at the volume you want.
- Taste, then change only one thing at a time: grind, dose or volume.
How do you fix a bitter or sour lungo?
| Taste | Likely cause | Try |
|---|---|---|
| Bitter, harsh, dry | Over-extracted | Coarser grind or stop the shot sooner |
| Sour, thin, sharp | Under-extracted | Finer grind or a slightly longer pull |
| Weak and watery | Too much water for the dose | Shorten the volume or add coffee |
A coffee retailer’s guide gives the same logic for espresso: bitter points to over-extraction, sour to under-extraction. Use it as a rule of thumb, since beans and machines differ.
Can you grind for lungo in a capsule machine?
No, capsule grind is set at the factory. Pick a capsule labeled lungo, which is made for the larger volume.
Which beans suit a lungo?
There is no official rule. Choose fresh beans labeled for espresso that you enjoy, then adjust the grind and volume to your taste.
Lungo or americano?
A lungo is made by running more water through the coffee. An americano is a normal espresso with hot water added after. The two taste different, so try both.
Common mistakes
- Going much coarser, which gives weak, sour coffee.
- Changing grind, dose and volume at once.
- Using stale beans, which hide any grind change.
People also ask
Is lungo ground coarser than espresso?
Slightly, yes. Nespresso says its lungo capsules use a coarser grind than its espresso capsules. On a grinder, move one small step coarser.
Why is my lungo bitter?
Usually over-extraction. Try a coarser grind, a shorter pull or fresher beans.
How much water is in a lungo?
Nespresso lists a lungo at 110 ml versus 40 ml for espresso. Cafes and home machines vary.
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