Making espresso at home can feel like a personal feud with your kitchen. Add decaf to the mix, and you might start questioning all your life choices.
But trust us—it doesn’t have to be that way.
Here’s how to pull a genuinely decent shot of decaf espresso without smashing your tamper or crying into your portafilter.
Step 1: Start with beans that actually want to be espresso
Most of the trouble starts with bad beans. If your decaf isn’t roasted for espresso, your crema will be MIA and your flavour flat.
We recommend starting with our espresso-ready decaf grounds or whole beans that were made for pressure, not filter faff.
Step 2: Check the grind
Too coarse and the water flies through. Too fine and it chokes. Either way, you’ll end up angry.
If you’re grinding at home, aim for a fine, table-salt consistency. If you’re using pre-ground, make sure it’s labelled for espresso—not general purpose.
We grind ours right for you. No guesswork. No screaming.
Step 3: Don’t mess up the tamp
Inconsistent tamping is where dreams go to die. Press down firmly and evenly. Don’t twist. Don’t lean. Don’t freestyle.
Flat puck. Even pressure. Done.
Step 4: Dial in your machine (don’t just pray)
Every machine’s different. But you’re looking for:
- A shot time of 25–30 seconds
- A steady stream, not a jet
- A golden crema (yes, even with decaf)
If it’s too fast, your grind’s too coarse or your tamp was weak. Too slow? Finer grind or gentler tamp.
Step 5: Taste and tweak
Good espresso isn’t a science experiment. It’s a conversation with your beans. Taste, adjust, repeat.
If it’s sour: you under-extracted. Try finer grind or more time. If it’s bitter: you over-extracted. Try coarser grind or less time.
Bonus: You’re not broken—it’s the beans
If you’ve followed every step and it still tastes wrong, it’s probably not you. It’s your coffee.
Our decaf espresso is designed for home machines, with full flavour, no chemicals, and yes, even a Great Taste Award. Because decaf deserves better—and so do you.
Final sip
You don’t need a barista course or anger issues to pull a decent decaf espresso.
You just need beans that are built for it—and a little patience.
Get started with our award-winning decaf espresso range, and let your mornings brew in peace.