Introduction
The following options are available on-device (not in app) under Settings → Customization → Nerdy settings. This menu is meant to provide advanced users with deeper levels of customization and calibration options for their specific workflow. Continue reading for an explanation of each!
Table of Contents
Boiler Offsets
Most espresso machines need a few shots after warm-up before they’re truly thermally stable. On first startup, internal parts such as tubes, sensors, and the brew path aren’t yet at “steady-state” temperature, even if the boiler is up to temp. Espresso Series 1 accounts for this automatically with boiler offsets, so your shots stay consistent from the very first pull.
There are four offset stages:
1st shot offset is optimized for people who want to make espresso as soon as the machine finishes its 2-minute warm-up. It compensates for a cooler brew path and portafilter, and not running any water through the machine before making their first drink.
After each shot, the machine advances to the next offset stage and adjusts temperature accordingly:
- 2nd shot offset accounts for the main inner flow path and sensors getting heated up after the first shot.
- 3rd shot offset accounts for the additional rise in temperature from the second shot.
- Nth shot offset is the “fully stable” state when the machine reaches internal equilibrium
For advanced users, these offsets can be fine-tuned to match your routine and taste. For example, if you routinely let the machine sit for 10–15 minutes before brewing, you may prefer a slightly lower 1st shot offset. If you always flush the group before pulling a shot, you may want a slightly higher 2nd shot offset. The defaults are designed to deliver stable, repeatable results across typical home workflows.
Volumetric Offsets
Volumetric dosing uses your shot profile’s target yield, then applies an offset to account for real-world variables that can affect the final output. Espresso Series 1’s default calibration works well for most users, but the volumetric offset lets you fine-tune it for your specific coffee and setup. There are three volumetric offset stages:
- 1st shot offset compensates for two things that affect volume on first startup: the headspace above the puck, and the fact that the internal tubing between the boiler and grouphead may not be fully primed with water yet.
- 2nd shot and Nth shot offsets are typically set to the same value and primarily account for puck headspace once the system is primed. If you notice a small difference between your second and third shots, you can fine-tune these values independently.
You should adjust these offsets based on the volume of espresso you like for your particular style of coffee. If your volumetric output is consistently running high or low, increase or decrease the offset to bring your shots into the target range by following the steps in our dedicated article here. If your shots are running low, a great place to start would be to increase each offset by 20ml. So...
- 1st Offset: 48ml → 68ml
- 2nd Offset: 44ml → 64ml
- Nth Offset: 44ml → 64ml
Hot Water Offset
The Hot Water Offset calibrates the machine’s hot water dispensing volume. It acts as a percentage multiplier: increase it if the machine dispenses too little water, or decrease it if it dispenses too much.
Example: If you target 100 ml but the machine dispenses 85 ml, the amount is 15% lower than expected, so you would change your offset to +15%. The same approach works in the opposite direction if the machine is over-dispensing.
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