Bean-to-cup coffee machines take a lot of the effort out of brewing a good-tasting espresso. The best espresso machines can often provide help with tamping, time how long it takes to extract a double shot, and even help you steam milk for the optimal texture and temperature.
However, when it comes to choosing how to grind the beans, even the best coffee makers usually leave you to your own devices, offering a numbered dial on the bean hopper, and the most basic instructions. That isn't great, because picking the correct grind size (known as "dialling in" the grinder) is one of the trickiest parts of making a well-balanced espresso. Getting it right can often be a case of much trial and error, and potentially waste a lot of coffee beans.
