Why Do Baristas Always Dump the First Espresso Shot After Turning On the Machine?
Have you ever noticed this? When a barista first powers on the espresso machine in the morning, the very first shot of espresso isn’t served — it’s poured straight down the drain. Then they immediately pull another one. Curious customers often ask, “Why throw it away?” And if you make espresso at home, you might wonder — should you do the same? Why the First Espresso Shot Gets Tossed At our café, before serving the first cup of the day, baristas always go through an essential calibration process. This includes pulling one shot and discarding it, then tasting a straight espresso and a latte to fine-tune the day’s brewing parameters. The reason the first espresso gets tossed? Simply put — it’s not up to standard . 1. Cleaning Residue Espresso machines aren’t cheap, and with proper maintenance, they can last for many years. Regular cleaning is key to keeping them in good condition. Every night after closing, baristas perform a deep clean using a specialized cleaning powder ...