Hearthfield coffee guides
Decaf Espresso Guide: Choosing Your Decaf
Two decafs, two rituals: how to choose between our medium-roast Swiss Water Peru and our dark-roast decaf espresso beans, with a simple starting recipe.
Quick answer: for decaf espresso, start with 18 grams of finely ground coffee and pull about 36 grams of espresso in 25–30 seconds. Choose Whole Bean if you have a grinder so you can dial in, and a coffee roasted for espresso, such as our dark-roast Decaf Espresso Beans, if you want a classic, rich shot.
Decaf is still coffee
Decaf coffee has had most of its caffeine removed before roasting. It isn't caffeine-free, but it lets you enjoy espresso, lattes and cappuccinos with far less caffeine. As a general reference, the FDA lists decaf coffee at typically 2–15 mg per 8 fl oz (source).
Our two decafs, compared
| Decaf Espresso Beans | Peru Swiss Water Decaf | |
|---|---|---|
| Roast | Dark | Medium |
| Decaf process | Water-process decaf | Swiss Water Process |
| Origin | Varies with availability | Piura and Amazonas, Peru (Norandino Cooperative) |
| Tasting notes | A classic dark-roast espresso profile | Caramel, smooth, citrus |
| Best for | Espresso, lattes, cappuccinos | Drip, pour-over, French press; a lighter-style espresso |
"Water-process" is the description supplied for our Decaf Espresso Beans, so we don't call it Swiss Water. Read what is Swiss Water decaf? to learn how water decaffeination works.
How to pull a decaf espresso shot
- Warm everything. Let the machine, portafilter and cup heat fully.
- Dose 18 g of coffee into a double basket (or the dose your basket is designed for).
- Distribute and tamp evenly so water flows through the puck evenly.
- Pull about 36 g of espresso (a 1:2 ratio) in roughly 25–30 seconds.
- Taste and adjust using the table below.
| Your shot | What it means | Adjust |
|---|---|---|
| Runs fast, tastes sour or thin | Under-extracted | Grind finer |
| Runs slow, tastes bitter or harsh | Over-extracted | Grind coarser |
| Good time, tastes flat | Ratio may be off | Try a slightly shorter or longer yield |
Change one variable at a time and take notes. Your machine, basket and grinder may need a different starting point.
Tips specific to decaf espresso
- Expect to adjust your grind. Decaffeination changes the bean's structure, so decaf often behaves differently in the grinder than regular coffee. Dial in from scratch rather than copying your regular settings.
- Grind fresh. Whole Bean gives you control over every shot. Pre-ground espresso is convenient but can't be adjusted after it arrives.
- Use a little less heat if your machine allows it and a dark roast tastes harsh; slightly lower brew temperatures are a common adjustment for darker roasts.
- Milk drinks are forgiving. A dark-roast decaf holds its flavor well in lattes and cappuccinos.
No espresso machine?
You can make strong, espresso-style decaf with a moka pot or an AeroPress. Use a fine-to-medium-fine grind and a stronger ratio than you'd use for drip coffee. See our coffee grind size guide for the right grind for every brewer.
Roast vs. caffeine: a common myth
Roast level and caffeine answer different questions. Roast and tasting notes tell you the style of the cup; the decaf label tells you the caffeine choice. A dark roast isn't evidence of more or less caffeine, so choose your roast for flavor.
Is decaf just for the evening?
Not at all. An after-dinner decaf espresso is a lovely ritual, but decaf can be your morning cup, too. Choose the moment that suits your routine. For more ideas, read the best coffee for the afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make espresso with decaf?
Yes. Any coffee can be brewed as espresso; a decaf roasted for espresso usually gives the richest result.
Does decaf espresso have caffeine?
A small amount. Decaf isn't caffeine-free.
Should I buy whole bean or ground decaf espresso?
Whole Bean if you have a grinder; it lets you dial in each shot. Choose the Espresso grind if you don't own a grinder and your machine works well with pre-ground coffee.
Which Hearthfield decaf is best for lattes?
Our dark-roast Decaf Espresso Beans, roasted specifically for espresso and milk drinks.
Choose your decaf
Start with the cup you want: the dark-roast Decaf Espresso Beans for espresso, or the medium-roast Peru Swiss Water Decaf for filter coffee. Browse all decaf coffee. Every bag is roasted to order with US shipping included.