Espresso Fixes
Practical, step-by-step solutions you can apply right away—ranked by effectiveness, cost, and difficulty.
Upgrade Your Grinder
If using a blade grinder or entry-level burr grinder, consider upgrading to a quality espresso grinder with fine adjustment capability.
Expected Result
More consistent particle size, better control, dramatic flavor improvement.
Use a Scale
Weigh your coffee dose and espresso output with a 0.1g precision scale. Aim for consistent input/output ratios.
Expected Result
Reproducible results, easier troubleshooting, precise recipe development.
Use WDT Tool for Distribution
Use a WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) tool to break up clumps and evenly distribute grounds in your portafilter before tamping.
Expected Result
Eliminated channeling, more even extraction, consistent shot times.
Preheat Machine Properly
Allow your espresso machine to heat for at least 20-30 minutes. Run water through the group head before your first shot.
Expected Result
Stable brewing temperature, more consistent extraction, better flavor development.
Clean Machine and Grinder
Backflush your machine with cleaner, clean the shower screen, and purge your grinder with cleaning tablets or rice.
Expected Result
Cleaner, purer flavors without rancid oil contamination.
Grind Finer
Adjust your grinder to produce finer coffee particles. Make small adjustments (2-3 increments on most grinders) and pull a test shot.
Expected Result
Extraction time should increase by 3-5 seconds. Flavor should become more balanced with less sourness.
Grind Coarser
Adjust your grinder to produce coarser coffee particles. Make small adjustments (2-3 increments) and pull a test shot.
Expected Result
Extraction time should decrease by 3-5 seconds. Flavor should become less bitter and harsh.
Rest Fresh Beans
If beans were roasted less than 5 days ago, wait a few more days before using. Light roasts need 10-14 days, dark roasts 5-7 days.
Expected Result
More stable extraction, better flavor development, easier to dial in.
Use Longer Ratio for Light Roasts
For light roast coffees, try a longer ratio like 1:2.5 or even 1:3. Light roasts need more extraction to balance acidity.
Expected Result
Better balance, sweeter notes emerge, reduced harsh acidity.
Increase Extraction Yield
Pull a longer shot, increasing your output ratio. Try moving from 1:2 to 1:2.5 (e.g., 18g in → 45g out instead of 36g).
Expected Result
More extraction, reduced sourness, sweeter and more balanced flavor.
Use Shorter Ratio for Dark Roasts
For dark roast coffees, try a shorter ratio like 1:1.5 to 1:2. Dark roasts extract faster and can become bitter with too much water.
Expected Result
Reduced bitterness, more body, traditional espresso intensity.
Adjust Water Temperature
If your machine allows, adjust brewing temperature. Try 92-96°C for most coffees. Light roasts prefer higher, dark roasts lower.
Expected Result
Better flavor balance, reduced sourness or bitterness depending on adjustment direction.
Increase Coffee Dose
Add 0.5-1g more coffee to your portafilter basket. Ensure it's within your basket's recommended capacity.
Expected Result
More resistance, slower extraction, fuller body and more intense flavor.
Decrease Extraction Yield
Pull a shorter shot, decreasing your output ratio. Try moving from 1:2 to 1:1.5 (e.g., 18g in → 27g out instead of 36g).
Expected Result
Less extraction, reduced bitterness, more concentrated but less harsh flavor.
Decrease Coffee Dose
Remove 0.5-1g of coffee from your portafilter basket. Leave adequate headspace below the shower screen.
Expected Result
Less resistance, faster extraction, cleaner flavor profile.
Use Filtered Water
Use a water filter or Third Wave Water minerals added to distilled water for optimal mineral content.
Expected Result
Cleaner taste, better extraction, no chlorine or metallic flavors, machine longevity.
Ensure Level Tamping
Apply even, level pressure when tamping. Use a leveling tamper or practice keeping your wrist straight and elbow at 90 degrees.
Expected Result
Even extraction across the puck, eliminated side channeling, consistent flavor.
Flush Group Head
Run 2-3 seconds of water through the group head before inserting your portafilter. This stabilizes temperature.
Expected Result
More consistent temperature, especially important for single boiler machines.
Use Precision Filter Basket
Replace your stock filter basket with a precision basket like VST, IMS, or Pullman. These have more consistent hole sizes.
Expected Result
More even extraction, better flow, reduced channeling potential.
Check Bean Freshness
Check the roast date on your coffee bag. Espresso is best 7-30 days after roasting. If older, consider fresh beans.
Expected Result
Better crema production, more vibrant flavors, easier dial-in.