Espresso Problems & Symptoms

Identify what's wrong with your espresso by browsing common symptoms. Each issue includes causes and step-by-step solutions.

Taste Issues

Your espresso leaves a dry, puckering sensation on your tongue and cheeks

Your espresso tastes sour, acidic, or tart - often described as lemony or vinegar-like

Your espresso tastes excessively bitter, harsh, or burnt

Your espresso lacks body, tastes watery or hollow, missing richness

Water finds weak spots in the puck, causing uneven extraction with spurts or side streams

Your shot runs too quickly, finishing in under 20 seconds

Your shot runs too slowly, taking over 35 seconds or barely dripping

Crema is too light, too dark, disappears quickly, or is completely absent