Extraction Too Fast
Your shot runs too quickly, finishing in under 20 seconds
What This Looks Like
Compare your shot to these visual cues to confirm the symptom.
Extraction flow
Crema color & texture
Cup appearance
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Possible Causes
Grind Too Coarse
3 solutions available
Coffee particles are too large, allowing water to pass through too quickly
Dose Too Low
2 solutions available
Not enough coffee in the basket, reducing extraction resistance
Stale Coffee Beans
2 solutions available
Coffee beans are past their peak freshness, having lost flavor and CO2
Uneven Puck Distribution
3 solutions available
Coffee grounds are unevenly distributed in the basket, causing channeling
Recommended Solutions
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.
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.
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.