Extraction Too Slow
Your shot runs too slowly, taking over 35 seconds or barely dripping
What This Looks Like
Compare your shot to these visual cues to confirm the symptom.
Extraction flow
Crema color & texture
Cup appearance
Not sure about the cause?
Get a personalized diagnosis
Possible Causes
Grind Too Fine
3 solutions available
Coffee particles are too small, creating excessive resistance to water flow
Dose Too High
2 solutions available
Too much coffee in the basket, potentially touching the shower screen
Coffee Beans Too Fresh
2 solutions available
Beans are too freshly roasted and still degassing CO2 aggressively
Dirty Equipment
1 solution available
Coffee oil buildup and residue affecting extraction and flavor
Recommended Solutions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
In-Depth Guide
Quick Diagnosis
If your shot takes over 35 seconds or comes out as a slow drip, the water is meeting too much resistance. This typically leads to bitter, harsh, over-extracted flavors.
Check these first:
- Is your grind setting too fine?
- Is your dose too high for your basket?
- Are you tamping too hard?
What to Change First (in order)
-
Grind coarser The fastest fix for slow extraction. Start here: Grind Coarser
-
Reduce your dose Try removing 0.5-1g from your current dose.
-
Check your tamping pressure Excessive tamping creates too much resistance. Aim for firm and level, not crushing.
Common Causes
1) Grind Too Fine
Over-fine grounds create excessive resistance and can even "choke" the machine.
- Learn more: Grind Too Fine
- Most common fix: Grind Coarser
2) Dose Too High
Overfilling the basket compresses the puck excessively and restricts flow.
3) Over-tamping
While tamping pressure matters less than people think, extreme pressure can still cause issues.
4) Fines Migration
Very fine particles (fines) can migrate and clog the basket, especially with certain grinders.
FAQ
Q: My shot completely stopped—is my machine broken? Not necessarily. A "choked" shot usually means the grind is too fine or dose too high. Coarsen your grind significantly and try again.
Q: What if slow extraction doesn't taste bitter? Some slow extractions can still taste good, especially with lighter roasts. If you're happy with the taste, the timing may be fine for your particular beans and preference.
Q: Can humidity affect extraction speed? Yes! Coffee absorbs moisture from humid air, which can cause it to extract slower. You may need to grind coarser on humid days.
Q: Should I tamp lighter to speed up extraction? Generally, no. Tamp consistently (firm and level) and adjust grind size instead. Varying tamp pressure introduces inconsistency to your shots.