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
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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.