Start here · Essential guide
Espresso Extraction Guide: How to Dial In the Perfect Shot
Learn what espresso extraction really is, the standard dose-to-yield recipe, how to measure a shot, and how to dial in and troubleshoot your espresso.
Espresso at home
Ratios, shot time, tamping, channeling, and fixing sour or bitter shots.
Start here · Essential guide
Learn what espresso extraction really is, the standard dose-to-yield recipe, how to measure a shot, and how to dial in and troubleshoot your espresso.
Diagnose why your espresso tastes bad, whether it's a brewing defect, stale or old espresso, or a health question, and find the right fix for each.
Learn what espresso channeling is, how to spot it, what causes it, and simple puck-prep fixes to stop water from tunneling through your shot.
Find out how hard to tamp espresso, why you can't realistically over-tamp by hand, and why a level, consistent tamp matters more than raw force.
Learn what over-extracted espresso tastes like, what causes it, and how to fix it by adjusting grind size, dose, and brew temperature.
Compare single-wall and double-wall espresso baskets, understand which one you have, and decide which is right for your home setup and grinder.
Learn why espresso tastes sour, how to tell sourness from pleasant acidity, and how to fix it by adjusting grind, ratio, and temperature.
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