The espresso cannot be dialled in
Every adjustment overshoots: the shot is either far too fast or far too slow, with nothing usable in between.
Applies to: Espresso machine, Espresso
Likely causes and adjustments
Try one adjustment at a time so you know what actually changed the result. Start with the first cause below — if it doesn't help, reveal the next.
Cause 1 of 4 · Commonly the cause
The grinder has no usable adjustment range at espresso fineness
Does one click take the shot from too fast to too slow?
Many grinders reach fine but cannot adjust finely within it. Check what one step actually changes at your setting.
Related issues
Work it out
Interactive tools that take you through this one change at a time.
Learn the technique
Step-by-step guides to the skills this problem comes from.
- Dialling in espressoFind the grind setting and recipe that make a particular coffee taste as intended, and be able to return to it.
- Adjusting grind sizeMove the grind in the right direction by a useful amount, and know what to expect from the change.
- Resting roasted coffeeLet a fresh roast settle to the point where it brews predictably, without waiting until it has gone flat.