Espresso shot runs too slowly
The shot takes noticeably longer than 30 seconds and often tastes bitter or over-extracted.
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 3 · Commonly the cause
Grind too fine
Have you changed beans or grinder settings recently?
Grind coarser to reduce resistance and speed up the flow.
Related issues
What to change
Specific adjustments for this symptom, with what each one trades off.
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.