A good espresso shot lives in a narrow window of time and flow. This chart helps you read a shot and dial it in.
| Shot | Time (double) | Taste and look |
|---|---|---|
| Under-extracted | Under 20 sec | Sour, thin, pale, runs fast |
| Ideal | 25 to 30 sec | Balanced, sweet, steady honey flow |
| Over-extracted | Over 35 sec | Bitter, dark, drips slowly |
Chase 25 to 30 seconds. If the shot runs too fast, grind finer or add dose; too slow, grind coarser. Adjust one variable at a time.
See the Espresso Yield Calculator and the How to Make Espresso.