Espresso
Dial in better espresso, one change at a time.
Use dose, yield, time, flow, basket type, and taste as clues — then make the smallest useful adjustment for the next shot.
Open the Dial-In Assistant →Dial in espresso with a repeatable workflow
Start with a sensible dose and yield, observe shot time and flow, taste the result, then change one variable at a time. The full guide explains the workflow and the Dial-In Assistant turns those observations into a single next-shot recommendation.
Go deeper →Pressurized vs. non-pressurized baskets
A non-pressurized basket is not automatically an upgrade. Learn which basket fits pre-ground coffee, basic grinders, espresso-capable grinders, and a setup you actually want to dial in.
Go deeper →Sour vs. bitter
Taste language is imperfect, but sourness often points toward insufficient extraction while harsh bitterness can point toward over-extraction or other brewing problems. Use taste together with flow and repeatability.
Go deeper →Shot too fast or too slow
Shot time is a clue, not a score. Grind size, puck preparation, dose, basket geometry, and coffee freshness can all change flow. Use time together with taste and beverage yield.
Go deeper →Channeling and puck prep
Uneven flow can make an espresso taste simultaneously sharp and harsh. Learn what visible sprays can tell you, where WDT helps, and when to fix puck prep before changing grind.
Go deeper →