How to Deal with Shot Time Changes that Happen Despite Making No Adjustments

Espresso can seem like a moving target, even shot-to-shot. If you're dealing with this, consider the following...

A Little Shot-to-Shot Variation is Normal and Nothing to Worry About

A few seconds' difference is completely normal. Just try to keep your tamp as consistent as possible from shot to shot; use the same pressure and the same technique. Just as important, make sure the coffee bed is flat and even before you tamp every time. 

Grinder Retention

If you're using a scale, weigh your dose in the portafilter after grinding. Some grounds can cling to the grinder chute, so the amount that lands in the basket may be slightly different than what you weighed into the grinder. 

Coffee Changes as it Gets Further Off Roast

Freshly-roasted coffee starts releasing trapped gases as soon as it's roasted. Those gases - along with the coffee's oils - affect how it extracts and tastes. As the coffee rests and degasses, shot flow and timing can shift, so expect to tweak your grind to stay dialed in. 

Different Shot Profiles Will Result in Different Extraction Times With the Same Grind Size

Different shot profiles use different pressure curves, and lower-pressure extractions often run longer because the water moves more gently through the puck and needs a bit more contact time to extract the same amount of flavor. 

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