Introduction

If your shots are taking the right amount of time (~25 to 40 seconds), but the volume of espresso in your cup is too high or too low, this article is for you. 

If your shots are giving the correct amount of volume (e.g., 18 grams of coffee in, 36 grams of liquid espresso out), but they are taking too little or too much time (less than ~25 or more than ~40 seconds), check out our content on How to Dial in Your Grind.

Table of Contents

1. Adjusting volumetric dosing
2. Why this happens
3. What you need
4. Calibration Steps
   1. Step 1: Turn Auto Stop OFF
   2. Step 2: Pull one "perfect" shot using a scale
   3. Step 3: Turn Auto Stop back ON (Volume)
   4. Step 4: Pull one automatic shot and weigh it
   5. Step 5: Calculate the correction
   6. Step 6: Enter the correction
   7. Step 7: Test again
5. Tips for best results

Adjusting volumetric dosing

If your shots are coming out much shorter or longer than expected, recalibrate the machine’s volumetric dosing. You’ll use a scale once to teach the machine the correct amount, then it will return to automatic operation.

Why This Happens

Series 1 stops shots based on water flow, not weight. That’s fast and convenient, but sometimes the estimate is a bit off, so the machine may stop early (small shots) or late (large shots).

What You Need

1. A coffee scale
2. Your normal coffee setup (same dose, grind, puck prep)

Calibration Steps

Step 1: Turn Auto Stop OFF

• Go to Settings → Customization → Auto Stop in the main menu
• Set to Off

Now the machine won't stop automatically—you'll stop it manually.

Step 2: Pull one "perfect" shot using a scale

1. Prepare your shot as usual
2. Put a scale under the cup and tare it
3. Start the shot
4. Manually stop it when you reach your target weight

Example profiles:

• Fellow Medium Roast: 18 grams in → 36 grams out (most common, and the default profile on your Series 1)
• Fellow Light Roast: 18 grams in → 45 grams out
• Fellow Dark Roast: 18 grams in → 27 grams out

Adjust your grind if needed so the shot time is normal (about 25–40 seconds).

Step 3: Turn Auto Stop back ON (Volume)

1. Return to Settings → Customization → Auto Stop in the main menu
2. Set to Volume

Step 4: Pull one automatic shot and weigh it

• Do not change anything
• Let the machine stop on its own
• Weigh the result

Write down the following:

• Your target weight (e.g., 36 g for medium roast)
• The actual weight you got

Step 5: Calculate the correction

Formula: Correction = Target − Actual

Examples:

• Target 36 g, got 33 g → correction +3 g
• Target 36 g, got 39 g → correction −3 g

Step 6: Enter the correction

• Go to Settings → Customization → Nerdy Settings -> Scroll to VOLUMETRIC OFFSETS
• Add that number to all shot offsets:
  • 1st shot offset
  • 2nd shot offset
  • 3rd shot offset
  • Nth shot offset

Step 7: Test again

Pull another shot and weigh it. If it’s still slightly off, repeat with a smaller adjustment.
 

Tips for best results

• Calibrate only after your grind is dialed in. Espresso typically requires a very fine grind; check your specific grinder for its espresso settings.
• Use your normal coffee dose (don’t run water-only shots). The most common is 18 grams.
• Typical espresso shots should take about 25–40 seconds

Need More Help? 

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