Channeling

Definition

Channeling happens when water finds a low-resistance path in the puck. You get blond jets, fast shots, sour-bitter split cups and a messy basket. Distribution (WDT), even tamps, a level portafilter and a grind that actually resists 9 bar all help. Calculators that spit out a yield cannot see a channel. If the shot ran two seconds fast, fix prep before you chase the ratio.

Calculators that use this

• Grind size & dialing in

  Espresso Dial-In Calculator

  From dose, yield, time and a sour–bitter taste call, get a suggested yield, grind direction and a time hint. Taste first; the numbers follow.

• Brew ratios & dosing

  Espresso Dosing & Yield Calculator

  Convert basket dose, brew ratio and shot time into beverage yield and flow rate. A 1:2 in 25–32 s is a starting point, not a religion.