Start with repeatability
Before changing the recipe, confirm dose, yield, time, coffee age and machine warm-up. An inconsistent routine makes taste diagnosis unreliable.
Common directions to test
| Taste | Possible direction |
|---|---|
| Sharp, sour, thin | Finer grind, longer yield or higher temperature |
| Dry, bitter, harsh | Coarser grind, shorter yield or lower temperature |
| Weak but not sour | More coffee or shorter beverage yield |
| Muddy or dull | Fresh coffee, cleaner equipment or different water |
| Changes shot to shot | Distribution, grinder retention or temperature |
Do not chase one adjective
People describe flavour differently. Make small changes, taste side by side when practical, and keep a shot log. Milk and sweeteners can hide or reshape faults.
If water flow, temperature, leaks or electrical behaviour are abnormal, stop troubleshooting by taste and consult the manual or a qualified service provider.
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