EspressoAdvice.comUpdated January 2026
10 Espresso Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
How-To

10 Espresso Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Stop making these 10 espresso mistakes ruining your shots. From grind size to distribution, see what beginners get wrong and how to fix it.

By EspressoAdvice Team|Updated 16 January 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my espresso sour?

Under-extraction from too coarse a grind or too short a shot time. Grind finer and aim for 25-30 seconds extraction.

Why is my espresso bitter?

Over-extraction from too fine a grind or too long a shot. Grind coarser and target a 1:2 ratio (18g in, 36g out) in 25-30 seconds.

Why does my espresso taste watery?

Usually channeling - water finding easy paths through the puck. Improve distribution and tamp evenly. Also check your dose (18-20g is standard).

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