Channeling detection and mitigation
How to detect espresso channeling, understand its causes, and apply puck preparation techniques to prevent it.
Balanced espresso
Basket design and hole patterns
How espresso basket design and hole patterns affect puck resistance, flow, and flavor consistency.
Distribution methods (stockfleth, OCD tools)
The most common espresso distribution techniques—manual methods like Stockfleth’s move and mechanical tools like OCD—and how they influence puck uniformity.
Common failure modes
The most frequent causes of failed espresso shots, how to recognize them, and how to correct them quickly.
Headspace and puck depth
How headspace and puck depth in the portafilter affect flow dynamics, extraction uniformity, and flavor in espresso.
Pressure, temperature, and flow
How pressure, temperature, and flow interact to control espresso extraction and flavor balance.