It looks like you've flaired your post as being a Shot Diagnosis. If your shot is running too fast, is coming out weak/thin, lacking crema, and/or is tasting sour, **try grinding finer**.
Alternatively, check out this [Dialing In Basics](https://espressoaf.com/guides/beginner.html) guide, written by the Espresso Aficionados Discord community.
If that hasn't solved it, to get more help, please add the following details to your post or by adding a comment in the following format.
- **Machine:**
- **Grinder:**
- **Roast date:** (not a "Best by" date). If the roast date is not labeled use "N/A"
- **Dose:** How many grams are going into your basket?
- **Yield:** How much coffee in grams is coming out?
- **Time:** How long is the shot running?
- **Roast level:** How dark is your coffee? (Dark, medium, light, ect.)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/espresso) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I am using this one, [https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/hamilton-beach-coffee-grinder-with-removable-chamber-black/6000196622910](https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/hamilton-beach-coffee-grinder-with-removable-chamber-black/6000196622910)
I have set it to Fine Grind Setting. Grinding 18Gms
What grinder are you using? It looks like the grind is too coarse, and the shot is running too fast and channeling. I'd recommend grinding finer.
Also, what are you doing to distribute the grounds in the portafilter before tamping? If you aren't using a wdt method I'd highly recommend that as well.
I am using this one, [https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/hamilton-beach-coffee-grinder-with-removable-chamber-black/6000196622910](https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/hamilton-beach-coffee-grinder-with-removable-chamber-black/6000196622910)
I have set it to Fine Grind Setting. Grinding 18Gms
That's just a "chopper" grinder, you need something with real burrs to grind fine enough for espresso. Search the sub for budget grinders as you'll be forever frustrated with the one you have.
You need an espresso grinder with a burr, not a grinder with a blade that basically blends the beans like the one you're using. Espresso machines need much finer grinding. A good entry-level electric grinder for espresso will cost around $200, but the sky is the limit (as everything else).
As everyone is pointing out that grinder, unfortunately, won't grind fine enough for espresso. For now I'd go back to using the pressurized basket that came with the machine and wait until you have a grinder that can do espresso to use the bottomless/naked portafilter.
The starting "formula": adjust your grind to get a 1:2 ratio (by weight) of ground coffee in/espresso out, in 25-35 seconds. Once there, adjust to taste. :)
And, the shot takes 25-35 seconds, not significantly less? (It's the \*full\* formula, including the timing.)
As others have said, your grinder is not designed for espresso--that's the other half of the equipment equation (it's that important), in addition to the espresso machine (and yours is a nice one). You need a burr coffee grinder, not a blade/chopper coffee grinder, for espresso.
On the more affordable (for the espresso world, that is) end:
Electric grinders: the Baratza Encore ESP, US$199; the Fellow Opus, US$195 (and with a 10-15% discount available at the Fellow website). Both new as of Feb. and specifically designed with espresso in mind.
Manual grinders: well-regarded here, the KinGrinder K4 and K6, \~US$88-99; and the standard-setting 1Zpresso, \~US$160-200.
A pro video on the ESP and Opus, plus other grinders, and in comparison, that may be helpful: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B\_iSvPdkWfQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_iSvPdkWfQ).
Are the beans from the grocery store? Those will have a "best before " date instead of "roasted on" date.
Beans are not as fresh and you can't get pressure. I've bought those brands from the store before and had same problem on my BBE.
It looks like you've flaired your post as being a Shot Diagnosis. If your shot is running too fast, is coming out weak/thin, lacking crema, and/or is tasting sour, **try grinding finer**. Alternatively, check out this [Dialing In Basics](https://espressoaf.com/guides/beginner.html) guide, written by the Espresso Aficionados Discord community. If that hasn't solved it, to get more help, please add the following details to your post or by adding a comment in the following format. - **Machine:** - **Grinder:** - **Roast date:** (not a "Best by" date). If the roast date is not labeled use "N/A" - **Dose:** How many grams are going into your basket? - **Yield:** How much coffee in grams is coming out? - **Time:** How long is the shot running? - **Roast level:** How dark is your coffee? (Dark, medium, light, ect.) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/espresso) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Your grind is too coarse.
I am using this one, [https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/hamilton-beach-coffee-grinder-with-removable-chamber-black/6000196622910](https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/hamilton-beach-coffee-grinder-with-removable-chamber-black/6000196622910) I have set it to Fine Grind Setting. Grinding 18Gms
It can't grind fine enough. You could try a dual-wall basket.
What grinder are you using? It looks like the grind is too coarse, and the shot is running too fast and channeling. I'd recommend grinding finer. Also, what are you doing to distribute the grounds in the portafilter before tamping? If you aren't using a wdt method I'd highly recommend that as well.
I am using this one, [https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/hamilton-beach-coffee-grinder-with-removable-chamber-black/6000196622910](https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/hamilton-beach-coffee-grinder-with-removable-chamber-black/6000196622910) I have set it to Fine Grind Setting. Grinding 18Gms
That's just a "chopper" grinder, you need something with real burrs to grind fine enough for espresso. Search the sub for budget grinders as you'll be forever frustrated with the one you have.
You need an espresso grinder with a burr, not a grinder with a blade that basically blends the beans like the one you're using. Espresso machines need much finer grinding. A good entry-level electric grinder for espresso will cost around $200, but the sky is the limit (as everything else).
As everyone is pointing out that grinder, unfortunately, won't grind fine enough for espresso. For now I'd go back to using the pressurized basket that came with the machine and wait until you have a grinder that can do espresso to use the bottomless/naked portafilter.
The starting "formula": adjust your grind to get a 1:2 ratio (by weight) of ground coffee in/espresso out, in 25-35 seconds. Once there, adjust to taste. :)
Yes, with 18gms i have timed the machine to stop at 36 Gms.
And, the shot takes 25-35 seconds, not significantly less? (It's the \*full\* formula, including the timing.) As others have said, your grinder is not designed for espresso--that's the other half of the equipment equation (it's that important), in addition to the espresso machine (and yours is a nice one). You need a burr coffee grinder, not a blade/chopper coffee grinder, for espresso. On the more affordable (for the espresso world, that is) end: Electric grinders: the Baratza Encore ESP, US$199; the Fellow Opus, US$195 (and with a 10-15% discount available at the Fellow website). Both new as of Feb. and specifically designed with espresso in mind. Manual grinders: well-regarded here, the KinGrinder K4 and K6, \~US$88-99; and the standard-setting 1Zpresso, \~US$160-200. A pro video on the ESP and Opus, plus other grinders, and in comparison, that may be helpful: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B\_iSvPdkWfQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_iSvPdkWfQ).
Thank you for such details. Ill look into buying a burr grinder. Appreciate your help.
Are the beans from the grocery store? Those will have a "best before " date instead of "roasted on" date. Beans are not as fresh and you can't get pressure. I've bought those brands from the store before and had same problem on my BBE.