How Long Should You Run an Espresso Shot Through the Portafilter?

Ever pulled an espresso shot and wondered why it tastes so sour or bitter?

If your espresso tastes off, you're not alone—I’ve been there. The truth is, the timing of your espresso shot matters more than you'd think. Pulling the perfect espresso shot at home can feel tricky, but once you get it right, you’ll notice the difference straight away.

Why does espresso timing matter so much?

I found that getting your espresso shot timing spot on, ideally between 25 and 30 seconds, makes all the difference. Too quick, and your coffee tastes sour and watery. Too slow, and you’re stuck with a harsh, bitter cup that no one wants.

When starting out, many people wonder exactly when they should start the timer. Here's an article that clears this up, but the gist is that it depends on your machine. Most home baristas start timing when the first drops hit the cup. It’s easier, straightforward, and consistent.

Under-extraction or over-extraction?

Timing affects how your coffee tastes because of extraction. Extraction just means how much flavour you pull out of the coffee grounds. Here's the simple breakdown:

1. Under-extracted shots (less than 25 seconds) taste sour, weak, and kind of grassy. Usually, your grind might be too coarse or you’re tamping too lightly.

2. Over-extracted shots (longer than 30 seconds) are bitter, dry, and unpleasantly harsh. This often means your grind is too fine, or your tamping pressure is a bit too firm.

If you’re struggling to get the grind right, a coffee scale can help you keep things consistent.

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Dialling in your espresso

Dialling in is just coffee talk for getting your espresso perfect by adjusting your grind size, tamping, or dose (the amount of coffee grounds).

For instance, a finer grind slows your espresso shot down, while a coarser grind speeds it up. Start by adjusting your grind slightly, pull another shot, and then see how it tastes. Repeat until you find the sweet spot.

To get a super even extraction, use a wdt tool. It distributes your coffee grounds evenly, meaning a balanced flavour and consistent timing every single time.

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What about ristretto and lungo?

Espresso isn’t always about the standard shot. You might prefer a ristretto or a lungo, both of which change your espresso timing.

A ristretto is a shorter, sweeter espresso shot—usually pulled in around 15–20 seconds. Because it’s shorter, it's less bitter, sweeter, and more concentrated. Perfect if you like an intense espresso hit.

On the other hand, a lungo is a longer shot, typically between 30–40 seconds. It extracts more, so expect stronger bitterness and a more diluted flavour. Some love it, others—not so much. Here's a good read on the differences between ristretto, espresso, and lungo if you're curious.

Equipment matters for shot timing

I’ve seen countless home baristas significantly improve their espresso by upgrading equipment. Something as simple as a quality precision basket can give you much better consistency with your shots.

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Similarly, using the right portafilter is crucial. A bottomless portafilter, for example, can immediately tell you if your extraction is uneven or channelled, helping you quickly troubleshoot timing problems.

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Fine-tuning your espresso at home

If you’re new to espresso or feel overwhelmed by timing and adjustments, don’t worry—it's normal. Even experienced baristas make tweaks daily. I found the most helpful approach is making one small change at a time. Adjust your grind a bit, taste, and repeat until you’re happy.

If you ever feel stuck, you can always reach out to us. We're here to help you perfect your home espresso.

One last tip

Always trust your taste buds over the stopwatch. Yes, timing guides help, but flavour is what counts most. If your shot tastes great at 27 seconds but feels off at 25, stick with what tastes better.

So next time you’re at your espresso machine, remember that timing your shot can make or break your coffee experience. Be patient, experiment, and soon you'll confidently pull delicious espresso shots right at home.

Written By Laurie Nance

I'm the founder of Brewedco Coffee™, passionate about coffee, coffee tools, and helping others better understand how to utilize them. With years of experience in the coffee industry, I love sharing insights on brewing techniques, choosing the right equipment, and the science behind making the perfect cup.