What adjustment should you make if an espresso shot is pulling too slowly?

When an espresso shot is pulling too slowly, the most effective adjustment is to make the grind coarser. A slow extraction typically indicates that the coffee grind is too fine, which creates more resistance during the brewing process. This resistance can lead to overly long extraction times, potentially resulting in a bitter flavor profile.

By adjusting the grind to a coarser setting, you reduce the surface area of the coffee grounds, which allows water to flow through more quickly. This helps achieve the optimal balance of extraction, leading to a smoother and well-rounded espresso shot. Additionally, coarser grinds help ensure that the brewing process mimics the ideal extraction time and flavor development, enhancing the overall quality of the espresso.

Other adjustments, such as increasing water temperature or decreasing extraction time, do not directly address the issue of a slow pull effectively. The goal is to achieve the right grind consistency that aligns with the brewing parameters for espresso.