Pour yourself a cup for this one: Channeling in your espresso isn’t just a minor annoyance—it’s a sign your setup needs recalibration. You’ve got the El Rocio Manus S, Lagom Casa, and Pullman 876 basket, yet the water’s finding shortcuts. That’s not a flaw in your gear; it’s a clue. The root issue? Your puck isn’t a uniform bed of coffee—it’s a mosaic of under- and over-extracted zones.
The WDT tamper and puck screen are tools, not magic wands. Even with a self-level tamper, inconsistencies in dose distribution or particle size can create channels. The 18g dose at 1:2 ratio in 31 seconds suggests a fast extraction, but the 8-second preinfusion might not be enough to evenly saturate the puck. Think of it like a sponge: if parts are already damp, water bypasses them. Try extending preinfusion to 12–15 seconds to let the coffee breathe before pressure kicks in.
Your Ikape Mantis WDT and blind shaker are solid tools, but they’re only as effective as your technique. Are you tamping with even pressure? Over-tamping compresses the puck too much, forcing water to the sides. Under-tamping leaves gaps. The solution? Use a scale to measure tamping force—aim for 30–40 lbs of pressure. Also, inspect your basket for debris or uneven flow holes. A 876 basket’s design is forgiving, but clogged ports can create channels.
Finally, revisit your grind. A too-fine grind increases resistance, but if the dose isn’t evenly distributed, water still finds paths. Test a slightly coarser grind to reduce extraction speed and let the puck’s density balance the flow.
– Measure tamping pressure to avoid over- or under-compression.
KEY POINTS: – Extend preinfusion to 12–15 seconds to ensure even saturation. – Measure tamping pressure to avoid over- or under-compression. – Check your basket for clogs and test a slightly coarser grind.
Time to spill: Have you tried adjusting preinfusion time or checking your basket for blockages? What worked for you?
Questions & Answers
How do I start channeling El Rocio?
Begin by creating a calm space, set intentions, and use crystals like amethyst. Focus on your breath and open your heart. Trust the process and stay patient.
What is Lagom Casa?
Lagom Casa is a spiritual practice combining mindfulness and simplicity. It encourages balance, presence, and intentional living. It complements channeling by fostering inner peace.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
