Shot time (extraction time)

The elapsed time from the moment the pump starts running until you stop the flow at the target yield. Measured from "pump on" to "pump off."

Why it matters — Shot time tells you if your grind is in the right ballpark. Most traditional espresso pulls at 25–32 seconds for a 1:2 ratio; modern light-roast "turbo" shots run faster (15–22 seconds).

Good to know

• Time alone doesn't define quality — a 30-second shot can be great or terrible. Always taste.
• If your shot time is wildly different shot-to-shot, the issue is puck prep or grinder retention, not the timer.