Spritzing

Fine droplets visibly shooting sideways out of a bottomless portafilter during extraction — usually from one or two specific points. A clear sign of channelling.

Why it matters — Any spritzing means water has found an easier path through the puck and is jetting out unevenly. The shot is partially extracted, partially blown through, and the cup will taste muddled.

Good to know

• Fix the puck prep — more thorough WDT, better levelling, check the tamper fit.
• Spritzing from the sides usually indicates side-channelling — often a loose-fitting tamper. Spritzing from the centre often means inadequate WDT.