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Scientific Guide 2026 Updated

Extraction Yield vs Taste: A Lab Matrix

Why yield bands matter

We track beverage yield against dose so comparisons stay honest across machines. A 36g yield on 18g in is not the same drink as a lungo.

Reading the matrix

Sour + fast usually means channeling or too coarse. Flat + slow often means too fine or a tired basket.

Flavor: Channeling

Physical Cause

Uneven puck / preferential paths

Extraction Time

Fast start, then stalls

Actionable Fix

Improve distribution · WDT · level tamp · verify basket dose

Flavor: Sour / Under-extracted

Physical Cause

Under-extracted

Extraction Time

Pours in <20s

Actionable Fix

Grind finer · raise brew temp · lengthen ratio slightly

Flavor: Bitter / Over-extracted

Physical Cause

Over-extracted

Extraction Time

Chokes >38s

Actionable Fix

Grind coarser · lower yield · drop temp 1–2°C

Taste Flaw Physical Cause Flow Indicator Actionable Fix
Channeling Uneven puck / preferential paths Fast start, then stalls Improve distribution · WDT · level tamp · verify basket dose
Sour / Under-extracted Under-extracted Pours in <20s Grind finer · raise brew temp · lengthen ratio slightly
Bitter / Over-extracted Over-extracted Chokes >38s Grind coarser · lower yield · drop temp 1–2°C

What we publish

PDP scores fold extraction stability into the composite—never a single hero shot.

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