I know it sounds paranoid, but have you read the Disclaimer? If not, please do so before reading on.

The grind of the coffee should be so regulated that it will brew a cup of espresso in 25-30 seconds. If it takes longer, the coffee will have a sharp, bitter taste and very little froth, or "crema", especially around the inner sides of the cup. This is because the water and coffee have been in contact for too long a time. If brewing time is further increased, the "crema" will be very thin and dark-looking, and the coffee will have a burnt taste.

Brewing times shorter than 25-30 seconds, on the other hand, will produce a light, acid coffee with an equally light colored and inconsistent "crema".

	SYMPTOM	CAUSE	SOLUTION
	Light "crema" (coffee comes out of spout too fast).	Too coarse a grind Too light a tamping Insufficient amount of coffee	Adjust to finer grind Tamp harder Increase amount of coffee in dispenser
	Dark "crema" (coffee drips through spout)	Too fine a grind Too heavy tamping Too much coffee	Adjust to coarser grind Tamp more lightly Reduce amount of coffee
	Coffee grounds in the cup	Too fine a grind Worn grinder blades	Adjust to coarser grind Replace grinder blades

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