Espresso Channeling - What is it?

Used in this video:

LUCCA M58 Espresso Machine

LUCCA Atom 65 Espresso Grinder

Acaia Lunar scale

Clive Style 7 Bottomless Portafilter

Clive Wood Tamper

VST 58mm 20g basket

[guyb]

Here's a tip: If you are experiencing channeling and can't work out why after watching this video and trying the suggestions, try pushing water through your filter with no coffee in it at all. If you still get those little jets of water pushing out, it's your basket! This happened to me, clearly a crappy job on the holes with the default basket that came with the bottomless handle. I've now orders an IMS Nanotech Coffee Filter Basket. I have a pretty good feeling this will help me no end...

[winanderson]

This guy is excellent. Would just as easily excel at corporate presentations.

[Robocobo]

These are by far the most clear and best produced videos about coffee on YouTube

[Mattytube]

Never ending information on coffee and coffee extraction processes.

Love it and nerd out on all the different techs.

Thnx for informing us.

[irvingperez]

Good info and even better that there is no ads 🙌

[LuckyDragon]

One thing the video didn't talk about was clumping; some grinders are bigger culprits than others. Clumps result in pockets of uneven density distribution, which also contributes to channeling. Surface distributors like the OCD or SAI BT Wedge only partially address this issue, because it only spreads out the grounds in the upper layer of the puck; it doesn't affect distribution in the lower half closer to the basket mesh, so if you have clumps dispersed throughout, you'll still risk running into channeling issues.


A common method of dealing with that is using the Weiss Distribution Technique (WDT), which employs breaking up the clumps in the basket with a tool like a toothpick, paperclip, etc. People have gotten very creative with their tools to maximize de-clumping: modified mini-whisks, dissection probes, inoculating loops, looped wire spinner shafts, etc. Basically any thin, needle-like implement that won't scratch the basket would work. You'd also need some kind of funnel or collar around the portafilter basket to ensure that grinds don't go everywhere when you stir. The cheapest solution is a single-serve yogurt cup cut to fit inside the basket, or a canning funnel, though there are a number of companies that sell specialized funnels now.


A few companies like Kafatek and Londinium also sell ready-made WDT tools, but they're pretty niche.

[adrielm]

straight to the point and professional, I like it.

[nvidiashield]

This is the best, most informative, most professional presentation of the subject on Youtube. Infinitely better than those other coffee equipment companies’ amateur videos.

[Systemist]

Bravo! Brilliant illustration, showing the coffee come through the pinhole first! That was a thrill to see, and proof the idea is valid! This will definitely make me pool my efforts toward distribution. Thanks for a great videos.

[bluemystic]

Taking nothing away from the very informative video; with all of our leveling and tamping and distribution tools, I don't think channeling is even a thing anymore.

[abdullahal-maktoomi]

Excellent explanation, I am still working in my extraction which have channeling quite often but definitely this video will help me a lot

[aliancemd]

Very extensive and clear explanation, thank you

[bhowellrun]

Really into this guy. Excellent YouTube voice.

[hughsandoe]

Would appreciate your input on just distributing, without tamping.

[antonionurri]

a very comprehensive video. I guess I gave a small contribute by my device to get rid of this small but big problem.

[jdcpr]

I get some spurts. I use the jack leveler. Been adjusting the depth of the leveler but will try grinding a little coarser and see what happens.

[nicbug]

i have a bottomless portafilter and the coffee flow is really nice from the center of the filter. but i have a few really fine splashes squirting everywhere. what might be the reason for that? I also use a distribution tool to level the coffee powder.

[nathalieleclair]

I have my Breville about 2 months and i always have channeling.... i try every things !!!

[artursvancans]

I made my grind more fine and no splashing/channeling anymore

[wakeawaken]

0:48

Great Scott, that thing really hurted me!!