The Incorrect Crema

Too Dark

A dark brown crema means the coffee has dripped through the spout too slowly.

  • Cause
  • Too fine a grind
  • Too heavy a tamping
  • Too much coffee
  • Solution
  • Adjust to a coarser grind
  • Tamp lighter
  • Reduce amount of coffee in group handle

Too Light

A light coloured crema means the coffee has come out of the spout too fast.

  • Cause
  • Too coarse a grind.
  • Too light a tamping.
  • Insufficient amount of
    coffee in group handle.
  • Solution
  • Adjust to a finer grind
  • Tamp harder
  • Increase amount of coffee in group handle