Espresso
Puck Prep
The sequence of steps performed to prepare the coffee bed in the portafilter basket before espresso extraction, including dosing, distributing, and tamping. Consistent puck prep is essential for even extraction.
In Depth
A typical puck prep routine involves grinding a precise dose into the basket (often with a dosing funnel), using WDT needles to break up clumps, leveling with a distribution tool, tamping with calibrated pressure, and optionally placing a puck screen on top. Each step addresses a potential source of channeling or uneven flow. Competition baristas refine their puck prep to minimize variance, as even small inconsistencies in density across the puck can cause water to channel through weak spots, producing a sour and bitter shot simultaneously.