Why Is There Water Left in My Portafilter After Brewing?

Ever noticed leftover water in your portafilter after making espresso and wondered if something’s wrong?

You’re not alone—I've noticed plenty of home baristas struggling with this very issue. There’s nothing worse than pulling a great shot of espresso, only to find a watery mess left behind in your portafilter basket. Let’s break down what’s happening and how to fix it.

Your coffee dose might be too small

One common cause is simply not using enough coffee. When your basket isn't full enough, there's space left at the top. That space fills with water during brewing, and voilà—you're left with a soupy puck. What I've seen work best is matching your coffee dose precisely to your basket size. A *precision basket* can help ensure you're dosing the right amount every time.

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Here's an article that explains how dosing impacts water retention.

Are you tamping evenly?

An uneven or weak tamp could be causing water to linger in your portafilter. When you tamp too lightly or unevenly, water finds easier pathways through your coffee grounds, leaving pockets of water behind. I’ve found that using a *self-leveling tamper* really helps with consistency. No more second-guessing if your tamp was good enough!

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Check out this guide for more tamping tips.

Your grind size matters more than you think

The grind size directly affects how water moves through your espresso puck. Too fine, and water struggles to pass through; too coarse, and water flows too quickly, leaving water behind in both cases. Adjusting your grind size slightly could solve this easily. For better distribution, using a *wdt tool* helps break up clumps and prevent channeling.

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This troubleshooting guide covers grind adjustments in more detail.

Machine type could be playing a role

If your espresso machine doesn’t have a three-way solenoid valve, leftover water is almost unavoidable. Machines without this valve can't release built-up pressure quickly, causing water to stay trapped above your puck. It’s something I’ve seen pretty frequently with entry-level espresso machines. Upgrading your portafilter or checking if your machine supports modifications can sometimes improve this.

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Read more about this issue here.

Blocked shower screens and group head issues

A dirty or blocked shower screen is another common culprit. Coffee oils and grounds build up over time, restricting water flow and leaving water pooled behind. Regular maintenance—cleaning your espresso machine’s group head and shower screen—can significantly reduce leftover water issues. If you're unsure how to do this, contact us through our contact page, and we can guide you through the process.

For additional cleaning advice, have a look at this post.

So what can you actually do about leftover water?

First, start by adjusting your coffee dose. Always use a scale if you can. This keeps dosing consistent. Next, double-check your tamp. It should be firm, even, and level—tools like a self-leveling tamper help immensely. Finally, adjust your grind settings and use a distribution tool if you aren’t already. This makes sure your coffee grounds are evenly distributed before tamping.

If after all these steps you’re still experiencing issues, it could simply be the nature of your machine. Entry-level espresso machines often leave a bit more water behind. It's not necessarily bad—it’s just how they're built. Still, making these small adjustments goes a long way toward minimising leftover water and improving your espresso.

Final thoughts

Finding water in your portafilter doesn’t automatically mean something’s broken. Usually, it's a combination of factors like dose size, tamping consistency, and machine type. Focus on small changes first—dose precisely, tamp carefully, and adjust your grind. Most of the time, these tweaks make a noticeable difference. And remember, even professional baristas occasionally deal with leftover water. It’s part of the espresso experience!

Have more questions or need advice on the best tools for your machine? Feel free to get in touch anytime through our contact page. We're always happy to help you make better coffee at home.

Written By Laurie Nance

I'm the founder of Brewedco Coffee™, passionate about coffee, coffee tools, and helping others better understand how to utilize them. With years of experience in the coffee industry, I love sharing insights on brewing techniques, choosing the right equipment, and the science behind making the perfect cup.