If your Manual Compact Espresso Machine is producing weak, thin, or watery coffee, the issue is usually related to grind size, coffee dose, or extraction technique — not a machine fault.

Follow the checks below to improve strength and flavour.

1️⃣ Coffee Grind Too Coarse

Grind size has the biggest impact on espresso strength.

If the grind is too coarse:

• Water passes through too quickly

• Extraction is reduced

• Coffee tastes thin or sour

✔ Fix:

Use a fine, espresso-grade grind.
If adjusting manually, make small changes gradually.

2️⃣ Not Enough Coffee in the Filter Basket

Using too little coffee results in under-extraction and weak flavour.

✔ Fix:

• Fill the filter basket evenly

• Level the coffee before tamping

• Follow the basket capacity guidelines in your user manual

3️⃣ Insufficient Tamping Pressure

If coffee is not tamped firmly enough, water flows through too quickly.

✔ Fix:

Tamp firmly and evenly — but do not over-press.

4️⃣ Too Much Water Being Used

Running the shot too long can dilute the espresso.

✔ Fix:

A standard espresso shot should extract in approximately 20–30 seconds.

If your shot runs much longer, adjust grind slightly finer.

5️⃣ Machine Requires Descaling

Limescale build-up can reduce brewing pressure and temperature, affecting flavour and strength.

If you notice:

• Slower heating

• Reduced pressure

• Inconsistent taste

👉 Follow the full guide here:
How to Descale Your Morphy Richards Espresso Machine

Pro Tips for Stronger Espresso

• Use freshly ground coffee

• Pre-warm your cup

• Run a small amount of hot water through before brewing

• Store coffee in an airtight container

• Descale regularly (every 2–3 months in hard water areas)

When to Contact Support

If your espresso remains weak after adjusting grind, dose and descaling, please contact our Customer Support team with your model number and a short video of the extraction process.