Now that you're using real, fresh specialty coffee, you may notice that your brew extracts a little slower than single-use capsules did. This slower extraction allows for a lovely aroma, maximum flavour and a rich crema on top of your coffee.
If you would like to speed up your extraction, we suggest the following:
Grind method: If you grind at home, using a burr grinder will help you achieve a better brew (blade grinders can create too much dust, which can inhibit the flow of coffee when brewing).
Grind size / tamp: FeePod works best when used with 7.5-8.5g of medium-fine ground coffee, however if your coffee is brewing too slowly, we recommend moving to a slightly coarser grind for your next bag. If the capsule is overfilled and/or packed too tightly, this can also restrict flow. You can try removing some of the ground coffee, and/or start over experimenting with tamp pressure - pack the coffee more loosely with minimal tamp, or simply fill and place the Silicone Cover on top.
Pump function: We also suggest making sure your coffee capsule machine has been recently cleaned, descaled and is in optimum working condition. “Descaling” is the act of stripping calcium and lime deposits from your machine’s surfaces, assisting the pump to create a pressure build-up that produces a lovely crema to top your brew. If you want to ensure your coffee machine is producing the best flavour and an optimal brew pressure, it should be cleaned once a week and descaled once every three months. Cleaning your coffee machine not only extends it's life, but also ensures the quality of the coffee you brew. Tip: Don't - Use vinegar! Vinegar doesn't remove coffee oils the way a professionally formulated coffee machine cleaner does. Do - Use a cleaning solution that will remove oils, stains and break down grime.
Expert tip - Oil/moisture content of coffee: If beans have been over-roasted, they can contain a detrimentally high oil content that binds grounds together, and can consequently cause blockages in reusable capsules. If you experience this with your favourite coffee brand, we suggest chatting to your local roaster about this occurrence or experiment with switching to a medium roast. (Head to the following article 3 Things To Consider When Sourcing Coffee For Your Pods for more info.)