I appreciate all of the help. I'm currently away from my machine so will only be able to try new things in the coming weeks.

Mh machine is a flow control model. My pump sometimes goes as high as 10 bar, so maybe I need to adjust that down to 9 max.

Another thing work noting: I adjusted the FC to around 7 ML/S and leave it there. I figured I should not start playing with profiling until I can nail consistent shots.

My machine is not plumbed in. As far as age is concerned, It's brand new.

Thanks,

Cool, let us know. I'm interested bc I'm not sure my shots are super consistent either. My machine arrived last week at 10 bar and after many bad shots I dialed it down to 9 bar. But as I said earlier my puck prep was bad. Better now. One of the first things I did was weigh the water that came out at 1/4 turns of the flow control. This is what I got:

I will be testing a new bean that is roasted on Jan 3rd. This one calls for 18,5g in which might be a little better for the 18g VST basket.

Out of curiosity, what would be the appropriate flow rate to leave as a constant? I have around 7.5 ml/s now at 3/4 turn open, maybe 11 is better? My flow rates correspond more or less with yours above.

Thanks,