Turbo shots: why a quick shot isn't necessarily a bad thing

What’s a Turbo Shot?

The turbo shot is a new way of pulling espresso that flips tradition on its head. Instead of fine grinds and 9 bars of pressure, turbo shots use:

• Coarser grinds (closer to filter coffee than classic espresso)
• Lower pressure (around 6 bar instead of 9)
• Shorter extractions (about 15 seconds, half the time of a normal shot)

The result? A sweeter, more vibrant cup with surprising clarity and less bitterness.

Why It Matters

Turbo shots first caught attention after a 2020 study suggested that coarser grinds and lower pressures could actually improve extraction. Baristas and home brewers started experimenting, and suddenly the “mistake shot” became a movement.

For light roasts in particular, turbo shots highlight natural sweetness, fruitiness, and nuance—flavors that can get buried in a standard pull.

The Flavor Profile

• Sweeter & cleaner than traditional espresso
• More forgiving—less risk of channeling and over-extraction
• Lighter body with clarity similar to pour-over
• Balanced and approachable, even for people who usually find espresso “too strong”

Why You’ll See It More

Cafés are adopting turbo shots not only for flavor, but also for speed and efficiency. Shots pull faster, use less coffee, and waste less—making them a sustainable option. And for coffee lovers, they open up a new way of tasting what your beans have to offer.