How often should espresso shots be checked?

Espresso shots should be checked every hour to ensure consistency in flavor and quality. This practice allows baristas to monitor the espresso extraction process and make necessary adjustments to maintain the desired taste profile. Checking too infrequently, such as every two hours, may result in significant changes to the espresso's characteristics due to factors like temperature variations and equipment performance over time. An hour provides a balance that allows for timely oversight without being overly disruptive to the workflow, making it a pragmatic approach in maintaining high standards for espresso preparation.