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Espresso machine

Kitchen equipment · Coffee machine

Espresso machine

A machine that forces hot water through finely ground, packed coffee under high pressure to make espresso.

Specialist · Electric · 28 recipes

Photo: HungryHuy, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-2.0)

What it is

An electric machine with a boiler or heating block, a pump and a group head where a portafilter holding packed coffee locks in. Water is pushed through at around 9 bar, producing a short, concentrated shot topped with crema. Most have a steam wand for milk. Bean-to-cup models grind automatically; capsule machines use pre-filled pods.

What it’s for: Making espresso and espresso-based drinks such as cappuccino and latte.

How to use it

  1. Fill the water tank and let the machine heat fully.
  2. Grind coffee fine, dose it into the portafilter and tamp it level and firm.
  3. Lock the portafilter in and brew a shot, usually 25–30 seconds.
  4. Purge the steam wand, then steam milk if wanted, and wipe and purge again.

Good to know

Tasks
pulling espresso shots, making cappuccino and latte, steaming milk, brewing coffee for desserts
Materials
stainless steel, brass group head, plastic housing
Care and cleaning
Knock out grounds and rinse the portafilter after each use. Wipe the steam wand at once. Backflush and descale as the maker recommends.
Limitations
Expensive and sensitive to grind, dose and tamp; needs regular cleaning.

Safety

  • The steam wand and group head are scalding.
  • Do not remove the portafilter while brewing.

If you don’t have one

Equipment guide

How it works: A pump forces water at about 9 bar of pressure and about 90–96 °C through a compacted puck of finely ground coffee in 20–30 seconds. The pressure extracts oils and fine particles that form the crema; a steam wand uses steam from a boiler or thermoblock to heat and texture milk.

MaterialGoodWatch out
Stainless steelDurable, non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, does not hold smells.Can scratch non-stick pans; conducts heat, so all-metal handles get hot.
Brass group head and portafilterHolds stable temperature.Heavy; takes longer to warm up.
Plastic bodyCheaper and lighter.Less durable.
Manual lever machine
Pressure controlled by hand.
Semi-automatic pump machine
You control grind, dose, tamping and stopping.
Bean-to-cup automatic
Grinds, doses and brews at the touch of a button.
Capsule machine
Pre-portioned capsules; least control.

Buying guidance

Starting out: A semi-automatic machine with a pressurised basket and steam wand, or a bean-to-cup if convenience matters most.

Keen cook: A machine with a non-pressurised basket, PID temperature control and a good separate burr grinder.

  • About 9 bar at the coffee (pump ratings such as 15 bar are maximums)
  • PID or stable temperature control
  • Boiler or thermoblock type; dual boiler for brewing and steaming at once
  • Standard 58 mm portafilter for accessories
  • Proper steam wand rather than an auto-frother if you want latte art

No brands or prices — check current reviews before buying.

Related tools

Recipes that use it

16 more