Manual Espresso Machines

Manual espresso machines are a class of espresso machines that require the barista or operator to manually exert pressure that is required to brew a shot of espresso.

These machines can come in a lever espresso machine or piston espresso machine.

While they are beautiful structures, they are also the most difficult espresso machines to use.

This is the most basic of espresso machines, but it requires a great deal of skill and knowledge because it is not automated. It does, however, produce an exceptional cup of espresso.

In Italy, coffee bars chose the manual machines over those that were steam powered because the quality of the product was better.

How They Work

The manual espresso machines were the first real espresso machines that could accurately deliver the 8+ atmospheres of brewing pressure that is the correct amount for brewing a cup of espresso. It took a very skilled barista to operate the manual machines but they turned out espresso that was top quality.

To use a manual espresso machine, you fill the portafilter handle (the device on an espresso machine that holds the filter and ground coffee, facilitating a quick attachment to the machine), tamp down the coffee (compact the coffee), brush away any coffee grounds that are loose and lock the handle into the group.

The "pull" is the touchy part of using a manual espresso machine. You grab the handle on the espresso machine and pull down. However, there is an art to it because if you pull to fast or too slow your espresso will suffer and will not be as good as it could.

Additionally, if the grind is off, such as if the grounds are too coarse or too fine then the results will be subprime as well. This machine is ideally for the coffee lover who is a purist at heart (or is an adventure seeker looking for a great, rewarding challenge).

The lever forces the water through the coffee grounds upon the "pull." This is opposed to the pump that is found of more modern, electric machines. This type of espresso machine is not for the casual user. It requires skill to get the pull right. It can be learned, but it takes commitment and practice to master.

Spring Piston Espresso Machine

A spring piston lever espresso machine is the standard manual espresso machine. The user provides the pressure necessary to brew the espresso. The spring piston lever machine is different from the regular piston lever machine because it does not apply the pressure directly to the water.

Instead, the pressure of the user's arm, their own strength, is used to cock an internal spring that is inside the espresso machine's grouphead. When the lever is released, the spring pushes the water through the ground coffee in the portafilter at a high, steady pressure of around 8 or 9 BAR.

A BAR is a pressure rating that is used by most espresso machines that are pump driven. 9 BAR is the standard pressure for brewing espresso. It is 8.8 atmospheres of pressure which translates to 130 pounds per square inch.

There are generally two different types of boilers in the spring piston lever machines.

The dual switch machine is able to keep the boiler at brewing temperatures.

A single switch machine has the capability to maintain not only the boiler at steaming temperatures, but it can also brew at the same time. However, they can make the brewing water too hot.

Direct Lever Espresso Machine

Direct lever espresso machines are similar to the spring piston machines. However, there are several distinct differences. The first difference is appearance.

A spring piston machine will have an elevated lever when it is in the resting position while a direct lever machine's lever will rest in a downward position.

Another difference is in the operation of the machine. A spring piston machine somewhat aids you as you pull the lever, but a direct lever machine requires you to be the pump.

The operator is the one applying all of the pressure to the water while brewing a shot of espresso. It requires a great deal of skill to master the manual espresso machine but it will yield an exceptional cup of coffee once you get the hang of it.

While some espresso machines are exclusively manual, others can be used manually and semi automatic as well as electronic. You can get a manual espresso machine in a variety of styles and colors.

Should you get a Manual Espresso Machine?

If you are looking for an easy espresso maker then the manual espresso machine is not for you. Semi automatic and automatic machines can take care of the more intricate processes for you and you can simply enjoy the end product of a good cup of espresso.

A manual espresso maker, however, will engage you and requires skill which presents a challenge. It all comes down to personal tastes, though. If you don't want to get your espresso quick, easy and with little effort then you should be looking at the semi automatic and automatic models. If you are looking for something that will satisfy your purist drive and present a skill for you to master, then a manual espresso maker is exactly what you need.

Video Demonstration of a Spring Piston Manual Espresso Machine