Manual espresso coffee makers

Espresso (portafilter)

— manual espresso coffee makers are often referred to espresso machines with portafilter.

Espresso coffee makers function by passing water, heated to a high temperature and under high pressure (typically ranging from 4 bar to ideally 10 bar and above), through a holder containing ground coffee. This process produces a concentrated and flavorful drink known as espresso (as described in the "Preset programs" section). Espresso is renowned for its rich taste, aromatic qualities, and higher caffeine concentration compared to coffee brewed in a filter coffee maker. It serves as the foundation for numerous popular coffee drinks, including americano, cappuccino, and latte, forming the cornerstone of European coffee culture.

As for the manual principle of operation, it means that user needs to manually handle the coffee holder. This involves measuring the appropriate amount of ground coffee, tamping it with a tamper, attaching the portafilter to the espresso machine, and cleaning it after use. This process requires certain skills and can be cumbersome for an inexperienced individual. However, professional baristas and passionate coffee enthusiasts often prefer manual espresso coffee makers as they allow for the full expression of the user's expertise and can yield a taste that is difficult to achieve with automatic coffee makers.