Key Features of a Manual Espresso Machine

So you're tired of subpar coffee at home and decided a manual espresso maker is right for your espresso journey over a semi-automatic espresso machine. Welcome to life as a home barista!

In a world dominated by convenient pod-based coffee makers, manual espresso machines offer a more hands-on and customisable brewing process for the perfect cup of espresso. These machines have been a favourite among coffee connoisseurs and baristas for their ability to control every aspect of the brewing process.

The allure of manual espresso machines lies in their simplicity and precision. From the grind size to the water pressure, every detail can be fine-tuned to extract the full flavour and aroma from your coffee beans. If you're considering adding a manual espresso maker to your kitchen arsenal, understanding its key features and benefits is essential. Let's dive into the must-have features that make manual espresso a coffee lover's dream.

Understanding the Basics of a Manual Espresso Machine

Pressure control

One of the key aspects to understand with a manual espresso machine is pressure control. Lever espresso machines require the user to manually control the pressure used to brew the espresso. The level of force applied to the lever which controls the pressure inside the brew chamber can greatly impact the flavour and quality of the espresso shot. By mastering pressure control, one can achieve the perfect balance of extraction and crema, resulting in a rich and delicious espresso. It is essential for espresso enthusiasts to familiarise themselves with pressure control to truly appreciate the art of manual espresso brewing.

Temperature control

Temperature control is a crucial aspect of operating a manual espresso machine effectively. In manual espresso machines, the barista has direct control over the temperature of the water used to brew the espresso. Maintaining the correct temperature is essential for extracting the flavors and aromas from the coffee beans properly. Too hot or too cold water can result in a less-than-ideal espresso shot. Understanding how to adjust and monitor the temperature on a manual espresso machine is key to brewing a great cup of espresso.

Manual Espresso Machine Aesthetics and Workflow

Workflow

Aesthetics informs our perception of how the coffee maker is used, but just as important to the espresso journey is how simple the workflow from start to finish of making an espresso actually is.

Here is the general process for manual lever-press espresso:

 

1. Preheat the espresso maker
2. Grind the beans using an external grinder.
3. Prepare the coffee puck in the portafilter/coffee basket
4. Attach the portafilter/coffee basket
5. Fill the brew chamber with boiling water
6. Pull down the lever to start the espresso extraction process
7. Discard the used grounds
8. Clean-up

 

Some of these steps can’t be improved on through the design of the manual coffee machine - grinding the beans for example. But several steps can be improved like the process of preheating. Take the Brua3 Max. It utilises an insulated brew chamber that not only retains the heat and preheats faster and provides thermal stability that's required for extraction of flavours - important for enjoying the process and a much improved design on previous manual coffee machines.

And what about filling the brew chamber. Is it easier to fill the chamber and then try to place it (or the piston) into place before pulling down the lever? We think the less disassembly/reassembly required the safer and the better. That’s why, to fill the brew chamber of the Brua, simply pour the hot water on top of the piston, as the lever is lifted, the water enters the brew chamber - genius!

Having a simple and well designed workflow will make your manual coffee journey so much more enjoyable. Make sure you choose a manual machine that provides just the right amount of manual process, without the aspects of coffee making feeling clumsy or dangerous. That way you will continue to use your coffee maker and enjoy developing your espresso making skills.

Aesthetic Appeal

Often when we talk about aesthetics we limit them to the visual aspects of the coffee maker, but in reality, it goes beyond that. Aesthetics also refers to the tactile experience of using the machine and how they impact the user.

So why do we believe aesthetics are so important for the perfect machine?

Well, they provide the visual and tactile cues that communicate how to use the coffee machine to make great espresso and I think it’s important that these details help make learning the process as quickly, easy and enjoyable as possible. 

At Newton Espresso, for example, we design our lever machines with an angle to the top edge of the cylinder on purpose. This small detail subtly tells the user this is where you pour the water - like pouring into a funnel. But it also provides a functional benefit. The angle allows you to completely fill the brew chamber without risking spilling hot water - great!

Another example is the wooden handle we decided to use. The wooden element is a warmer, more tactile material that elicits a touch response from the user. Even without any instruction, users know this is a handle where this type of machine is to be operated.

Lastly, we believe that a simple aesthetic gives space for these important details to communicate most clearly with the user. This in turn makes for a refined, unobtrusive and polite product, like a well tailored suit, blending perfectly into any decor.

Recommended Manual Espresso Accessories for Different User Levels

Beginners: Coffee Scales

For beginners in the world of manual espresso making, one essential accessory to have is a set of timer coffee scales. Accurately measuring the amount of coffee beans to grind for each shot is crucial for achieving a consistent and delicious espresso. Coffee scales help beginners understand the importance of brew ratios and ensure that they are getting the right amount of coffee into (and extracting out of) their portafilter every time. This simple accessory can greatly improve the quality of espresso shots for those just starting their espresso-making journey and wanting the perfect shot of espresso.

Intermediate: Espresso Distribution Tools

For intermediate espresso enthusiasts, coffee distribution tools are highly recommended. These accessories help ensure that coffee grounds are evenly distributed in the portafilter basket, allowing for a more consistent extraction and better-tasting espresso. Popular options include coffee ground levellers with adjustable depth and WDT tools with needles that help stir the grind to create a uniform coffee bed. Investing in quality coffee distribution tools can greatly improve the quality of your espresso shots and take your home barista skills to the next level.

Experts: DIgital Pressure Gauge

For experts in manual espresso brewing, a digital pressure gauge is a highly recommended and most enjoyable accessory to perfect their coffee-making experience. This tool allows users to monitor and control the pressure during the extraction process by using an app to graph the profile in real time, ensuring that the espresso is brewed to perfection. With precise pressure measurements, experts can fine-tune their brewing technique and consistently produce high-quality espresso shots. The digital pressure gauge is an expensive, but valuable tool that helps serious home baristas achieve optimal results and enhance their espresso brewing skills.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintaining and caring for a manual lever espresso machine is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Regular maintenance tasks include cleaning the exterior of the machine after each use, using quality brew water to prevent buildup of mineral deposits, checking and replacing gaskets as needed, and lubricating moving parts to prevent wear and tear. Performing these upkeep tasks will not only extend the life of your espresso machine but also ensure that you continue to enjoy delicious espresso drinks every time you use it.

Barista Tips for a Better Experience

Mastering tamping

One of our key barista tips for a better experience is mastering the art of tamping. Tamping refers to the process of compacting coffee grounds into a portafilter using a hand-held tool to ensure even extraction and a balanced flavour in the final espresso shot. By applying consistent pressure and technique while tamping, baristas can achieve a more uniform and flavourful espresso, ultimately enhancing the overall coffee-drinking experience for customers. Mastering tamping is a crucial skill that can improve the quality of the coffee served and showcase the expertise of the barista.

Pulling the perfect shot

When it comes to pulling the perfect shot as a barista, there are several key tips to keep in mind for a better espresso-making process and experience. First and foremost, ensure your using a quality espresso machine that is working properly to produce the best quality shots. Secondly, pay attention to the grind size and tamping pressure to achieve the ideal extraction. Employing a low-pressure pre - infusion technique can help to perfect that espresso shot - a really simple technique when using the Brua3 Max. Additionally, practice and consistency are essential in mastering the perfect cup of coffee, as each element plays a crucial role in the final taste and aroma of the espresso. By following these barista tips, you can enhance the overall coffee experience for yourself and your customers.

Conclusion

Manual espresso machines offer a unique and customizable espresso experience for coffee enthusiasts. With the ability to control variables such as water temperature, pressure, and extraction time, manual espresso machines allow users to perfect their espresso shots according to their preferences. Additionally, the hands-on process of using a manual machine adds a personal touch to the brewing experience, making it a popular choice among those who take pride in their coffee-making skills. Overall, the features of a manual espresso machine make it a valuable addition to any coffee lover's kitchen.