Espresso from the portafilter

The portafilter machine – where craftsmanship meets espresso

The portafilter machine is the best-known and most respected way to prepare espresso. Unlike fully automatic machines, the focus here is primarily on "mano," Italian for "hand"—the human element. Anyone who wants to learn the traditional art of the barista and prepare truly good espresso cannot do without a portafilter machine.

The origin of the portafilter machine

Until the end of the 19th century, coffee was typically brewed without pressure: water flowed through the coffee grounds by gravity. Methods like the French press or the Carlsbad coffee pot were time-consuming – a cup of coffee could take up to four minutes.

With industrialization, the demand for faster coffee increased. At the beginning of the 20th century, Italians like Moriondo and Bezzera experimented with steam pressure machines. They produced coffee continuously by forcing water under pressure through the coffee grounds. However, at temperatures above 100°C, the result was suboptimal – the coffee was often too hot and bitter.

The solution came in 1938: Cremosi developed the first machine, which Achille Gaggia later built. Instead of steam pressure, it used the mechanical tension of a steel spring, which was pre-tensioned via a hand lever. This allowed water to be forced through the coffee grounds at an optimal temperature of 90–95 °C and approximately 9 to 10 bar pressure.The result: perfectly extracted espresso. This principle still forms the basis of the lever espresso machine today.

The portafilter

The ultimate challenge for baristas is the bottomless lever espresso machine. Here, the espresso flows directly from the portafilter, so any unevenness during tamping or grinding is immediately visible. For those who like to experiment, bottomless portafilters are available as accessories.

Which espresso machine is the right one?

Lever-operated machines

The traditional way of preparing espresso requires time, skill, and physical strength. Grind size, coffee quantity, and water temperature must be adjusted manually. It's enjoyable but demanding – ideal for espresso enthusiasts and aspiring baristas.

Electric portafilter machines

Electric machines automatically regulate pressure, water volume, and temperature. Vibration or rotary pumps reliably force the water through the coffee grounds. They are more convenient but can be noisy depending on the model.

For both types of machines, size and boiler capacity depend on individual needs. For home use, a single portafilter machine with a 300–500 ml boiler capacity is often sufficient. Commercial machines feature multiple portafilters, dual boilers, and direct water connections. Those wishing to delve deeper will find extensive specialist literature on espresso machines and their technology.