Guides

Should I tamp the coffee?

Tamping is pushing down on the coffee in the coffee filter. Tamping is a very important process as it affects how the water flows through the coffee. If you are buying a manual or semi-automatic machine, you will need to do the tamping yourself. Most machines include a tool for tamping. Automatic and fully automatic machines take care of the tamping for you. Bear in mind that tamping will affect the consistency of the puck, which can affect the effort it takes to clean. If you tamp firmly then the puck will be dry, if you only lightly tamp, or not at all, then the puck will have a sludge-like consistency.

What is a portafilter? What is a group handle?

A portafilter, also referred to as a group handle, is where you put the cup filter and is the part of the machine that holds the ground coffee. It should come included with your espresso machine. Portafilters are available in different capacities, for example, you can buy one with a capacity suitable for a single shot of coffee, or one for a double shot. You may also be able to buy a portafilter for coffee pods rather than ground coffee.

What is cup filter or filter basket?

A cup filter sits inside the portafilter and holds the ground coffee. It generally looks like a metal dish with holes on the bottom, which is what strains the coffee. The cup filter should come included with the portafilter.

What is a drip saver?

A drip saver is a tray at the bottom of the machine that catches any water/coffee spillages, or any post-use drips. It is a standard component of modern espresso machines and should be cleaned on a regular basis.