What Is The Best Espresso Pressure?

There are few things as satisfying as a decadent cup of coffee. Whether you’re brewing your own latte on an automatic machine or relying on a barista to craft a cafe au lait, an indulgent rendezvous is one way to describe what it feels like when the taste of java meets your taste buds.

But what does it take to achieve the perfect shot of espresso? Pressure.

Let’s take a closer look at the importance of espresso tamping pressure, how many bars of pressure it takes for good espresso, and why a high pressure espresso machine can make all of the difference.

The Espresso Pressure Gauge: What is It and Why is It Important?

Coffee lovers know the importance of a strong espresso maker. But an effective coffee maker is only as strong as the amount of pressure it can apply.

High pressure is what creates the creamy richness of an espresso shot. The more pressure that’s applied during the brewing process, the faster the coffee can be extracted from the coffee grounds.

How Many Bars of Pressure for Good Espresso?

The recommendation for a great shot of espresso is nine bars, the unit of measurement used to better understand the atmospheric pressure at sea level. At nine bars, the water is pushed through the espresso at nine times the force of the atmosphere.

What Happens When Espresso Machine Pressure is Too Low?

When it comes to espresso pressure, you want to make it as difficult as possible for the water to pass through the coffee grounds. If the pressure is too low, the water may pass through the grounds seamlessly – and this is bad for your coffee.

When the espresso machine pressure is too low, the coffee extraction happens too quickly. This can lead to a shot of espresso that you may describe to be weak or having a sour taste.

How to Adjust the Pump Pressure on an Espresso Machine

Adjusting brew pressure on a high pressure espresso machine starts by regulating the safety valve of the Over-Pressure Valve (OPV), or playing around with the setting for maximum brew pressure. This varies based on the type of espresso coffee machine; OPV is used in dual boiler machines, while rotary pump machines use brew pressure adjustment.

This means you may find the adjustment screws inside or outside depending on the machine. Brew pressure is generally adjustable with a simple screwdriver however we recommend that a professional make these adjustments.

Let Complete Coffee Do the Heavy Lifting

Pulling the perfect espresso shot starts with choosing and maintaining a high pressure espresso machine. Instead of taking care of these tasks on your own, let Complete Coffee do the heavy lifting.

We can provide you with a complete coffee solution that involves espresso machines and other coffee equipment, coffee beans, and repairs and servicing so you always pull the perfect shot of espresso.

For more information, contact us today to get started.