In your search for the perfect espresso, you’ve likely encountered various parts of an espresso machine. One of these parts is called the “espresso handle” or “group handle.” But what exactly is this handle, and what role does it play in making your favourite coffee drink?

You’re about to learn the ins and outs of espresso machine parts, particularly the portafilter, also known as the group handle. You’ll gain insight into how it works, the different types available, and how to use it to make the perfect espresso shot.

Whether you’re a seasoned barista or just starting your coffee experience, understanding the various parts of an espresso machine can boost your brewing skills.

By the end of this article, you’ll be familiar with essential espresso machine parts, including the portafilter, group head, steam wand, and tamper. You’ll also learn about the importance of maintenance and how to choose the right portafilter for your needs.

So, let’s start with the basics: what is the espresso handle called, and how does it contribute to the perfect cup of espresso?

What Is the Espresso Handle Called?

You grasp the espresso handle to brew your coffee. This component of an espresso machine is called a portafilter or group handle. Portafilters lock into the group head – where the brew process occurs – and force hot water through coffee grounds to extract the espresso.

The portafilter holds the coffee grounds within a basket, allowing you to make concentrated coffee. To use it, insert ground coffee into the basket inside the portafilter, then lock the portafilter into the machine at the front of the group head.

Proper operation of this important part ensures a great cup of espresso.

Portafilter Components

The portafilter is an essential component of an espresso machine, responsible for holding the coffee grounds and directing the pressurised hot water through the coffee. It consists of multiple parts that work together to maintain a smooth and proper espresso brewing experience.

Handle: This is the main grip of the portafilter, allowing you to easily insert and remove it from the machine’s group head.
Basket: A stainless steel or brass container with tiny holes, holding 14-17 grams of ground coffee.
Spout: Located at the bottom of the portafilter, this outlet controls the flow of espresso into your cup.
Spring Clip: Secures the filter basket in place inside the portafilter.
Gauge: Indicates whether the portafilter is properly aligned and locked into the group head, avoiding any leaks or damage during brewing.

Different Types of Portafilters

There are several types of portafilters, each designed to cater to different user preferences and machine requirements.

Type	Description
Single	Holds one serving of coffee grounds, ideal for solo users.
Double	Holds two servings of coffee grounds, suitable for sharing or for those who want a stronger brew.
Triple	Holds three servings of coffee grounds, perfect for large groups or heavy coffee drinkers.
Pod	Uses pre-packaged coffee pods for a convenient and mess-free brewing experience.
Pressurised	Helps novice baristas achieve better results by forcing hot water through the coffee grounds under pressure.
Non-Pressurised	Offers more control for experienced users, allowing for a more nuanced brewing experience.
Spouted	Features a spout for easy pouring and serving.
Bottomless	Allows for a clear view of the brewing process and is often preferred by coffee aficionados.

Commercial machines typically use a 58mm portafilter size, while Breville machines generally use a 54mm size.

Essential Parts of an Espresso Machine

You’re probably familiar with the espresso machine, but have you ever stopped to think about its essential parts? The portafilter, tamp, knock box, and burr grinder are all key components that work together to create the perfect shot of espresso.

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The portafilter holds the finely ground coffee beans in place, while the tamp compresses the grounds for the best extraction. The knock box collects the used coffee puck after brewing.

A burr grinder is what you need to achieve consistent grinding results for every espresso shot. Pump-powered espresso machines provide better extraction quality compared to manual ones.

Automatic machines may be more convenient but limit user control over grind settings and shot durations.

How to Use a Portafilter

To achieve the perfect espresso shot, proper use of the portafilter is crucial. Preheating the portafilter before adding coffee grinds helps maintain the best coffee temperature.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a portafilter:

Add 14-17 grams of finely ground coffee to the portafilter basket, depending on your desired strength and roast level.
Level off the coffee grinds to guarantee even distribution and prevent channeling.
Use a tamper to compress the coffee grinds firmly and evenly, applying about 30 pounds of pressure.
Lock the loaded portafilter into the espresso machine’s group head, making sure it’s securely in place.
Start brewing, aiming for a shot that takes around 20-30 seconds to pour and produces 1-2 ounces of espresso.
Adjust grind setting, tamping pressure, or brewing time as needed to achieve the best extraction and flavour.
Regularly clean and maintain your portafilter and espresso machine to prevent old coffee oils from affecting flavour and performance.

Additional Insights on Espresso Machine Parts

The tamper – an often-overlooked tool in espresso-making – plays a key role in compressing the coffee grounds in your portafilter; learn more about its importance…

Importance of the Tamper

You need a tamper to compress the ground coffee in the portafilter. Proper distribution and tamping techniques are necessary for high-quality espresso. Use an ergonomically designed tamper to avoid repetitive strain injury (RSI).

Experts recommend around 30lbs (13kg) of force for effective tamping. High-quality tamping tools, like Duomo the Eight, improve espresso consistency. Consistency is more important than the exact amount of force.

Effective tamping prevents channeling, ensuring all coffee grounds come into contact with water. Channeling leads to under-extraction and poor-tasting espresso. Proper tamping also helps maintain the group gasket’s lifespan and prevents portafilter leaks.

Invest in a quality tamper to elevate your espresso game and produce excellent shots every time.

Role of the Steam Wand

The steam wand is an integral part of your espresso machine, used for frothing milk to create perfect cappuccinos and lattes. It operates at approximately 90°C, producing steam that not only froths milk but also helps maintain hygiene by minimising bacterial growth on reusable coffee cups.

To get the best out of your steam wand, use it to purge the wand before and after frothing milk. This keeps it clean and prevents any residual milk from harbouring bacteria, improving your coffee shop’s reputation and reducing the risk of customer illness.

By properly maintaining your steam wand, you can continue to create specialty coffee drinks with precision and consistency.

Function of the Group Head

The group head serves a fundamental purpose in your espresso machine. It channels hot water into the filter basket for extraction, allowing you to brew perfect espresso shots. Lever and E61 group heads are two common types, both serving the same purpose but with distinct designs.

E61 group heads use a thermosyphon system for consistent temperature control, keeping your espresso at the best temperature.

Regular maintenance of the group head is pivotal to its longevity and performance. Make sure to backflush and replace the gaskets regularly to prevent any issues. The group head is typically made of metal and located at the front centre of the machine, making it easily accessible for maintenance and cleaning.

Maintenance Tips for Espresso Machines

Keep your espresso machine in excellent working condition with regular maintenance. Cleaning, descaling, and replacing seals and gaskets are key tasks to prevent common issues.

Descale your espresso machine every 3-6 months to prevent mineral buildup. Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to descale.
Clean the group heads with a machine brush to remove any coffee oils and residue. Perform a full backflush to scrub the group heads thoroughly.
Use coffee machine detergent for thorough cleaning. Run a cleaning cycle with the detergent to remove any grease and grime.
Check and replace worn-out seals and gaskets every 6-12 months. Inspect the seals and gaskets for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or mineral buildup.
Run a cleaning cycle with a mixture of equal parts water and baking soda to remove any odours and residue.
Regularly clean the portafilter and brew head to prevent clogging. Use a soft brush to remove any coffee grounds and residue.
Use a sight glass to monitor the water level and prevent overfilling. Check the water level regularly to keep it at the recommended level.
Keep your espresso machine’s surroundings clean and dust-free. Regularly wipe down the machine and its surroundings with a damp cloth.
Refer to your espresso machine’s user manual for specific maintenance instructions. Different machines may have unique maintenance requirements, so follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Choosing the Right Portafilter for Your Needs

Portafilter diameters vary – you’ll find 58mm is the emerging standard for commercial machines. Consider this: Breville Infuser uses a 54mm portafilter, while the Flair Espresso Maker takes a 40mm one.

Your shots depend on the type of portafilter basket you choose – single, double, or triple shot sizes are available. Pressurised portafilters in lower-end machines help beginners find their footing.

Naked portafilters give you visibility, making it easier to identify tamping errors and correct them.

Conclusion

You now know the espresso handle is called a portafilter. This detailed guide has walked you through the key parts of an espresso machine, including portafilter components and different types of portafilters.

Properly using and maintaining your portafilter is key to achieving quality espresso. Familiarize yourself with other important espresso machine parts, like the tamper, steam wand, and group head.

Following these maintenance tips will make sure your espresso machine lasts and continues to deliver great-tasting espresso. Choose the right portafilter for your needs, and start brewing like a pro!

FAQs

What is the part of an espresso machine that holds the coffee grounds called?

The part of an espresso machine that holds the coffee grounds is called a portafilter or brew group, it allows you to make espresso by forcing pressurised hot water through the ground coffee.

What is the boiler’s role in an espresso machine?

The boiler is used to heat water and produce steam, which is essential for making espresso and other coffee beverages, such as cappuccinos and lattes.

What is the purpose of the tamper in an espresso machine?

The tamper is a tool used to compress the coffee grounds in the portafilter, ensuring proper coffee extraction and a perfect espresso pull.

What is the difference between a burr mill and a blade grinder?

A burr mill is a type of coffee grinder that uses abrasive cutting to grind the coffee beans, whereas a blade grinder uses a spinning blade to chop the beans, affecting the taste of the espresso.

What is the function of the valve in an espresso machine?

The valve is used to control the flow of water and steam, allowing you to adjust the pressure and temperature to achieve the perfect espresso extraction.

What is the name of the part that dispenses the espresso into a cup?

The part that dispenses the espresso into a cup is called a spout or a shower, it is usually located at the front of the machine and is designed to pour the espresso in a smooth and consistent manner.