An espresso pressure gauge is primarily used to monitor the pressure your espresso machine exerts on the coffee puck during the brewing process. By observing the gauge, you gain insight into how the machine is performing and how different variables (like grind size or tamping) might be affecting the pressure.
What is an Espresso Pressure Gauge?
An espresso pressure gauge is a dial or digital display typically mounted on the espresso machine, a portafilter, or an adapter. It measures the water pressure in the brew path, showing it in units like bars or pounds per square inch (PSI).
Using the Gauge to Monitor the Brew Cycle
Using the pressure gauge involves watching its reading throughout the various stages of pulling an espresso shot. A standard espresso brew cycle often includes a pre-infusion phase followed by the main brewing phase.
Observing Pressure After Pre-Infusion
During the espresso process, after the pre-infusion phase is completed, the machine increases the pressure to extract the coffee. As described in discussions about espresso brewing, "once the pre infusion has been completed your machine will then ramp up the pressure to brew your shot." The pressure gauge allows you to directly see this crucial ramp-up and the sustained pressure level maintained while the water flows through the coffee grounds to brew your shot.
What Information the Gauge Provides
By watching the pressure gauge as you pull a shot, you can observe:
- The pressure ramp-up: Seeing how quickly and smoothly the pressure climbs after pre-infusion.
- The peak/stable pressure: The pressure level the machine reaches and holds during the main extraction phase.
Monitoring these aspects helps you confirm that the machine is generating pressure at the correct stage of the process and achieving a specific pressure level during the extraction.
