A manual coffee machine, also known as a lever espresso machine, relies on manual pressure and control to brew espresso. It usually consists of a lever or piston that the user operates to force hot water through the coffee grounds. These machines offer enthusiasts more control over the brewing process, allowing for adjustments to extraction time and pressure to achieve a customised espresso shot. Favoured by enthusiasts who enjoy the ritual of espresso making, these machines form part of our wider range of
coffee machines and are perfect for chasing café-quality results at home.
Yes. Manual coffee machines work well with pre-ground coffee, making them a flexible option if you don't yet own a grinder. That said, freshness has a huge impact on espresso quality, so pairing your machine with one of our
coffee grinders will give you noticeably better flavour, crema and consistency from shot to shot.
Key features in a manual coffee machine include:
Lever or piston operation for manual pressure control.
Portafilter for holding and brewing ground coffee.
Boiler or heating element for producing hot water.
Steam wand for frothing milk for espresso-based drinks.
Pressure gauge for monitoring extraction pressure.
Temperature control for adjusting water temperature.
Water reservoir for holding water for brewing.
Drip tray for collecting excess water and spills.
If you prefer a simpler, faster way to brew, consider capsule coffee machines or automatic coffee machines for one-touch convenience.
With a manual coffee machine, you can make:
Espresso shots
Cappuccinos
Lattes
Macchiatos
Americanos
To descale a manual coffee machine:
Prepare a descaling solution according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Empty the water reservoir and fill it with the descaling solution.
Run the descaling solution through the machine by brewing and discarding several cycles of hot water.
Allow the descaling solution to sit in the machine for a period of time as recommended.
Rinse the water reservoir thoroughly and fill it with clean water.
Run several cycles of clean water through the machine to flush out any remaining descaling solution.
Wipe down the exterior of the machine and any removable parts with a damp cloth.
Your manual coffee machine is now descaled and ready to use.
