What is Pump Pressure?
The force at which water is pushed through the coffee grounds, measured in bars.
Measured in bars
Definition
Pump pressure indicates the maximum force the machine's pump can exert to push hot water through the compacted coffee grounds. While pumps often state 15 bars, optimal brewing pressure at the group head is typically around 9 bars, with machines regulating this internally.
Why It Matters
Sufficient pressure is crucial for extracting the full flavor and crema from espresso. Too little pressure results in under-extraction; too much can lead to over-extraction.
What to Look For
Around 9-15 bars indicated on the pump, with actual brewing pressure around 9 bars being ideal for espresso extraction.
Compare Home Espresso Machines Products
See how pump pressure compares across different products.