Espresso Machines

Everything for the Home Barista

Which portafilter machine is the right one?

A really good espresso, cappuccino, or flat white is one of those special moments in everyday life. With a portafilter machine, you can enjoy your favorite drink at home anytime and have a huge influence on the end result. But choosing the right machine can be difficult.

Are you a beginner, hobby barista, or professional? We'll show you the portafilter machines that are right for you. Frequency of use also plays a role, as does the question of whether or not you want to prepare milk drinks.

In Brief: Differences between Single-Circuit, Dual-Circuit and Dual-Boiler Systems

Making Espresso with an Espresso Machine

Practice makes perfect! Making espresso is fun and gives you the opportunity to experiment – the grind, dosage, and correct operation are crucial.

1. Our recommendation for a double espresso: Grind 16-18 g of espresso with a fine grind fresh into the portafilter. Rule of thumb: if the grind is too coarse, your espresso will taste sour. If the grind is too fine, your espresso will taste bitter.
2. Smooth the surface by running your hand over the edge of the portafilter. Now use the tamper to apply even pressure to the portafilter. It's not so much about the force you apply, but rather that you tamp straight and evenly.
3. Rinse the brew head before inserting the portafilter. Clamp the portafilter in place and let the espresso run through in 30 seconds, which will give you about 40 ml of espresso in your cup. If it runs through too quickly or too slowly, you should adjust the grind.

13 Portafilter Machines Put to the Test

Here you can find the results and discover who our test winners are for beginners, advanced users, and professionals!