This instrument measures the pressure of water forced through compacted coffee grounds during espresso extraction. A typical example displays pressure in bars or pounds per square inch (PSI). This reading provides crucial feedback on the brewing process.
Accurate pressure monitoring is essential for achieving optimal espresso quality. Consistent pressure ensures balanced extraction, avoiding under-extracted, sour shots or over-extracted, bitter ones. Historically, baristas relied on experience and visual cues. The introduction of this device provided a quantitative measure, allowing for greater precision and repeatability, contributing significantly to the evolution of espresso preparation from an art to a more refined craft.