What is the difference between coffee from a 15- and 19-bar machine? That is, how important is the depression in the coffee machine

Before we delve into details, it is worth understanding what the pressure in the espresso is. It is nothing but the force with which hot water flows through ground coffee beans. The stronger the “flow”, the more taste and aroma we can squeeze out of our grains.

The minimum pressure needed to make a real espresso is 9 bars. It is at such pressure that water is able to extract the right amount of oils and aromas from coffee, creating a characteristic creamy foam on the surface.

Higher pressure gives better results. At 15 bars, the extraction is more effective – water brings out the taste faster and more accurately, and coffee has a richer aroma. That is why 15 bars have become a market standard – It gives noticeably better results than the minimum 9 bars, and at the same time does not significantly lift the price of the device.

15 or 19 bars? What are the differences?

In a 15-bar espresso machine The water flows through the coffee a little slower. Our cup of espresso is created in about 25-30 seconds. Coffee has a balanced taste, a clear foam and everything we expect from good espresso.

At 19 bars The process is slightly faster – it lasts about 20-25 seconds. Thanks to this, coffee has a slightly more intense taste and denser foam. The difference, however, is not as dramatic as they might seem. It is rather a nuance that will be appreciated mainly by real enthusiasts.

What really affects the taste of coffee?

The pressure itself is just one of the elements of the puzzle. Equally important are:

• The quality of the grains (freshly roasted will always be better than those lying on the market shelf)
• grinding (too thick – coffee will be watery, too fine – bitter)
• water temperature (ideal is 90-96 degrees)
• Cleanliness of the coffee machine (neglected equipment will spoil the taste of even the best grains)

Who is the 19-bar espresso machine for?

Higher pressure will be appreciated by people who:

• They like strong, intense espresso
• pay attention to the quality of the foam
• They are ready to invest more in their equipment, because they are usually more expensive

What else to look for?

The number of bars is just one of the coffee machine parameters. The grinder may be more important – It depends on its quality whether the grains will be ground evenly. Ceramic mills have better machines, which are not only more durable than steel, but also do not heat up during grinding, which allows you to keep more aroma.

It is also worth looking at the programs and possibilities of personalization. A good automatic espresso machine will allow us to regulate not only the power of coffee and the amount of water, but also the brewing temperature or the degree of grinding of grains.

Materials of performance are also important. A solid housing and a capacious water tank is the basis, but it is also worth checking if the machine has an easily removable brewing block – this will facilitate its cleaning and maintenance. Remember that even the most expensive espresso machine with the highest pressure will not guarantee good coffee if we do not care.