Can a manual espresso machine make real espresso?

Absolutely. Manual lever machines can generate 9+ bars of pressure, which is the same as commercial machines. Many specialty coffee professionals prefer manual machines for their precise pressure profiling capabilities.

How long does it take to make espresso with a manual machine?

Including preheat, grinding, and extraction: 5-8 minutes for machines with electric preheat, 8-12 minutes for fully manual machines. The extraction itself takes about 25-30 seconds, same as any espresso machine.

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