what bar does/should an espresso machine work off?

-- Pel From RCBB for Klautge? (ben@caffe-mobile.co.uk), June 05, 2003

Answers

The *incoming* water pressure (on the gauge that reads up to 14/16) should be around 4 Bar when the machine is just sitting there. This is what some refer to as "standing line pressure". When dispensing espresso, the needle should slide up and peak at 9 Bar. For steam pressure, a good guide is usually indicated with a green area on the face of the gauge (usually between ,75/1, Bar).

-- Devon Woollett (devon@espressoparts.com), June 13, 2003.