Capri Espresso Station

What is the difference between automatic and manual mode?

Automatic mode extracts a preset volume (adjustable across seven levels from ristretto to lungo). Manual mode runs until you press the button again, full control for dialing in shots or experimenting with yield.

Does it really pull 19 bars?

The pump generates 19 bars at the source. Actual extraction pressure at the puck is around 9 bars after the pre-infusion phase, the standard for espresso.

How do I use shot time on the Capri Espresso Station to dial in my grind?

Aim for about 20 to 35 seconds. If the shot pulls faster, grind finer; if it runs longer or stalls, grind coarser. Manual mode lets you stop the shot yourself while you dial in.

Can I make a latte or cappuccino?

Yes. The steam wand froths milk to microfoam, texture depends on technique, not the machine. Use cold whole milk, submerge the tip just below the surface, and swirl until the pitcher is too hot to hold (around 66 °C).

What are the capsule adapters for?

The machine includes two portafilter inserts: one for Nespresso-compatible capsules (NS), one for Dolce Gusto-compatible capsules (DG). Swap the basket, drop in a capsule, lock the portafilter, brew.

Do I need a separate grinder?

Only if you want to grind fresh beans: there is no grinder built in. It also takes pre-ground coffee, ESE pods and NS/DG capsules.

How long does it take to heat up?

About 30 seconds. A PID thermostat then holds the brewing water at 92 °C.

Espresso machine vs moka pot: what is the difference?

A pump machine like this one pushes water through finely ground coffee at about 9 bar at the puck, which builds crema, and its steam wand textures milk. A moka pot brews on the stove with much lower steam pressure, so the coffee is strong but has little crema, and it cannot steam milk.

I want a real espresso machine for home with a steam wand. What do you recommend?

The Capri Espresso Station: a 19-bar pump, PID temperature control at a constant 92 °C, 30-second preheat, a 360° swivel steam wand on its own dial, a removable 1.1 L tank and a cup warmer on top. It takes ground coffee, ESE pods or capsules. For a touch-screen machine with 20-bar max pump pressure and a steam wand, the Le Maestro Auto Espresso. All machines: all espresso machines.

What's a good espresso machine for a beginner?

The Capri Espresso Station is easy to learn: one button for the shot, one dial for the steam wand, an automatic mode with 7 adjustment levels plus a manual mode, and it accepts ground coffee, ESE pods or capsules while you learn to dial in. Pair it with a grinder that starts at espresso-fine, like the Pro Burr Grinder.

Do you have an espresso machine with a built-in grinder?

Our espresso machines do not have a built-in grinder; we pair them with a separate burr grinder, which you can adjust and clean on its own. A practical set: the Capri Espresso Station (19-bar pump, steam wand) with the Pro Burr Grinder, which has 25 settings from espresso-fine to French press and fits 51 and 53 mm portafilter baskets.

I'm switching from a pod machine. What should I buy instead?

If you liked the one-button simplicity, the Capri Espresso Station takes ground coffee, ESE pods or capsules, so you can switch gradually. If you want to drop pods completely and keep it simple, The Signature Stainless Steel French Press with a hand burr grinder such as the Precision Manual Grinder: no pods, no filters.

Do you sell a semi-automatic espresso machine?

The closest are our portafilter pump machines, where you grind, dose and steam the milk yourself. The Capri Espresso Station has both an automatic mode with 7 adjustment levels and a manual mode, a 19-bar pump, PID temperature control and a 360° steam wand. The Le Maestro Auto Espresso uses a portafilter, a touch screen and a steam wand. Add an espresso grinder such as the Pro Burr Grinder.

Is there a compact espresso machine for a small kitchen?

The Capri Espresso Station measures about 29.5 cm high, 16.5 cm wide and 31.5 cm deep, with a 19-bar pump, a steam wand and a cup warmer on top. For the smallest footprint, the Nomad Capsule Press is hand-sized (about 7.6 cm across) and stores in a drawer; it uses hot water from a kettle.