Brewing a perfect shot of espresso is a serious business. Therefore, manufacturers tend to approach production of espresso makers with utmost seriousness. They go above and beyond to come up with extraction technologies to yield the best coffee. One very important thing to look for in any espresso machine is BAR pressure. What do BARs mean on an espresso machine? Anyone who has ever thought about buying an espresso machine probably asked this question at some point: what does ‘BAR’ actually mean? I am glad I am not alone.

Current selection can be overwhelming

I went to Macy’s the other day, looking for a new espresso machine. I was overwhelmed with the selection: stainless-steel, cranberry red, large, small, powerful and less powerful. To some extent, it was an overwhelming adventure. Espresso machines may come with all kinds of specifications and fancy features. However, there are some characteristics that should not be ignored when purchasing a new espresso maker.

What to look out for in a good espresso machine?

One of the most critical features of an espresso machine is its BAR pressure. Espresso machines come with a certain pump pressure limit, which will be clearly stated as a certain number of BARs. It should be somewhere between 7 and 15 BARs.

Depending on the way they create pressure, espresso machines can be divided into two categories:

Pump driven espresso machines 🏆

Pump driven espresso machines are significantly more efficient, and they yield better espresso. They use a pressure pump to push hot water forcefully into and through the grounds. Because of their superior quality, they typically cost a bit more than steam driven machines. Pump driven espresso makers come with BAR pressures.

Steam driven espresso machines

Steam driven espresso machines create steam that eventually results in water being pushed through coffee grounds.

So, what is a ‘BAR’ in an espresso machine?

The ‘BAR’ is the measurement for atmospheric pressure, also known as barometric pressure, exerted upon grounds of coffee in an espresso coffee maker.

One BAR is equal to the atmospheric pressure (the weight of air) at the sea level. For instance, a 9-BAR espresso maker can produce a pressure equal to 9 times the atmospheric pressure at the sea level.

In espresso machines, this indicates the pressure (or the force) used to push water through coffee grounds. As water is pushed through coffee grounds, it extracts flavors, oils, and other soluble components from coffee grounds. They consequently get released through a spout into a cup underneath.

What is the best BAR pressure for a coffee machine?

One of the best BAR pressures for a coffee machines is 9 BARs. Some claim that 7-8 BARs is even better. Why? Anywhere between 7 to 9 BARs is optimal for a perfect espresso extraction, leading to rich, tasty, balanced and creamy beverage.

If you want ‘crema’ on top of your coffee, or a flavorful, aromatic golden cream that sits on a freshly brewed cup of espresso, then pressure should be of particular interest. Only an espresso maker capable of yielding between 7 to 9 BARs can deliver it.

<7 BAR pressure

Espresso may come out weak and under-extracted. Pressure lower than 7 BARs will not allow water and air to pass through coffee grounds with enough force to extract oils and flavors properly.

7-15 BAR pressure

Rich and creamy espresso. 7-15 BAR pressure is typical, and should be considered for those who enjoy great tasting espresso. Top notch coffee makers come with 15 BARs of pressure. 15 BARs may be very useful, giving the machine enough range for an initial kick of 10-11 BARs, from where to drop to 9-10 BARs during brewing.

 15+ BAR pressure

Espresso may come out over-extracted and burnt. This is not always the case, but may potentially be a waste of money. Espresso machines rarely, if ever, use more than 11 BARs of pressure.

How many BARs do typical espresso machines have?

There are many fancy espresso machines with over 15 BARs. However, as many baristas can tell you, buying a machine with a pressure of more than 15 BARs could be a waste of money. Many espresso machines rarely, if ever, use more than 11 BARs of pressure.

Many budget espresso machines will only have the recommended 9 BARs of pressure. Better espresso machines will have 15 BARs. Those 15 BAR espresso machines have enough power to initiate a brewing with 10-11 BARs of pressure, thus yielding delicious coffee.

If I were to make a recommendation, I’d say that investing in a quality espresso machine with 9 BARs or 15 BARs would be best to learn how to use it properly and effectively.

Which espresso machines have the best BAR pressure?

There are certain espresso machines that have the best BAR pressure. Most of them come with 15 BARs of pressure. These 5 espresso machines that come with the best BAR pressure:

Which espresso machines have good BAR pressure?

While the following may not be the most popular espresso machines, they actually come with very good BAR pressure (and receive raving reviews from baristas and users):

  • Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic
  • Aicook Espresso Machine
  • Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse
  • Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine
  • Gaggia RI8525/01 Carezza De LUXE Espresso Machine

Besides BARs, what else influences espresso?

I learned the hard way that the BAR pressure itself does not guarantee a perfect cup of coffee. It turns out that the quality of espresso is influenced not only by the BAR pressure of the machine, but several other factors, which include the following:


What all this means is that, if your espresso did not come as good as you had expected, you shouldn’t blame it immediately on the pressure.

Final words

As a final word, we need to remember this: BAR pressure matters in espresso. However, while it does matter, it is also important not to pay for a feature that will not be used. A quality espresso maker with 9 or 15 BARs should work great for delivering good coffee shots.

How do you like your espresso? What is your favorite espresso machine? Let me know in the comments!

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