A cold group handle might seem harmless, but it can leave your espresso thin, sour and under-extracted.
Your espresso machine works hard to maintain the correct brewing temperature. But if you lock a cold group handle into the machine and immediately pull a shot, that cold metal can draw heat away from the brewing process.
Why does espresso temperature matter?
Temperature plays an important role in espresso extraction.
When hot water passes through your ground coffee, it extracts the flavours, oils and compounds that create a balanced espresso.
If your brewing equipment isn't sufficiently heated, the lower temperature can contribute to under-extraction.
The result can be an espresso that tastes sour, weak or lacks body.
Should you leave the group handle in the coffee machine?
Yes. When your espresso machine is switched on and warmed up, keep the group handle locked into the group head when you're not using it.
This allows the group handle and filter basket to stay hot and ready for your next coffee.
At home, this can be particularly important because smaller domestic machines and their components can lose heat quickly.
Warm up your equipment before making coffee
Great coffee isn't just about expensive equipment or quality beans. Your equipment also needs to be properly prepared.
Give your espresso machine enough time to warm up and keep your group handle hot between coffees.
It's a tiny habit, but it can help you produce more consistent espresso at home.
Verdict: guilty. Don't let a cold group handle ruin a perfectly good coffee.
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