Why do espresso machines sometimes have two spouts? After a while, your eyes can start crossing from all the variety this equipment comes in.
Why Do Espresso Machines Have Two Spouts?
Don’t have time for the full article? Here’s a quick answer to your question:
Espresso machines with two spouts are the most commonly seen varieties in both commercial and home models...but why? Put simply: two spouts allows you to brew two shots simultaneously, giving you greater volume and flexibility during brewing. This is ideal for fast-paced cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Let’s take a look at the other benefits -- and hidden details -- behind two spout espresso machines.
See Next: Best Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
What Is a Double Basket Espresso?
Espresso machines come in three basket types: single, double, and triple. These are proportional to the amount of coffee you want to brew at one time.
Double baskets are considered ideal for double shots, able to hold between 14 grams of coffee to nearly 22 grams. You may also find yourself looking for pressurized or non-pressurized baskets. Speaking of which...
What Is a Pressurized Basket Espresso?
Have you noticed some espresso baskets have different appearances, particularly on the bottom of the basket?
To understand the difference, you need to get to the bottom of what espresso is made of. The function of an espresso machine is to use steam and pressure to push out the delicious flavor chemicals of your ground coffee. This comes out in an oily form that needs to be properly filtered to achieve the espresso’s signature crema.
A non-pressurized basket has a bottom filled with tiny holes. It’s well-suited to high-pressure machines (think eight or nine bars) and is widely favored in commercial applications.
The pressurized basket, on the other hand, prefers a slightly coarse espresso grind. This is due to the basket having just one hole for the espresso to come out of. If you want to recreate cafe-quality coffee, it’s best to go for a non-pressurized basket.
See Also: How Many Bars Should an Espresso Machine Have?
What Is a Double Spout Portafilter?
This is just what it says on the tin: a portafilter with two spouts for two shots of coffee. This is a common variety often see in cafe settings to address a large volume of customers.
What Is Single or Double Shot Espresso?
Espresso shots are measured not unlike whisky: in little shot glasses that are then mixed with milk, hot water, or syrup. Since espresso is highly concentrated, they tend to be served in single or double shots.
Just one shot of espresso has nearly 65 mg of caffeine. Compare that to a mug of black coffee, which has around 95 mg of caffeine.
Do You Need The Spout In A Portafilter?
This may come as a surprise, but no! You can use a portafilter without a spout: the spout is just there to direct the coffee into shot glasses.
Taking off the spout can be useful if you want to pour your espresso shot directly into your mug, then fill it up with steamed milk.
Read Next: Is An Espresso Machine Worth It?
Wrap Up
Still researching your ideal espresso machine? A double spout espresso machine is convenient for its ability to create more coffee for more people.
Reach out to our live chat with your coffee-related questions and we’ll help you narrow down your search. You can also send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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Tony Barlow, with over a decade of experience in the coffee industry, is the go-to technical sales expert at Majesty Coffee. He's passionate about helping businesses find the right espresso equipment for their needs.
