Memorising the parts of your espresso machine and grinder — and understanding their functions — will improve your ability to communicate with other baristas. Because most of the names are standardised, this knowledge will help you slot into almost any professional workplace, anywhere in the world. Plus, if you’re comfortable with the terminology, you’ll feel more confident behind the bar, especially if you’re working alongside more-experienced colleagues.
Parts of Grinders and Espresso Machines
- Auger: A screw-like part above the grinder’s burrs that moves beans towards them
- Grinder Throat: A chute that delivers grounds into the filter basket
- Dispersion screen, or shower screen: A device that disperses hot water evenly onto the coffee in the portafilter
- Dosing chamber: A front chamber on some machines that collects ground coffee and a lever that releases it into the basket
- Espresso cup, or demitasse cup: A small cup for espresso
- Filter basket: A small metal receptacle, perforated with with holes, that holds the coffee grounds inside the portafilter
- Grinder burrs: Hard surfaces, flat or conical, that grind the coffee beans; conical burrs have a cone-shaped lower burr that spins
- Grinder fork: The base upon which the portafilter rests during grinding; may include a latch for hands-free dosing
- Grinder throat: The location where ground coffee exits the grinder
- Group head: The site where hot water enters the espresso machine; commercial machines usually have two or three group heads
- Group handle, or portafilter: A device, made of brass or stainless steel, that holds the filter basket
- Hopper: The receptacle on the top of the grinder where coffee beans are stored
- Hopper gate: An entry port located at the hopper’s bottom that controls the flow of beans into the grinder
- Naked portafilter: A portafilter with its bottom section removed, allowing for observation of the flow of espresso
- Pre-breakers: Coarse teeth located at the top of the upper,