Brushing up on your Espresso Equipment Lingoby Terry Ziniewicz There you are, working on your espresso machine making beverages for your customers when suddenly "the thingy that you put coffee in" starts leaking from "the chrome thing that's right below the button that has a picture of two cups"--you know, the place where you put the coffee handle thingy? So you pick up the phone and call the local service company and tell them the same story. 
GROUP HEADThis is where all the magic takes place. Sometimes referred to as the brew group or brew head, this component is more commonly known simply as the group. This is where you insert the portafilter when preparing to brew espresso. 
PortafilterThis is the device coffee is ground into before being placed in the group to brew espresso. The name is easy to remember as long as you think of it as a portable filter (hence, portafilter). It's also known as "a filter handle and that thingy you put the coffee into". 
Portafilter BasketThe portafilter basket is the filter screen located in the portafilter. These come in both double and single sizes and are held in place by a spring. 
GROUP GASKETThe group gasket is a large rubber O-ring that seals the portafilter and portafilter basket to the group. It is inserted into a groove that is built into the group. If the portafilter is leaking, the group gasket is usually the part you need to replace. Often the portafilter basket and group gasket should be changed together to 
Group SCreenThe group screen is also located in the group. It is sometimes referred to as a dispersion screen, shower screen or shower. 
GROUP DISPENSE SWITCHThis switch acts much the same as the dosing keypads, but it is usually a simple on/off switch located over the top of the group it actuates. Some automatic espresso machines also include a dispense button as an additional means of operation. 
GROUP DOSING KEYPADDosing keypads are found on automatic and superautomatic espresso machines. They are the buttons you press to activate the group head on the machine. The keypads show a legend of various dispense times and quantities as well as programming and continuous flow. 
Hot Water TapSome call this the Americano wand or tap, but it's simply a hot water tap. Call it what you will--this is where you dispense hot water. 
Power SwitchThe power switch on most espresso equipment is located on the backsplash of the machine. It is often indicated by a face plate showing the numbers 1 - 0 - 2. The general position for full operation is the 2 position. 
Pressure GuageThe pressure gauge is located on the front of the machine. It usually has two needles indicating both boiler pressure and pump operating pressure. This is an important part to be aware of, as it monitors the health of your machine as well as the parameters of your espresso brewing temperatures and pressures.
Sight GlassMost machines have a sight glass. This part is located on the front of the machine and indicates the boiler's water level. It is typically a glass tube with water inside. It is marked with "Maximum" and "Minimum" indicators. 
Steam Wand (STeamwand)This is the tool used to steam milk. The steam wand is also known as a steam pipe, and it is activated by the steam valve knob or lever. 
Steam Tip (Steam wand Tip)The steam tip is located on the end of the steam wand. It disperses the steam from the wand into a splayed pattern, allowing you to steam milk.
Grinders also have a few specific part names that should be part of your equipment vocabulary. 
ADJUSTMENT RING OR KNOBThis grinder component allows you to make changes to the grind size with reference to coarse or fine. The adjustment ring or knob is usually found around the bean hopper. 
Bean HopperThis is the large, clear, plastic container on top of the grinder. 
DoserThe doser holds the ground coffee for dosing into the portafilter.
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