How to Use a Seagull Hand Press Coffee Maker for Espresso

If you’ve seen a ‘Seagull’ hand press coffee maker and wondered whether it’s actually capable of pulling a real espresso shot, you’re not alone. This quirky-looking manual device resembles a flying seagull—and its design, inspired by commercial lever machines, claims to produce espresso through manual pressure rather than a pump. But can it really deliver a proper espresso experience at home?

Yes—but with limits. The Seagull hand press can produce a short, concentrated coffee shot resembling espresso when used with 12g of fine-ground coffee and around 80ml of hot water, though it maxes out below the standard 9-bar pressure and lacks built-in heating.

What Is a Seagull Hand Press Coffee Maker?

The Seagull hand press coffee maker gets its name from its wing-like silhouette. Mechanically, it works similarly to a commercial lever espresso machine—but instead of a motorized pump, it relies entirely on manual force to generate brewing pressure. While it can’t reach the ideal 9 bars of pressure found in professional machines, and it doesn’t have a built-in heater, it still delivers a surprisingly functional shot for its simplicity and price.

Why Temperature and Pressure Matter in Espresso

Espresso relies on a balance of factors: proper grind size, brew pressure (typically 9 bars), and water temperature (ideally between 90–96°C). The Seagull hand press falls short on both pressure and temperature. Without a heating element, you’re relying entirely on preheated water, and the pressure you apply by hand will almost certainly be lower than 9 bars. Still, with the right technique, it can produce a usable shot—especially if you’re aiming for a quick, stove-free espresso-like coffee.

How to Make Espresso with a Seagull Hand Press

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the Seagull hand press for espresso extraction:

• Preheat the Machine and Cup: Run hot water through the empty machine (same steps as brewing, but without coffee) to warm it up, and preheat your cup.
• Prepare the Coffee Handle: Remove the portafilter-like handle, fill it with 12g of finely ground coffee (use a blend intended for espresso, ideally Italian-style), and tamp it lightly but evenly to create a level surface.
• Attach the Handle: Securely lock the filled handle into the Seagull machine.
• Add Water: Make sure the brew lever arms are fully pressed down, then fill the water reservoir with about 80ml of hot water. Use the internal scale lines for guidance.
• Preheat and Empty Your Cup (Again): Discard any remaining hot water from your preheated cup and place it under the spout.
• Brew the Shot: Slowly lift both brew levers, then push them down firmly and steadily until fully compressed. This action creates the pressure needed to extract the coffee. Once fully pressed down, the shot is complete.

The resulting brew should be a small, concentrated shot similar to espresso. With fresh beans and adequately hot water, you may even get some crema. While the machine is often described as making a 'double shot,' many users find the output closer to a single serving.

Using the Seagull Press with Milk Drinks

If your coffee is fresh, the water hot enough, and you apply the right pressure, the resulting shot may have enough body and crema to pair with steamed milk. Use a manual milk frother to steam milk, and you can produce a decent cappuccino or latte. Just bear in mind that the lack of precise temperature control and limited pressure means the shot might not be as balanced or intense as one from a pump-driven machine.

Advantages of the Seagull Hand Press

The biggest advantage of the Seagull hand press is its independence from electricity or gas. You can use it anywhere there’s access to hot water, making it great for travel, cabins, or outdoor use. It’s also one of the most affordable ways to experiment with manual espresso-style brewing without investing in an expensive machine or grinder setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee do I use in a Seagull hand press?

You should use 12g of finely ground coffee, similar to what you’d use for a single espresso shot. The dose is designed for the machine’s standard portafilter basket.

What grind size should I use?

Use a fine grind size, similar to table salt or slightly finer. This is the standard grind for espresso and is essential for proper extraction with the Seagull hand press.

Do I need to preheat the machine?

Yes. Preheat both the machine and your cup by running hot water through the empty press (without coffee) before brewing. This helps improve temperature stability during extraction.

What water temperature should I use?

Use water as hot as possible—ideally around 90–96°C, the optimal range for espresso. Since the machine has no heater, you’ll need to preheat the water separately.

Can I make a double shot with the Seagull hand press?

The machine is often referred to as a 'double shot' model, but the actual output is closer to a single serving for most users. The 80ml water capacity supports a short, concentrated shot similar to a solo espresso.

Is the espresso from the Seagull press as good as from a machine?

Not quite. The Seagull press can’t reach 9 bars of pressure and lacks precise temperature control, so it won’t match a professional machine. However, with fresh beans and good technique, it can produce a respectable espresso-like shot suitable for milk drinks or drinking black.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Hand Press Espresso

For use with the Seagull hand press, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Specialty Blend, which combines Colombian and Brazilian beans for notes of nuts, black chocolate, and caramel—ideal for a balanced, crema-capable shot. Alternatively, the Classic Blend offers a medium-dark roast with a smooth profile built for milk drinks, featuring a trio of origins including a hint of Robusta for extra body. Both blends are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.