How to Use a Seagull Handpresso for Espresso at Home

If you’ve ever tried making espresso without electricity or a machine, you know how tricky it is to get real pressure and heat just right. Many home brewers want that rich crema and bold flavor without dropping hundreds on gear. One surprisingly functional option is the Seagull hand-pressed coffee machine—also called a hand espresso maker—which mimics the action of a lever machine using nothing but human power and hot water.

To brew a single espresso-like shot, use 12 grams of finely ground Italian-style blend coffee and around 80 milliliters of very hot water. While it won’t hit 9 bars of pressure, it can still pull a respectable shot—if you do it right.

What Is the Seagull Hand Espresso Maker?

The Seagull hand espresso machine gets its name from its wing-like shape. It’s a manually operated device that works similarly to commercial lever espresso machines, but instead of a pump or motor, you use your arm strength to generate pressure. Though it doesn’t reach professional 9-bar extraction levels, and lacks built-in heating, it offers a surprisingly effective way to make espresso-like coffee at home or while traveling—no electricity required.

Key Ingredients & Setup

To use the Seagull handpress properly, you’ll need:

• 12 grams of coffee: Use a fine grind, similar to espresso. The article recommends a dedicated Italian blend.
• About 80 ml of water: The hotter, the better—aim for near-boiling temperatures.

Step-by-Step: Brewing With the Seagull Hand Espresso Machine

Here’s how to pull a shot using the Seagull handpress, based on the tested method shared in the original article:

1. Preheat the Machine and Cup

Before adding coffee, run the same setup without grounds to warm up the machine and cup. This helps maintain thermal stability during brewing.

2. Fill and Tamp the Handle

Remove the coffee handle and fill it with 12 grams of finely ground coffee. Level the coffee bed and apply slight, even tamping to ensure consistent extraction. Don’t overpack—it needs to allow water flow.

3. Attach the Handle

Lock the filled handle firmly into the Seagull machine. It must be seated tightly to maintain pressure during extraction.

4. Add Hot Water

With both side levers in the down position, fill the water reservoir up to the marked line with very hot water—roughly 80 ml. Don’t add coffee yet.

5. Prepare the Cup

Pour out any hot water sitting in your serving cup. Place the empty cup directly under the spout.

6. Extract the Shot

Slowly raise both side levers, then press them down firmly and steadily until fully compressed. This motion creates the pressure needed to push water through the coffee. Once fully pressed, the shot is complete.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Handpresso

For use in a handpresso like the Seagull machine, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend and Commercial Blend are excellent picks. Both are built on traditional Italian-style profiles and include a touch of Robusta for extra body and crema, producing notes of toast, nuts, dark chocolate, and black spices. The Specialty Blend offers a smoother, nuttier profile with Colombian influences and hints of caramel. These blends respond well to the pressure and heat conditions of a manual handpresso, helping you achieve a rich, textured shot. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.