How to Make Espresso with a Seagull Hand Press Coffee Maker

If you’ve ever tried using a quirky-looking hand-powered coffee device that vaguely resembles a bird in flight, you’re likely holding a Seagull hand press coffee maker. These devices promise espresso-style coffee without electricity or pumps—but can they really deliver a proper shot? The short answer is yes, with limitations. Here’s how to get the best possible result from this low-tech brewer.

The short answer: Use 12g of finely ground coffee (ideally a dedicated Italian blend), around 80ml of very hot water, tamp it flat, and use firm, full strokes on the press levers to pull a usable shot. With fresh beans and good technique, you’ll get some crema and enough body for a milk drink.

What Is the Seagull Hand Press Coffee Maker?

The Seagull hand press coffee maker gets its name from its wing-like shape. Mechanically, it functions similarly to a lever-driven espresso machine found in commercial settings, but instead of using a pump, it relies entirely on manual force to generate pressure. However, it can’t reach the standard 9-bar pressure of professional machines, and since it lacks built-in heating, you must preheat both the machine and your water. Despite its flaws, it’s a surprisingly functional and portable tool for making espresso-style coffee at home or while travelling—without needing a power outlet or gas source.

How the Seagull Press Makes Coffee (Or Tries To)

This device mimics the action of a lever espresso machine. By pressing down two levers, you manually force hot water through a compact bed of coffee grounds under pressure. While it won’t achieve commercial pressure levels, a well-executed pull can still produce a concentrated coffee with some crema, especially if you use fresh, high-quality beans and properly hot water. The lack of a heating element means you’re entirely responsible for temperature control—which has a huge impact on extraction quality.

What You’ll Need to Brew

To use the Seagull hand press, you’ll need:

• 12 grams of finely ground coffee (a fine espresso grind, ideally from a dedicated Italian blend)
• About 80 millilitres of hot water (the hotter, the better—aim for as close to boiling as you safely can)

While the manufacturer claims it’s suitable for two servings, most users find the yield is closer to a single shot. The grind size and dose mimic those of a traditional espresso setup, and the small water volume reflects that too.

Step-by-Step: Making Espresso with the Seagull Hand Press

Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Preheat the Machine: Before adding coffee, run the process without grounds to warm up the brew chamber and portafilter. Use this step to also preheat your cup.
2. Prepare the Portafilter: Remove the coffee handle (portafilter), fill it with 12g of finely ground coffee, and tamp it down lightly but evenly—make sure the coffee bed is level.
3. Attach the Portafilter: Lock the filled portafilter firmly into the machine.
4. Add Water: Make sure the press levers are in the down position. Fill the water reservoir up to the marked line with hot water (around 80ml).
5. Prepare Your Cup: Discard any hot water in your cup, then place it under the portafilter spout.
6. Brew the Shot: Slowly pull both press levers upwards, then push them down firmly and steadily until you reach the bottom of their travel. This motion forces the water through the coffee grounds under pressure, completing the extraction.

That’s it. What comes out should resemble a concentrated espresso, though likely lighter in body and crema than what a machine could produce.

What to Expect from the Brew

With ideal conditions—freshly roasted beans, very hot water, and a well-distributed, level tamp—you can achieve a shot with some crema. The resulting coffee is strong enough to use as a base for milk drinks like cappuccinos or lattes, especially when paired with a manual milk frother. While it won’t match the consistency or intensity of a true 9-bar espresso, it’s a respectable result for a completely manual, off-grid setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee should I use in the Seagull hand press?

Use 12 grams of finely ground coffee. This is the dose specified in the original instructions and aligns with a single espresso shot volume.

What grind size works best?

A fine grind, similar to what you’d use for espresso. The coffee should be ground finely enough to create resistance under manual pressure, mimicking traditional espresso preparation.

Do I need to preheat the machine?

Yes. Preheating is essential since the Seagull hand press has no internal heating element. Heat both the brew chamber and your cup by running the empty device with just water, then discard that water before brewing.

What water temperature should I use?

Use water that’s as hot as possible—close to boiling. The higher the temperature, the better the extraction, since the machine doesn’t have built-in temperature control.

Can I make two servings at once?

The manufacturer says it’s a double-shot device, but most users report that the output is closer to a single shot. Expect around 80ml total.

Is the crema any good?

With fresh coffee, proper grind, and good tamping, you can get some crema. It won’t be as thick or persistent as from a machine, but it’s present and adds to the espresso-like experience.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Hand Press Espresso

For the Seagull hand press, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Specialty Blend or Classic Blend. The Specialty Blend combines Colombian and Brazilian beans for notes of nuts, black chocolate, and caramel—ideal for crema and balance. The Classic Blend adds a touch of Robusta for bold body and rich crema, great for milk drinks. 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.