Introduction
The TUNI E2 espresso machine is praised for its sleek design and café-quality potential, but some users report a frustrating issue: the pressure gauge doesn’t budge. Before you panic, know this—the problem isn’t a broken gauge. Unlike many budget machines, the TUNI E2 uses a non-pressurized (standard) portafilter basket, which demands precision in grind size and technique. In this guide, we’ll explain why your pressure gauge isn’t activating and how to fix it like a pro barista.
Why Your TUNI E2 Pressure Gauge Isn’t Working
The TUNI E2’s non-pressurized basket doesn’t artificially create pressure (unlike other machines with pressurized baskets). Instead, pressure builds only when coffee grounds are finely ground, properly tamped, and extracted. If your gauge stays low, it’s likely due to:
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Coffee Grind Too Coarse: Non-pressurized baskets require fine, espresso-specific grinds to create resistance.
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Inconsistent Tamping: Uneven or weak tamping fails to compress grounds tightly.
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Stale or Low-Quality Beans: Old beans lack the oils needed for proper extraction.
Step 1: Dial In Your Coffee Grind Size
The #1 fix for TUNI E2 pressure issues is adjusting your grind.
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Ideal Grind: Fine, resembling table salt (finer than drip coffee, slightly coarser than powdered sugar).
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Pro Tip: Use a burr grinder (not a blade grinder) for consistency. Test with 18–20 grams of coffee for a double shot.
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Troubleshooting:
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No pressure? Grind finer.
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Gauge spikes too high? Grind slightly coarser.
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Step 2: Master the Tamp
Even the perfect grind won’t work without proper tamping:
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Dose Correctly: Fill the basket to just below the rim (no overflow).
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Level Grounds: Use a finger to sweep excess grounds for an even surface.
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Apply Firm, Even Pressure: Press down with 20–30 lbs of force (practice with a bathroom scale).
Step 3: Check Beans and Machine Setup
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Fresh Beans Matter: Use beans roasted within 2–4 weeks. Stale beans won’t extract properly.
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Preheat the Machine: Run a blank shot (without coffee) to warm the group head and portafilter.
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Clean the Basket: Clogged holes from old coffee residue can block pressure buildup. Soak in cafiza weekly.
Still No Pressure? Try These Fixes
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Test the Gauge: Run a backflush cycle (with a blind basket) to see if the gauge reacts. If it does, the issue is your coffee prep.
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Upgrade Your Grinder: manual or blade grinders often fail to achieve espresso-fine consistency.
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Switch Baskets? While TUNI E2 works best with non-pressurized baskets, some users retrofit pressurized ones—but this sacrifices flavor quality.
Why Non-Pressurized Baskets Are Worth the Effort
Though trickier, non-pressurized baskets unlock richer flavors and crema by letting you control extraction. Pressurized baskets great for beginners but limiting for espresso enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
Fixing your TUNI E2’s pressure gauge isn’t about repairs—it’s about perfecting your grind, tamp, and fresh beans. Once dialed in, you’ll achieve the 9–11 bar range for barista-grade espresso. Also, TUNI also offers pressurized basket, if you need it, please contact:
Email: support@tunicafe.com
What's app: +1 888 996 9889