Lesson of the Day.

Portafilter Explosion pic1
Originally uploaded by Mr. phelps.

Don't tamp too hard. As is evident from this photo. If you tamp too hard a terrible pressure seal is formed and all the electrical and water pressure is focused like a laser directly on the head of the portafilter resulting in the bottom steel cracking and exploding right off. ... Actually I made all that up (though it sounds pretty cool). The first part is right don't tamp too hard. The real lesson to be learned is don't try to screw on a portafilter spout with a wrench and twist it so tight that it screws right off. Besides my sometimes clumsy hands it should be noted that La Marzocco espresso machines are solid pieces of machinery and haven't let me down yet (Don't hate me John Blackwell !!!).