Hot water tap

A dedicated outlet on the espresso machine — usually with its own tap or button — that dispenses hot water from the steam boiler for tea, long blacks, or pre-heating cups.

Why it matters — Saves having a separate kettle on the bench. Most prosumer and all commercial machines have one.

Good to know

• Raw steam-boiler water can taste tannic or chalky because of long contact with the boiler. A mixer tap (which blends cold fresh water) produces better-tasting water.
• Don't use hot water tap output for an Americano if the machine is in heavy use — the steam boiler can run low and recover slowly.