The piston lever machine is the predecessor of electric pump machines. Instead of an electrically operated pump, pressure is produced by manual operation of a lever attached to a piston. Ample steam pressure is built up in the boiler, and the temperature is thermostatically controlled. Piston lever systems for home use are very efficient, high quality espresso machines, still considered by many to be a work of art, being adorned with functionally operating pressure gauges, water level tubes, knobs and controls and a steam and hot water pipe. A piston-level machine will produce cafe quality espresso and cappuccino but it is relatively sophisticated and totally dependent upon the skill of the operator in the application of pressure and speed to the lever. Therefore it is not for everyone!