True espresso is created by utilizing 9+ bars of pressure to push water at a certain temperature through finely ground coffee beans. The Delonghi TrueBrew does use a pressurized basket to brew an espresso like beverage but it’s not true espresso. But similarly to the espresso-like beverages you get from Nespresso VertuoLine machines, you may not even notice the difference unless you are a real espresso snob.