This may appear to be a piece of modern sculpture, but it is actually a blown heating element. This is a result of not visually checking the water level in an espresso machine boiler. This should be a habit for all baristas, and it can be incorporated into your shot preparation routine by simply glancing at the sight glass before locking the portafilter into the group.
An example is shown above, the round lens between the two groups.
Modern espresso machines have an auto-fill function that refills the
boiler when the water level goes below a probe that is in the boiler
tank. This component can fail, or minerals can build up on the probe
preventing activation of the auto-fill. When this happens, the machine
can be refilled manually by a lever below the drain tray or the side of
the machine. The ideal level is two-thirds full. Some machines do not
have a sight glass, but have up to three levels of protection for the
heating element, eliminating the need for a visual indicator.
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