A device (1) for receiving an ingredient cartridge (2) and extracting the ingredient by passing heated liquid through the cartridge, comprises: a cartridge seat (10) that has an open configuration for receiving and/or removing a cartridge from such device and a closed configuration for extracting the ingredient; and a force generation means (46) for assisting a closure or opening movement of the cartridge seat. The force generation means can be associated with a dampening means (47, 48) for dampening the closure or opening movement of the cartridge seat when assisted by the force generating means. The device can have a user-movable handle (41) that is associated with an end-of-stroke feed-back means (50) for providing a corresponding feed-back to a user actuating the handle.