12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to make the delicious coffee we enjoy. How exactly does it work?

To make espresso hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee. However it is the pressure that makes the main difference.

The Head of the Group

As the name implies the group head is the place you put your portafilter in when brewing espresso. It disperses water into the portafilter and regulates the pressure of the extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some focus on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion capabilities, and still others are designed to control the lever. There are also some that include a mix of features, like the E61 that is the classic choice among many baristas for its ability to offer multiple perks in a single package.

As you can see in the photo above the group head comes with numerous notches that you can place your portafilter before twisting it by hand to secure it. There is also a gasket of rubber that is a part of the notches and helps to create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches permit precise placement of your portafilter. This is crucial to ensure an even extraction.

Aside from allowing you to easily connect your portafilter, the group head is responsible to ensure that the temperature remains even. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew basin, ensuring that the temperature is at the right level to extract the coffee machine espresso. It is important to remember that even a few degree deviation can make the difference between a decent and a great espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, which rely on a lever to pressurize water, Rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to deliver the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed for espresso extraction. The pressure is built by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps are generally less expensive than piston-driven machines, and they tend to last longer. However, both types of machine can get damaged through overuse and lack of cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which can increase prices of even simplest models.

Some espresso machines employ steam pressure instead of a pump in order to brew espresso. This can cause over-extraction because the boiler that produces steam also causes the water to boil. The machines must also continually rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.

Many espresso machines make use of either a rotary or vibration pump, which is a vibration model using a rotating disc to create pressure and the rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both machines can make excellent espresso, but rotary machines are more stable, quieter and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is the element that heats water to the ideal temperature to extract. The steam that is produced is then directed to the portafilter, which is a container for espresso grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. In this process, the steam causes pressure to push through the coffee grounds. This creates a foam on the top of the espresso. This is a hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three distinct types of espresso machines, each having different types of pumps and brew temperature. There are various ways in which the brew can be controlled as well as the size of the cup that the machine can produce.

The first espresso machines were steam-types. The earliest espresso machines were steam types. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is the reason why Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern best espresso machine uk machine.

The most well-known espresso machine is a semiautomatic model with an electric pump. This is what people envision when they think of an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you grind the beans and tamp them yourself but the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a perfect combination of human control and mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually have a filter that separates the grounds of coffee from hot water. The filter is also an essential part of the temperature control system as it prevents the machine from overheating.

A filter also improves flavor because it allows for a longer flowering period. This allows the beans to let their nuances out, and allows for a better extraction.

However, it is important to remember that even a top filter can result in a poor cup of coffee, as the quality of the beans and extraction is still essential.

This is where the magic happens, and it's what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead, also referred to as the brew head, is where the portafilter (the thingy you put the ground coffee in) is placed when you're making home espresso machine.

Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water heated in an airtight container to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water into the grounds of coffee under high pressure. These types of machines are usually less expensive and simpler to maintain than pump-driven models. They are however limited for creating the ideal conditions for brewing as they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, small espresso machine machines powered by a compressed air pump have become increasingly popular. They use an air compressor to push hot water through the grounds and are significantly more portable than electric steam-driven machines.