This Week s Top Stories Concerning Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso is made using precision pressure, and filtering system that is awe-inspiring to make the coffee you love. What exactly is it?

Espresso is made by pushing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However, it is the pressure that makes the main difference.

The Group Head

As the name implies the group head is the place you put your portafilter in when making espresso. It distributes water into the portafilter and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are many different types of group heads each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion capabilities, and still others are designed to control the lever. There are some that contain a variety of features, such as the E61, which is the classic choice among many baristas because of its ability to offer multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the above image the group head comes with numerous notches that you can place your portafilter and twist it with your hands to secure it. There is also a gasket of rubber which is located inside the notches and helps create an airtight seal after inserting your portafilter into the machine. The notches allow for an exact placement of the portafilter. This is essential for an accurate extraction.

The group head not only allows you to place your portafilter easily however it also keeps a constant temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket and around the portafilter to ensure that it is always at the right temperature for extraction. It is important to remember that even a tiny variation can mean the difference between a good and a excellent espresso coffee maker.

The Pump

Unlike manual piston machines, which use a lever to pressurize water, rotating espresso machines rely upon motorized pumps to supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required to extract espresso. The pressure is created by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven models, and they tend to last longer, although both types of machines can be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, and can add to the price of even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines use steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that makes steam also heats the water to boil. The machines also need to continually rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.

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

The Boiler

The boiler is the component which heats the water to the ideal temperature to extract. The resulting steam is then transferred to the portafilter containing the ground espresso coffee, and is then pumped into the cup. During this process the steam generates enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This results in a whipped-up top of the espresso. This is one of the hallmarks of a good espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso makers, which differ in the type of pump they employ and the degree of heat that the brew is. There are different ways in which the brew can be controlled and the dimensions of the cup the machine is capable of making.

The earliest espresso machines were steam type. The earliest small espresso machine machines were steam types. This resulted in the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. This is why the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.

The most popular espresso maker is a semi-automatic machine with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they envision these machines. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you must grind the beans and tamp them by hand. However, the pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanized quality.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines employ a filter to separate out the coffee grounds as they pass through the hot water. The filter is also a vital component of the temperature control system, since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.

It also helps with flavor, as it allows for a longer bloom phase. This allows the beans to release their nuances, and also allows for better extraction.

It is important to remember that even the most efficient filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, and the extraction, remain crucial.

This is where the magic happens, it's what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter, which is the thingy that you put the grounds of coffee and espresso maker into while making espresso.

In a steam-driven espresso coffee machine Home machine, hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam. This is then pushed through the grounds under high end espresso machine pressure. These machines are cheaper and easier for the owner to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create 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, espresso machines driven by a compressed air pump have become increasingly popular. They use an air compressor to push hot water across the ground. They are also more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.