10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso utilizes precise pressure and incredible filter technology to produce the coffee we love. What exactly does it work?

buy espresso makers is produced by pushing hot water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee. However the pressure is the main difference.

The Head of the Group

As the name suggests, the group head is where you place your portafilter while making espresso. It disperses the water into the portafilter and controls the pressure of the extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some focus on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. Some are a combination, such as the E61. This is a popular choice among baristas as it provides a variety of benefits in a single package.

As you can see from the photo above the group head is fitted with a variety of notches. It is possible to place your portafilter inside these notches, and then twist the head to lock it. A rubber gasket is located within the notches to create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head permit a precise placement of the portafilter, which is necessary for an efficient extraction.

Apart from allowing you easily place your portafilter in, the group head is responsible to ensure that the temperature remains even. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the correct temperature for extraction. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a slight differences can make the distinction between a decent and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

Contrary to manual piston machines which use a lever to pressurize water, rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure necessary to extract espresso. The pressure builds by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior it is shot through the ground coffee inside the group head.

Pumps are generally less expensive than piston-driven machines, and they tend to last longer. However, both types of machine can degrade with overuse and insufficient cleaning. They also add mechanical complexity and can lead to costly prices for even the most basic models.

Certain espresso machines utilize steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. The drawback of this is that the same boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of the water until it reaches boiling and can result in excessive extraction. In addition these machines typically have to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.

Many espresso machines utilize the rotary or vibration pump, with a vibration model using a rotating disc to create the pressure, and the rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both machines produce great espresso but rotary machines are more quiet, durable and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is what is used to heat the water to the perfect temperature for extraction. The steam that is produced reaches the portafilter which holds the ground espresso coffee, and is then pumped down into the cup. The steam creates pressure that pushes through the coffee grounds. This creates a foam on the top of the espresso coffee machine. This is one of the hallmarks of a good espresso.

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

The first espresso machines were steam-types. The earliest espresso machines were steam-type machines. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was invented by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most common espresso maker is a semiautomatic machine with an electric pump. This is what people envision when they think of an espresso maker. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans yourself while the pump controls the water flow and pressure. This is an excellent combination of human control and mechanized reliability.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually use filters that separate the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also an essential part of the machine's temperature control, since it stops overheating.

It also enhances flavor, as a filter allows for a longer bloom phase. This allows the beans to release their flavors, and improves extraction.

However it is crucial to remember that even a high-quality filter could result in a bad cup of coffee espresso machine, as the quality of the beans and extraction are important.

This is where the magic happens, and it's what makes an espresso really taste great. The grouphead, often referred to as the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the container you place the ground coffee in) is placed when you're making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water heated in an airtight container to make steam. The steam then moves hot water through the coffee grounds under high pressure. These machines are cheaper and easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their ability to create the perfect conditions for brewing, because they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. While the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, compressed air-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They use an air-compressor to force hot water through the ground and are much more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines espresso.