The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Seen About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

espresso machine uk employs precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to create the perfect cup of coffee. What exactly does it work?


Espresso is made by pushing hot water under pressure through finely-ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee but the key difference is in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter you insert when brewing espresso. It is responsible for dispersing the water into the portafilter and controlling the pressure of the resulting extraction. There are various kinds of group head each with its particular advantages and disadvantages. Some are focused on temperature stability, whereas others on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. Some are a combination, such as the E61. This is a very popular choice for baristas since it provides multiple benefits in one package.

As you can see in the image above the group head is made up of several notches to place your portafilter and twist it by hand to lock it in. There is also a gasket of rubber which is located inside the notches and helps to create an airtight seal after inserting your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit a precise placement of the portafilter, which is essential to ensure a consistent extraction.

Apart from allowing you easily insert your portafilter, the group head is responsible for maintaining a consistent temperature. This is achieved by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket to ensure the temperature is always right for extraction. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a small deviation can make the difference between a good and excellent espresso.

The Pump

Contrary to manual piston machines that use a lever to pressurize water, the rotary espresso machines use motorized pumps to deliver the nine atmospheric bars of pressure that are required to extract espresso. The pressure is built by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps are generally more affordable and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines are susceptible to degrading because of frequent use and poor cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems that can lead to the cost of even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines do away with the pump completely and instead utilize steam pressure to make espresso. The downside is that the same boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of the water until it reaches boiling which can cause excessive extraction. They also have to continuously rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.

Many espresso machines make use of either a vibration or rotary pump. A vibration model uses an oscillating disk to create pressure, whereas a Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at a fast speed. Both machines produce great espresso, but rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is the part that heats water to the optimal temperature for extraction. The steam created will eventually reach the portafilter, which is a container for espresso grounds. It is then poured into the cup. During this process the steam is able to create enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This creates a layer crema on top. This is a hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso makers, and they differ in the kind of pump they use and how hot the brew is. There are various ways to control the strength of the brew and the size of cup that can be produced by the machine.

The earliest espresso machines were steam type. The first espresso machines were steam types. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is why Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni developed the modern espresso machine.

The most well-known espresso maker is a semi-automatic device with an electric pump. These are the images people have when they think of an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you must grind the beans and then tamp them by hand, but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanised accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually use a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from the hot water. The filter is also a vital component of the machine's temperature control, as it prevents overheating.

It also enhances flavor as a filter allows for a more prolonged bloom time. This lets the beans release their flavors, and allows for better extraction.

However it is crucial to keep in mind that even a top filter can result in a poor cup of coffee, because the quality of the beans and extraction are crucial.

This is where the magic happens. It's what makes an espresso really taste good. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter - the thingy that you use to put the grounds of your coffee into when making espresso.

In a steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam. Steam is then pushed through the grounds with high pressure. These machines are less expensive and are easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their capacity to create the perfect conditions for brewing, as they only operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. However, the perfect shot requires 9-10 bar.

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

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Pub: 08 Apr 2024 08:00 UTC
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