10 Facts About Machine Espresso That Will Instantly Put You In A Positive Mood

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso utilizes precise pressure and incredible filter technology to produce the perfect cup of coffee. How exactly does it work?

To make espresso coffee maker is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, however the main difference lies in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter that you place in the espresso maker when making it. It disperses water in the portafilter and controls the pressure of the extraction. There are several different types of group head each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed for stability of temperature while others are designed to handle pre-infusion. Some are designed to control the lever. There are even some that contain a variety of features, like the E61 that is the standard choice for many baristas due to its ability to provide multiple benefits in one package.

As you can see in the above photo the group head comes with several notches to place your portafilter and twist it manually to secure it. There is also a gasket made from rubber that resides inside the notches, which helps create the seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head allow for an exact placement of the portafilter, which is essential for an efficient extraction.

The group head does not just allow the portafilter to be inserted easily but also maintains the same temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew basket and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the correct temperature to extract. It is important to realize that even a slight deviation can make the difference between a decent and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to manual piston machines which use a lever to pressurize water, the rotary espresso machines use motorized pumps to provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required for espresso extraction. This pressure builds up by drawing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior being pushed through the ground coffee inside the group head.

Pumps are generally cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines can deteriorate due to overuse and inadequate cleaning. They also add mechanical complexity, which can result in the cost of even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines employ steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. This can cause over-extraction because the boiler that produces steam also causes the water to boil. In addition these machines typically have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.


A large majority of espresso machines employ the rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model employs an oscillating disk to create pressure, while the Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at a high speed. Both types of machine are capable of producing excellent espresso, but the rotary models are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the element that heats water to the ideal temperature to extract. The steam that is produced gets to the portafilter which is the container that holds the espresso coffee grounds. It is then funneled into the cup. During this process the steam causes enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This creates a foam on top of the espresso. This is one of the hallmarks of a great espresso.

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

The first espresso machines were steam-type. They utilized only one boiler to make steam and brew, however the pressure they were able to produce was not very high - two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. This resulted in the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is the reason why Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni developed the modern espresso machine.

The most common espresso machine is a semiautomatic that has an electric pump. These are the things people think of when they think of an espresso maker. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans yourself The pump, however, regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and mechanized consistency.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines use filters to separate the grounds of coffee as they move through the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temperature control, as it prevents overheating.

It also aids in flavor, as it lets you enjoy a longer bloom phase. This helps the beans to let their nuances out and provides an opportunity to improve extraction.

However it is crucial to keep in mind that even a top filter can produce a bad cup of coffee, since the quality of the beans and extraction is still crucial.

This is where the magic happens. It's what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead, also called the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the container you place the ground coffee into) sits when you're making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water heated in an airtight container to produce steam. The steam then moves hot water through the grounds of coffee under high pressure. These kinds of machines are usually less expensive and simpler 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 ideal shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, compressed air-driven espresso machines have become more popular. They utilize an air compressor to force the hot water through the grounds and are significantly more portable than steam-driven electric machines.

Edit
Pub: 08 Apr 2024 15:33 UTC
Views: 16