10 Quick Tips About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and filtering technology that is amazing to make the coffee you love. What exactly is it?

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

The Group Head

The group head is the portafilter that you put in when making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter and controlling the pressure of the resulting extraction. There are many different kinds of group head, each with their distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are focused on temperature stability, others on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination, such as the E61. This is a popular choice among baristas as it provides a variety of advantages in a single package.

As you can see in the above photo the group head is fitted with a variety of notches. You place your portafilter into these notches and turn the head around to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is positioned in the notches to create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head permit an exact location of the portafilter which is necessary to ensure an efficient extraction.

The group head is not just able to allow you to put in your portafilter easily, but it also maintains an even 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 important to realize that even a tiny deviation can make the difference between a great and a great espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps used in rotary espresso machines supply the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This differs from manual piston machines that use a lever. The pressure is created by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps are generally less expensive and last for longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines may degrade because of excessive use and poor cleaning. They also make mechanically complex and can lead to an expensive price for even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines eliminate the pump completely and utilize steam pressure to make espresso. The drawback is that the boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of water to boiling and can result in over-extraction. In addition these machines espresso machines are often required to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

A majority of espresso machines utilize either a vibration or rotary pump. A vibration model makes use of the vibrating disk to create pressure, while the Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at a rapid speed. Both types of machines can produce an excellent espresso coffee machines for sale, but the rotary pumps are quieter, and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler will heat the water to the right temperature to extract. The resulting steam reaches the portafilter which holds the ground espresso coffee machine home coffee, and gets funnelled down into the cup. During this process the steam creates enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This produces a layer of crema on top. This is a hallmark of a good espresso.

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

The first small espresso machine machines were steam type. The earliest decent espresso machine machines were steam-type machines. This led to the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. The modern espresso machine was created by the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most well-known espresso machine is a semiautomatic one with an electric pump. These are the images people have when they think of an espresso maker. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans on your own however the pump controls the water flow and pressure. This is a perfect solution that combines human control with mechanized reliability.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually have filters that separate the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also an important part of the temperature control system, as it keeps the machine from overheating.

It also aids in flavor, as it allows for a longer bloom phase. This helps the beans to release their flavor and gives an opportunity to improve extraction.

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

This is where the magic happens, and it's what makes an espresso really taste great. The grouphead, sometimes referred to as the brew head, is where the portafilter (the thing you put the coffee ground into) is placed when making espresso.

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

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