10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Machine Espresso
How Does machine espresso (related website) Work?
Machine espresso utilizes precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to make the delicious coffee we enjoy. How exactly does it work?
Espresso is made by forcing hot water at high 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 Head of the Group
The group head is the portafilter that is inserted when you are making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter before controlling the pressure of the extraction. There are several different types of group heads each with its distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some focus on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. There are also some that have a combination of features, like the E61 one, which is to be the most popular among baristas for its ability to offer multiple perks in one package.
As you can see in the above photo the group head is made up of many notches in which you can place your portafilter and twist it by hand to lock it in. There is also a gasket made of rubber that resides inside the notches and helps create the seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit an exact location of the portafilter which is necessary to ensure an efficient extraction.
The group head does not just allow you to put in your portafilter easily however, it also keeps an even temperature. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter, and through the brew-basket, ensuring that the temperature is always at the right level for extraction. It is important to realize that even a small deviation can make the difference between a good and a great espresso.
The Pump
The motorized pumps used in rotary espresso machines provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This differs from manual piston machines which use levers. This pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger before being pushed through the ground coffee inside the group head.
Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven models, and they tend to last longer, however both types of machine can degrade with overuse and insufficient cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, and can add to the cost of even simplest models.
Certain espresso machines utilize steam pressure instead of a pump for brewing espresso. This can cause over-extraction because the boiler that produces steam also heats the water to boil. They also have to constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.
A majority of espresso machines utilize an rotary or a vibration pump. A vibration model makes use of an oscillating disk to create pressure, while a rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at a rapid speed. Both machines can make excellent espresso however rotary machines tend to be quieter, more durable and less likely to break down.
The Boiler
The boiler is what is used to heat the water to the right temperature for extraction. The resulting steam is then transferred to the portafilter which holds the ground espresso machine with frother and is then pumped down into the cup. During this process the steam causes enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This produces a layer of crema on top. This is a sign of a good espresso coffee machine.
There are three distinct types of espresso machines, each having different types of pumps and the temperature of the brew. There are a variety of ways that the brew can be controlled, as well as the size of the cup that the machine is capable of making.
The first espresso machines were steam types. The first espresso machines were steam types. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is why the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.
The most well-known espresso machine is a semiautomatic that has an electric pump. This is what people envision when they think of an espresso machine. Semi-automatic espresso machine machines require you to grind and tamp the beans yourself The pump, however, regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and mechanized consistency.
The Filter
Typically, espresso machines utilize a filter to separate out the grounds of the coffee as they go through the hot water. The filter is also a vital part of the temperature control system, since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.
It also enhances flavor, as it allows for a longer bloom time. This lets the beans release their flavor and improves extraction.
It is important to keep in mind that even the best filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality espresso machine of the beans and the extraction process remain crucial.
It's here that the magic happens. This is what makes espresso taste so delicious. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter, the thingy used to place the coffee grounds into, while making espresso.
In an espresso machine that is driven by steam, hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam. Steam then pushes the hot water through the grounds at a high pressure. They are less expensive and easier for the owner to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their capacity to create the ideal brewing conditions, because they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. While the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.
In recent years, barista espresso coffee machine machines driven by a compressed air compressor have become increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor to push hot water into the grounds and are much more portable than electric steam-driven machines.