9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and incredible filter technology to produce the coffee we love. How does it work exactly?

To make mini espresso maker hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee. However the pressure is the main difference.

The Group Head

The group head is the portafilter you place in the espresso maker when making it. It distributes water into the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure during the extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed for temperature stability while others are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Some are designed to control the lever. There are even some that come with a range of features, such as the E61, which is considered the classic choice among many baristas due to its ability to offer multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the image above The group head features several notches to place your portafilter and then twist it manually to lock it in. A gasket made of rubber is placed within the notches to create a seal as you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head allow for a precise location of the portafilter which is crucial for an even extraction.

The group head not only lets you to place your portafilter easily however, it also keeps a constant temperature. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter, and through the brew-basket to ensure that the temperature is constant for extraction. It is important to remember that even a tiny variation can mean the difference between a good and a great espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to manual piston machines which rely on a lever that pressurize water, rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps that provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed for espresso extraction. The pressure builds by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger before being pumped through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps tend to be cheaper than piston-driven machines, and tend to last longer, although both types of machines could be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. They also make mechanically complex that can lead to the cost of even the most basic models.

Certain espresso machines eliminate the pump completely and use steam pressure to brew espresso. This can cause over-extraction because the boiler that makes steam also warms the water to boil. Additionally these machines are often required to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.

Many espresso machines make use of an rotary or vibrating pump, with a vibration model using a rotating disc to generate the pressure and an rotary model that pushes hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both machines can produce excellent espresso machine small, however rotary machines are more stable, quieter and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is the element which heats the water to the optimal temperature to extract. The steam created reaches the portafilter, which is the container that holds the espresso coffee grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. During this process the steam creates enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This creates a foam on top espresso machines of the espresso. This is one of the main characteristics of a good espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they use and the degree of heat that 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 first espresso machines were steam-types. The earliest espresso machines were steam types. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is why the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni developed the modern espresso machine.

The most common espresso machine is a semiautomatic model with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they imagine these machines. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans on your own while the pump controls the water flow and pressure. This is an excellent solution that combines human control with mechanized consistency.

The Filter

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

It also enhances flavor as a filter allows for a more prolonged bloom phase. This helps the beans let their nuances out and provides an opportunity for a better extraction.

It is important to remember that even the best filter could result in a poor cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, and the extraction, are still crucial.

It's here that the magic takes place. This is the reason why espresso tastes so delicious. The grouphead, also referred to as the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the device you put the ground coffee into) is placed when making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water heated in an airtight container to make steam. The steam then pushes hot water through coffee grounds under high pressure. They are less expensive and easier for the owner to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create the perfect brewing conditions as they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The ideal shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, espresso machines powered by compressed air-pump are becoming increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor to force the hot water through the grounds, and are far more portable than electric steam-driven machines.