9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso employs precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to create the delicious coffee we enjoy. How exactly does it work?

In order to make espresso hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, but the major difference is in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter you place in the espresso maker when making it. It disperses water in the portafilter and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are a variety of group heads each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some focus on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. Some come with a combination of both, like the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas because it offers multiple benefits in one 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 secure it. There is also a gasket made from rubber which is located inside the notches and helps to create a seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit an exact position of the portafilter which is crucial for a consistent extraction.

The group head not only allows you to insert your portafilter easily however, it also keeps a constant temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter to ensure that it is always at the right temperature for extraction. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a tiny differences can make the distinction between a good and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps used in rotary espresso machines supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required for espresso extraction. This differs from manual piston machines that use a lever. This pressure is built up by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps are generally cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines may degrade because of excessive use and inadequate cleaning. They also make mechanically complex which can result in costly prices for even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines use steam pressure instead of a pump to brew espresso. The downside is that the same boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of water until it reaches boiling which can cause over-extraction. They also have to continually rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.

A large majority of barista espresso machine machines employ an rotary or a vibration 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, however rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break.

The Boiler

The boiler is the component which heats the water to the optimal temperature for extraction. The steam that is produced is then directed to the portafilter, which holds the espresso machine with frother 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 crema on top of the espresso. This is the hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso machines, each having different types of pumps and brew temperature. There are various ways to control the amount of brew, as well as the size of the cup that can be produced by the machine.

The earliest espresso machines were steam-based. They utilized one boiler to create steam and brew, but the pressure they could generate was low - only two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. The coffee tasted bitter and burned. This is the reason why Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni developed the modern espresso machine.

The most well-known espresso maker is a semiautomatic machine with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they envision these machines. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you have to grind the beans and then tamp them yourself but the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a fantastic compromise between human control and mechanised accuracy.

The Filter

Typically, buy espresso makers machines employ filters to separate the grounds of coffee as they move through the hot water. The filter is also a vital element of the temperature control system, because it stops the machine from overheating.

A filter can also help with flavor because it allows for the beans to flower for a longer period of time. This allows the beans to release their flavors and provides an opportunity for a better extraction.

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

It's in this area that the magic happens. This is what makes espresso taste 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 you're making espresso.

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

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