14 Businesses Doing A Great Job At Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso utilizes precise pressure and amazing filter technology to make the delicious coffee machine espresso we enjoy. How exactly does it work?

To make espresso, 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 Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter is inserted when you are making espresso. It distributes water into the portafilter and controls the pressure of the extraction. There are many different kinds of group head each with its distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. Some include a combination such as the E61. This is a favorite among baristas because it offers multiple advantages in one package.

As you can see in the above image, the group head has many notches in which you can place your portafilter before twisting it by hand to lock it in. A gasket made of rubber is positioned inside the notches, which helps create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head permit an exact location of the portafilter which is vital for an efficient extraction.

Apart from allowing you effortlessly insert your portafilter the group head is also responsible for maintaining a consistent temperature. This is achieved by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket, ensuring that the temperature is constant for extraction. It is important to realize that even a small difference can make the difference between a good and excellent espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, which rely on a lever that pressurize water, the rotary espresso machines use motorized pumps that provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required to extract espresso. This pressure is generated by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be more affordable and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines can deteriorate due to overuse and insufficient cleaning. They also make mechanically complex which can result in an expensive price for even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines make use of steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso and filter coffee machine. The drawback of this is that the same boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of water to the point of boiling which can cause over-extraction. They also have to continually rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.

A majority of espresso machines use a vibration or rotary pump, which has a vibration model that uses a vibrating disc to create pressure and the rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds at high end espresso machine (http://szw0.com/home.php?mod=space&Uid=195752) speed. Both machines can make excellent espresso, however rotary machines are more quiet, durable and less likely to break.

The Boiler

The boiler is the component which heats the water to the optimal temperature for extraction. The resultant steam then reaches the portafilter containing the ground espresso coffee, and is then funneled down into the cup. The steam creates pressure and pushes through the coffee grounds. This produces a layer of crema that is then poured over. This is one of the main characteristics of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso maker makers, and they differ in the type of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are a variety of ways that the brew can be controlled and the size of the cup that the machine is capable of making.

The first espresso machines were steam-type. The earliest espresso machines were steam-type machines. This led to the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. This is the reason Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.

The most common espresso machine is a semiautomatic that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they picture these machines. With a semi-automatic machine you need to grind the beans and then tamp them by hand, but the pump is able to regulate the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanised consistency.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines utilize filters that separate the grounds of coffee when they pass through the hot water. The filter is also an essential part of the machine's temperature control, since it stops overheating.

A filter also helps with flavor, as it permits a longer flowering period. This allows beans to release their flavor and gives an opportunity to improve extraction.

It is important to keep in mind that even the best filter can make a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans and the extraction process, remain crucial.

This is where the magic happens, it's what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter - the thingy that you use to put the grounds of coffee into while making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water heated in an airtight container to produce steam. The steam then pushes hot water through grounds of the coffee under pressure. These types of machines are usually less expensive and easier 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, espresso machines driven by a compressed air pump have become increasingly popular. They use an air compressor to force hot water through the grounds, and are far more portable than steam-driven electric machines.