11 Ways To Fully Defy Your Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso employs precise pressure and amazing filter technology to make the delicious coffee we enjoy. What exactly is it?

Espresso is made by pushing hot water under pressure through finely-ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However the pressure is the main difference.

The Group Head

The group head is the portafilter that is inserted when you are making espresso. It disperses the water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are many different kinds of group heads, each with their particular advantages and drawbacks. Some focus on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination, like the E61. This is a popular choice among baristas because it offers multiple benefits in one package.

As you can see in the photo above, the group head is equipped with several notches. You place your portafilter inside these notches, and then twist the head to lock it. There is also a gasket of rubber that resides inside the notches, which helps create the seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head allow for an exact location of the portafilter which is necessary for a consistent extraction.

The group head is not just able to allow you to insert your portafilter easily however it also keeps the same temperature. This is achieved by cycling hot water around the portafilter, and through the brew-basket, making sure that the temperature is always at the right level to extract the coffee. This is important, as just a few degrees could make the difference between a excellent and 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 to supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required for espresso extraction. The pressure is created by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be less expensive and last for longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines can deteriorate because of frequent use and insufficient cleaning. They also add mechanical complexity which can result in costly prices for even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines make use of steam pressure instead of a pump to brew espresso. The downside is that the boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of water until it reaches boiling and can result in excessive extraction. In addition, these machines frequently have to restore their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

Many espresso machines employ the rotary or vibration pump, which is a vibration model using a vibrating disc that generates the pressure and an rotary model that pushes hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both types of machine can make excellent mini espresso maker, but the rotary pumps are quieter, and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the part that heats the water to the optimal temperature for extraction. The resulting steam is then transferred to the portafilter containing the ground espresso coffee, and is then funneled down into the cup. During this process the steam causes enough pressure to push the grounds of coffee through. This creates a layer crema on top. This is the hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso makers. They differ in the kind of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are various ways to control the brew and the size of cup that can be made by the machine.

The earliest espresso machines were steam types. The earliest espresso machines were steam-type machines. This resulted in the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was invented by the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most well-known espresso machine is a semiautomatic that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they envision these machines. If you have a semi-automatic machine you have to grind the beans and tamp them yourself but the pump is able to regulate the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and mechanized quality.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually use a filter that separates the grounds of coffee from hot water. The filter is also an essential element of the machine's temperature control, as it prevents overheating.

A filter also helps with flavor since it allows for a longer flowering phase. This allows the beans to release their flavor and gives the chance for better extraction.

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

It's here that the magic takes place. This is what makes espresso taste so delicious. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter, the device which you put the grounds of your coffee into when making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water that is heated in an airtight container to make steam. The steam then pushes hot water through the grounds of the coffee under pressure. These types of machines are generally less expensive and easier to maintain than pump-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their ability to produce the ideal brewing conditions, since they are only operating at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. However, the perfect shot requires 9-10 bar.

In recent years, espresso machines driven by a compressed air compressor have become increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor to push hot water through grounds and are much more portable than electric steam-driven machines.