9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso employs precise pressure and amazing filter technology to make the coffee we love. How does it work exactly?

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 major difference.

The Group Head

The group head is the portafilter you insert when brewing espresso. It disperses the water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure during the extraction. There are a variety of group heads, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, whereas others on pre-infusion capabilities, and still others are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination, such as the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas due to the fact that it has multiple advantages in a single package.

As you can see from the photo above, the group head is fitted with a variety of notches. The portafilter is placed in these notches, then twist the head to lock it. There is also a gasket made from rubber that resides inside the notches and helps to create a seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head allow for a precise position of the portafilter which is essential to ensure an even extraction.

The group head not only lets the portafilter to be inserted easily however it also keeps a constant temperature. This is achieved 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 realize that even a small variation can mean the difference between a good and a great commercial espresso machine.

The Pump

Unlike 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 that are required for espresso extraction. This pressure is generated by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps are generally less expensive than piston-driven models, and they tend to last longer, although both types of machines could be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, which could increase the cost of even the most basic models.

Certain espresso machines utilize steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. This can result in over-extraction because the boiler that produces steam also warms the water to boil. In addition these machines typically have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

Many espresso machines utilize either a rotary or vibration pump, which is a vibration model that uses a vibrating disc to generate the pressure, and a rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both machines produce great espresso but rotary machines are more quiet, durable and less likely to fail.

The Boiler

The boiler is the one that is used to heat the water to a temperature that is ideal for extraction. The steam that is produced gets to the portafilter which holds the espresso grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. During this process the steam creates enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This results in a crema on the top of the espresso. This is a sign of a great espresso.

There are three distinct types of espresso machines, each with a different type of pump and the temperature of the brew. There are various ways that the brew may be controlled and the size of the cup that the maker can create.

The earliest espresso machines were steam type. The earliest espresso machines were steam-type machines espresso machines. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was invented by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most common espresso maker is a semiautomatic machine that has an electric pump. This is what people envision when they imagine an espresso machine. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans by yourself while the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a fantastic combination of human control and mechanised accuracy.

The Filter

espresso capsule machine machines typically use a filter that separates the coffee grounds from the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the temperature control system, as it prevents the machine from overheating.

A filter can also help with flavor since it allows for an extended flowering time. This allows beans to release their flavor and gives an opportunity to improve extraction.

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

It's in this area that the magic occurs. This is what makes espresso taste so good. The grouphead, also called the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the thingy you put the ground coffee into) is placed when making espresso.

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

In recent times, espresso machines powered by compressed air-pump have become increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor bean to cup espresso machine force hot water into the ground, and are more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.