14 Cartoons About Machine Espresso That Will Brighten Your Day

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso utilizes precision pressure, and filter technology that is mind-blowing to make the coffee you love. How exactly does it work?

To make an espresso hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However the pressure is the major difference.

The Group Head

The group head is the portafilter that you put in when making espresso. It disperses the water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure of the extraction. There are several different types of group head each with its unique advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, others 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 as it provides a variety of advantages in one package.

As you can see in the above image the group head comes with several notches to place your portafilter before twisting it by hand to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is placed within the notches bean to cup espresso machine make a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head allow for a precise placement of the portafilter, which is essential for an efficient extraction.

The group head not only allows you to put in your portafilter easily however it also keeps the same temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter to ensure that it is always at the right temperature for extraction. It is important to realize that even a few degree variation can mean the difference between a good and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps in rotary espresso machines supply the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This is different from manual piston machines that rely on levers. The pressure is built by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines can degrade due to excessive use and poor cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, which can increase the cost of even simplest models.

Some espresso machines use steam pressure instead of a pump in order to brew espresso. This can cause over-extraction because the boiler that produces steam also causes the water to boil. In addition these machines are often required to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

Many espresso machines make use of either a rotary or vibration pump, with a vibration model that uses a vibrating disc to create the pressure and a rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both machines can produce excellent espresso, but rotary machines are more stable, quieter and less likely to fail.

The Boiler

The boiler is the element which heats the water to the ideal temperature to extract. The steam produced is then directed to the portafilter, which is the container that holds the espresso coffee grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. The steam creates pressure that pushes through the coffee grounds. This creates a foam on the top of the espresso. This is one of the hallmarks of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso makers. They differ in the type of pump they employ and how hot the coffee is. There are many ways to control the brew and the size of cup that can be made by the machine.

The first espresso maker barista machines were steam-based. The first espresso machines were steam types. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most commonly used espresso maker is a semiautomatic machine that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they imagine these machines. With a semi-automatic machine you have to grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. The pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a perfect combination of human control and mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines employ a filter to separate out the grounds of coffee when they pass through the hot water. The filter is also a vital part of the machine's temperature control, since it stops overheating.

Filters also aid in flavor because it allows for the beans to flower for a longer period of time. This allows beans to release their nuances and gives an opportunity for better extraction.

However it is crucial to keep in mind that even a good filter can produce a bad cup of coffee and espresso maker, because the quality of the beans and extraction is still vital.

This is where the magic happens, it's what makes espresso taste great. The grouphead, often 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 use hot water that is heated in an airtight container to create steam. The steam then moves hot water through the grounds of coffee at high pressure. These types of machines are usually less expensive and simpler to maintain than pump-driven models. However, they are limited in their capacity to create the ideal brewing conditions, since they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. While the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, espresso coffee makers machines powered by compressed air-pump are becoming increasingly popular. They use an air compressor to force hot water into the ground, and are more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.