Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso uses precision pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to create the delicious coffee we enjoy. What exactly is it that makes 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 it is the pressure that makes the main difference.

The Head of the Group

As the name implies the group head is where you place your portafilter while brewing espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter and then controlling the pressure that results from the extraction. There are many different types of group heads, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are focused on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. Some come with a combination of both, like the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas as it provides a variety of advantages in a single package.

As you can see in the above image The group head features numerous notches that you can put your portafilter, then twist it by hand to lock it in. A gasket of rubber is situated within the notches to make a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head allow for an exact placement of the portafilter, which is crucial to ensure a consistent extraction.

The group head is not just able to allow you to put in your portafilter easily but also maintains the same temperature. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket, ensuring that the temperature is always at the right level for extraction. This is vital, because just a few degrees could be the difference between a good and excellent espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to manual piston machines which use a lever to pressurize water, rotating espresso machines rely upon motorized pumps to provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure necessary for espresso extraction. The pressure is built by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps are generally less expensive and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines may degrade due to excessive use and insufficient cleaning. They also add mechanical complexity and can lead to the cost of even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines employ steam pressure instead of a pump for brewing espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that produces steam also heats the water to boil. These machines espresso also have to constantly rebuild their pressure in between cups. This takes energy and time.

Many espresso machines make use of an rotary or a vibration pump. A vibration model uses an oscillating disk to create pressure, whereas a rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at a high speed. Both types of machines can produce an excellent espresso, but the rotary models are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the component that heats water to an ideal temperature for extraction. The steam that is created reaches the portafilter, which is a container for espresso grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. The steam causes pressure to push through the grounds of the coffee. This creates a foam on top of the espresso. This is a hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they employ and the degree of heat that the espresso is. There are also different ways that the brew may be controlled as well as the size of the cup that the machine can make.

The first mini espresso maker machines were steam-types. The earliest espresso machines were steam-type machines. This resulted in the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. The modern barista espresso coffee machine machine was created by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most well-known espresso maker is a semi-automatic device that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they imagine these machines. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans by yourself, but the pump regulates the water flow and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines typically use filters that separate the grounds of coffee from hot water. The filter is also a crucial component of the temperature control system as it prevents the machine from overheating.

A filter also helps with flavor because it allows for a longer flowering period. This lets the beans release their flavors, and also allows for better extraction.

It is important to remember that even the best filter could result in a poor cup of coffee. The quality of the beans and the extraction, are still very important.

It's here that the magic happens. This is what makes espresso taste so good. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter, the thingy that you put the grounds of your coffee into while making espresso.

In an espresso machine that is driven by steam, hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam. This then pushes the hot water through the grounds with high pressure. They are less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited for creating the ideal conditions for brewing, as they operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9 bar espresso machine-10 bars.

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