10 Quick Tips About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso coffee machine uk utilizes precise pressure and amazing filter technology to make the coffee we love. 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, but the major difference is in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

As the name suggests the group head is the place you put your portafilter in when brewing espresso. It is responsible for dispersing the water into the portafilter, and controlling the pressure of the extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are designed for stability in temperature, while others are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. There are even some that contain a variety of features, such as the E61 that is the standard choice for many baristas due to its ability to offer multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the above photo the group head comes with several notches where you place your portafilter and twist it by hand to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is positioned within the notches to create a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head allow for a precise position of the portafilter which is necessary for an efficient extraction.

Aside from allowing you to easily insert your portafilter, the group head is also responsible for maintaining an even temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew basket and around the portafilter, ensuring that it's always at the right temperature to extract. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a few degree differences can make the distinction between a good and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to manual piston machines that use a lever to pressurize water, the rotary espresso machines use motorized pumps to deliver the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed for espresso extraction. The pressure is built by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps are typically cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines may degrade due to excessive use and poor cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which can increase the cost of even the most basic models.

Certain retro espresso maker machines can eliminate the pump entirely and employ steam pressure to create espresso. The drawback of this is that the same boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of the water to boiling which can cause over-extraction. Additionally these machines are often required to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.

Many espresso machines utilize a vibration or rotary 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 types of machine can make a great espresso, but the rotary models are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the component which heats the water to the ideal temperature for extraction. The resulting steam reaches the portafilter that contains the ground espresso and is then pumped into the cup. During this process the steam is able to create enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This results in a layer crema that is then poured over. This is a hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso machines, each with different types of pumps and brew temperature. There are various ways to control the brew as well as the size of the cup that can be made by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam types. They had a single boiler to make both steam and brew however, the pressure they could generate was low - only two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. This resulted in the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. The modern professional espresso machine for home (why not try here) machine was developed by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most popular espresso maker is a semi-automatic one with an electric pump. This is what people envision when they think of an espresso maker. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans on your own however the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanized consistency.

The Filter

Espresso machines typically use filters that separate the grounds of the coffee from the hot water. The filter is also a vital component of the machine's temperature control, since it helps to prevent overheating.

It also helps with flavor as a filter lets you enjoy a longer bloom time. This helps the beans to release their flavors and provides an opportunity for a better extraction.

It is important to remember that even the best filter can result in a bad cup of coffee. The quality espresso machine of the beans and the extraction process, remain vital.

It's in this area that the magic happens. This is the reason why espresso tastes so delicious. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter, which is the thingy which you put the coffee grounds in, while making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso coffee machine for home machines make use of hot water that is heated in an airtight vessel to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water into the grounds of coffee at high pressure. These types of machines are typically cheaper and easier 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 years, compressed-air-pump-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They use an air-compressor to force hot water through the ground, and are more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.