10 Undisputed Reasons People Hate Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and filter technology that is awe-inspiring to make the coffee you love. How does it work exactly?

Espresso is made by pushing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee however the main difference lies in the pressure.

The Group Head

The name implies the group head is the place you put your portafilter in when brewing mini espresso machine. It disperses water into the portafilter and regulates the pressure of the extraction. There are many different types of group heads each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed to provide stability in temperature, while others are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Some are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination, such as the E61. This is a popular choice among baristas because it offers multiple advantages in one package.

As you can see in the above photo the group head is fitted with a variety of notches. It is possible to place your portafilter inside these notches, and then turn the head around to secure it. A gasket of rubber is situated inside the notches to help make a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches permit an exact placement of the portafilter. This is vital for a consistent extraction.

The group head not only lets you to place your portafilter easily but also maintains the same temperature. This is done by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket to ensure that the temperature is at the right level to extract the coffee machine espresso. It is important to note that even a tiny difference can make the difference between a decent and a great espresso.

The Pump

Motorized pumps in rotary espresso machines supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required to extract espresso. This is different from manual piston machines which use a lever. The pressure is created by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger before being shot through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps tend to be cheaper than piston-driven machines, and tend to last longer, however both types of machines could get damaged through overuse and lack of cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, which can raise prices of even most basic models.

Certain espresso machines utilize steam pressure instead of a pump for brewing espresso. The disadvantage of this is that the same boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of water to boiling which can cause excessive extraction. Additionally the machines often have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

A majority of retro Espresso maker machines use a vibration or rotary pump, which has a vibration model using a vibrating disc to generate the pressure and rotating models that push hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both machines can make excellent espresso, but rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is what will heat the water to the ideal temperature to extract. The resulting steam reaches the portafilter, which contains the ground espresso and is then pumped down into the cup. During this process, steam creates pressure and pushes through the coffee grounds. This produces a layer of crema that is then poured over. This is one of the hallmarks of a great espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso makers, which differ in the kind of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are different ways to control the amount of brew, as well as the size of cup that can be made by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam-types. They used one boiler to make both brew and steam, however, the pressure they could produce was not very high - two bars of atmospheric pressure at most. The coffee tasted bitter and burned. The modern espresso machine was created by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most popular espresso machine is a semiautomatic 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. However, the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanized quality espresso machine.

The Filter

italian espresso machine machines usually use a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from the hot water. The filter is also a vital element of the temperature control system since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.

It also enhances flavor, as a filter can allow for a longer bloom phase. This allows the beans to release their nuances and gives the chance for better extraction.

It is important to remember that even the finest filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans as well as the extraction, are still crucial.

This is where the magic happens, and it's what makes commercial espresso machine taste good. The grouphead, often referred to as the brew head, is where the portafilter (the thingy you put the ground coffee into) is located when you're making espresso.

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

In recent years, compressed-air-pump-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They utilize an air compressor to push hot water into the grounds and are much more portable than electric steam-driven machines.