10 Machine Espresso Meetups You Should Attend
How Does Machine Espresso Work?
Machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and amazing filter technology to make the coffee we love. How does it work exactly?
To make espresso hot water is forced under high 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
The group head is the portafilter that you place in the espresso maker when making it. It disperses water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure during the extraction. There are several different types of group heads, each with their particular advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed to provide stability of temperature while others are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are built to control the lever. Some come with a combination of both, like the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas due to the fact that it has multiple benefits in a single package.
As you can see in the picture above the group head is fitted with a variety of notches. It is possible to place your portafilter in these notches, then twist the head to lock it. A gasket made of rubber is placed inside the notches, which helps 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 allows you to insert your portafilter easily however, it also keeps an even temperature. This is achieved by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket, making sure the temperature is always right for extraction. This is vital, because even a small difference in temperature can be the difference between a good and great espresso.
The Pump
The motorized pumps used in espresso machines rotary provide nine atmospheric bar pressure needed for espresso extraction. This is different from manual piston machines that use levers. The pressure is created by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger before being pushed through the ground coffee in the group head.
Pumps are generally less expensive and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines can deteriorate due to excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which can increase prices of even simple models.
Certain espresso machines can eliminate the pump completely and instead utilize steam pressure to make espresso. This can cause over-extraction because the boiler that makes steam also warms the water to boil. In addition, these machines frequently have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.
Many retro espresso maker machines make use of an rotary or a vibration pump. A vibration model makes use of an oscillating disk to create pressure, while the circular model pushes hot liquid through the ground at a high speed. Both types of machine can make a great espresso, but Rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.
The Boiler
The boiler is what heats the water to a temperature that is ideal to extract. The steam produced will eventually reach the portafilter, which holds the espresso grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. The steam is able to create enough pressure to push the grounds of coffee through. This results in a layer crema that is then poured over. This is one of the hallmarks of a good espresso.
There are three types of espresso makers, and they differ in the kind of pump they use and how hot the espresso is. There are a variety of ways to control the brew and the size of cup that can be produced by the machine.
The first espresso machines were steam-type. The first espresso machines were steam types. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. The modern espresso coffee makers machine was created by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.
The most popular espresso maker is a semi-automatic device with an electric espresso maker pump. When people think of espresso machines, they picture these machines. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you need to grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. However, the pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a fantastic combination of human control and mechanized consistency.
The Filter
Typically, espresso machines employ filters to separate the grounds of the coffee as they go through the hot water. The filter is also a vital component of the temperature control system, since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.
It also helps with flavor, since a filter lets you enjoy a longer bloom phase. This helps the beans release their flavors and provides an opportunity for better extraction.
It is important to keep in mind that even the finest filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, and the extraction process remain vital.
It's here that the magic happens. This is what makes espresso taste so good. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter, the thingy that you use to 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 best bean to cup espresso machine create steam, which then pushes the hot water through the grounds with high pressure. These machines are less expensive and are easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create the perfect brewing conditions as they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The ideal shot requires 9 bar espresso machine-10 bars.
In recent years, compressed air-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They use an air compressor to force hot water into the ground. They are also more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.