Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso uses precision pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to make the delicious coffee we enjoy. What exactly is it?

To make espresso, hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, but the key difference is in the pressure.

The Group Head

As the name implies the group head is where you put your portafilter in when brewing espresso. It disperses water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are many different types of group heads each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some are designed for stability in temperature, while others are built to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. There are some that have a combination of features, such as the E61, which is the classic choice among many baristas due to its capacity to provide multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the photo above, the group head is fitted with a variety of notches. You can place your portafilter into these notches and twist the head to lock it. A gasket made of rubber is placed inside the notches to help create a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches permit precise placement of your portafilter. This is vital for a consistent extraction.

In addition to allowing you to easily insert your portafilter, the group head is responsible to maintain an even temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter, making sure that it is always at the correct temperature to extract. It is important to realize that even a few degree differences can make the distinction between a great and a great espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, that use a lever to pressurize water, rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure that are required for espresso extraction. The pressure is created by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be more affordable and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines may degrade because of excessive use and insufficient cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, which can increase the cost of even the most basic models.

Some best small espresso machine machines use steam pressure instead of a pump to brew home espresso machine. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that produces steam also heats the water until it comes to a boil. The machines also need to constantly rebuild their pressure in between cups. This requires energy and time.

A large majority of espresso machines employ a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model utilizes an oscillating disk to create pressure, whereas a circular model pushes hot liquid through the ground at a rapid speed. Both machines can produce excellent espresso, but rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is the one that will heat the water to a temperature that is ideal for extraction. The steam that is created will eventually reach the portafilter, which is the container that holds the espresso coffee grounds. It is then funneled into the cup. During this process the steam creates enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This creates a crema on the top of the espresso. This is the hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three distinct types of espresso machines, each having distinct pumps and the temperature of the brew. There are different ways to control the strength of the brew and the size of cup that can be produced by the machine.

The first best budget espresso machine machines were steam types. The first espresso machines were steam-type machines. This led to the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. This is the reason why Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine coffee machine.

The most popular espresso maker is a semi-automatic one that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they imagine these machines. If you have a semi-automatic machine you must grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. The pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines use filters that separate the grounds of coffee when they pass through the hot water. The filter is also a vital component of the machine's temp control, since it stops overheating.

A filter can also help with flavor as it allows for the beans to flower for a longer period of time. This allows the beans to let their nuances out, and also allows for better extraction.

It is important to remember that even the best home espresso machine filter can make a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans as well as the extraction, remain vital.

It's here that the magic happens. This is the reason why espresso tastes so good. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter, which is the thingy which you put the grounds of your coffee into when making espresso.

In an espresso machine that is driven by steam, hot water is heated in an airtight container to create steam. Steam is then pushed through the grounds at high pressure. These kinds of machines are typically less expensive and simpler to maintain than pump-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their ability to provide the ideal brewing conditions, since they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure, while the perfect shot requires 9-10 bar.

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