15 Top Pinterest Boards From All Time About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to create the delicious coffee we enjoy. But how exactly does it work?

Espresso is made by pushing hot water at high pressure through finely-ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However the pressure is the main difference.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter is inserted when you are making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter and controlling the pressure of the resulting extraction. There are several different types of group heads, each with their distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. Some include a combination like the E61. This is a favorite among baristas as it provides a variety of advantages in one package.

As you can see in the above photo the group head comes with many notches in which you can place your portafilter before twisting it with your hands to lock it in. A rubber gasket is located within the notches to make a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head allow for an exact location of the portafilter which is necessary to ensure an efficient extraction.

Aside from allowing you to easily connect your portafilter, the group head is responsible to ensure that the temperature remains even. This is done by cycling hot water around the portafilter, and through the brew-basket to ensure that the temperature is constant to extract the coffee. It is important to realize that even a tiny difference can make the difference between a good and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps that are used in rotary espresso machines provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required for espresso extraction. This differs from manual piston machines which use a lever. The pressure builds up by drawing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to being shot through the ground coffee inside the group head.

Pumps are generally less expensive and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines may degrade because of excessive use and insufficient cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems and can lead to an expensive price for even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines employ steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that makes steam also warms the water to boil. The machines also need to constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.

Many espresso machines make use of either a rotary or vibration pump, with a vibration model that uses a vibrating disc that generates the pressure and an rotary model that pushes hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both types of machines can make excellent espresso, but Rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the component that heats water to the optimal temperature for extraction. The steam that is created will eventually reach the portafilter, which holds the espresso maker for home grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. During this process the steam causes enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This results in a layer of crema that is then poured over. This is a sign of a good best espresso machine uk.

There are three types of espresso makers, which differ in the type of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are different ways in which the brew can be controlled and the dimensions of the cup the maker can create.

The first espresso machines were steam types. They employed a single boiler to make both steam and brew, but the pressure they could create was minimal - two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was created by the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most commonly used espresso maker is a semi-automatic device with an electric pump. These are the images people have when they think of an espresso maker. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you grind the beans and tamp them by hand. However, the pump is able to regulate the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanized consistency.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually have filters that separate the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also an important element of the temperature control system, as it keeps the machine from overheating.

A filter also improves flavor since it allows for an extended flowering time. This allows the beans to let their nuances out and provides 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, remain crucial.

This is where the magic happens. It's what makes an espresso really taste great. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter, which is the thingy which you put the coffee grounds in, when making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water that is heated inside an airtight container to produce steam. The steam then moves hot water through the grounds of the coffee under pressure. These types of machines are usually less expensive and easier to maintain than pump-driven models. They are however limited to create the perfect conditions for brewing, as they 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 become more popular. They utilize an air compressor to force hot water into the ground. They are also more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.