9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso employs precise pressure and incredible filter technology to produce the coffee we love. What exactly does it work?

In order to make espresso hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee however the main difference lies in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

As the name implies the group head is where you place your portafilter when making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter, and controlling the pressure that results from the extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Some are specifically designed for temperature stability while others are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. Some include a combination like the E61. This is a favorite among baristas due to the fact that it has multiple advantages in one package.

As you can see in the image above, the group head is fitted with several notches. It is possible to place your portafilter in these notches and then turn the head around to secure it. There is also a gasket of rubber which is located inside the notches and helps create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit a precise position of the portafilter which is necessary for an efficient extraction.

The group head not only allows you to place your portafilter easily however, it also keeps the temperature at a constant level. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket, and around the portafilter, making sure that it's always at the right temperature for extraction. It is important to remember that even a Best small espresso machine variation can mean the difference between a good and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps in rotary home espresso machine machines supply the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required for espresso extraction. This is different from manual piston machines that use a lever. This pressure is built up by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer, although both types of machines may get damaged through overuse and lack of cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, and can add to the cost of even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines employ steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that produces steam also heats the water to boil. In addition the machines often have to restore their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

Many espresso machines utilize a vibration or rotary pump, which has a vibration model using a rotating disc to generate the pressure, and rotating models that push hot water through the grounds at 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 created is then directed to the portafilter, which holds the espresso grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. During this process the steam creates enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This produces a layer of crema that is then poured over. This is a hallmark of a good espresso coffee maker.

There are three kinds of espresso makers. They differ in the type of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are a variety of ways to control the strength of the brew and the size of cup that can be made by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam types. The first espresso machines were steam-type machines. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most popular espresso maker is a semi-automatic one with an electric pump. These are what people imagine when they think of an espresso maker. With a semi-automatic machine you have to grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. However, the pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a fantastic solution that combines human control with mechanised accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually have filters that separate the coffee grounds from the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temp control, since it stops overheating.

It also enhances flavor as a filter allows for a longer bloom time. This helps the beans to release their nuances and gives an opportunity to improve extraction.

However, it is important to remember that even a high-quality filter could result in a bad cup of coffee, since the quality of the beans and extraction are important.

It's here that the magic occurs. This is the reason why espresso tastes so delicious. The grouphead, sometimes referred to as the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the thing you put the coffee ground into) is placed when making espresso.

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

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