9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to create the coffee we love. What exactly is it that makes it work?

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

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 before controlling the pressure that results from the extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed to provide stability in temperature, while others are designed to handle pre-infusion. Some are designed to control the lever. Some come with a combination of both, such as the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas due to the fact that it has multiple advantages in one package.

As you can see in the picture above the group head is equipped with several notches. The portafilter is placed inside these notches, and then turn the head around to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is positioned inside the notches, which helps create a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches permit precise placement of your portafilter. This is vital for an efficient extraction.

In addition to allowing you effortlessly insert your portafilter the group head is responsible for maintaining an even temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter, making sure that it is always at the right temperature for extraction. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a small differences can make the distinction between a good and great espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps that are used in espresso machines rotary provide nine atmospheric bars of pressure required to extract espresso. This is different from manually operated piston machines that employ levers. The pressure builds by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior being pushed through the ground coffee inside the group head.

Pumps are generally more affordable and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines are susceptible to degrading because of frequent use and poor cleaning. They also create mechanical complexity and can lead to a high price tag on even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines employ steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. The drawback of this is that the same boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of the water to boiling and can result in excessive extraction. The machines must also constantly rebuild their pressure in between cups. This requires energy and time.

Many espresso machines use an rotary or a vibration pump. A vibration model employs an oscillating disk to create pressure, while a rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at a rapid speed. Both types of machines can make excellent espresso, but the rotary models are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the part which heats the water to the optimal temperature to extract. The resultant steam then reaches the portafilter, which contains the ground espresso coffee, and is then pumped down into the cup. During this process, the steam creates pressure to push through the coffee grounds. This results in a crema on top of the espresso. This is one of the hallmarks of a great espresso.

There are three distinct types of espresso machines, each having distinct pumps and brew temperature. There are different ways that the brew may be controlled, as well as the size of the cup that the machine is capable of making.

The first espresso machines were steam type. They utilized one boiler to create both brew and steam, however, the pressure they could produce was very low - just two bars of atmospheric pressure maximum. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is why Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine.

The most common espresso machine is a semiautomatic model with an electric espresso maker pump. When people think of espresso machines, they picture these machines. With a semi-automatic machine you must grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. The pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and mechanized consistency.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines use filters to separate the grounds of coffee as they move through the hot water. The filter is also a crucial component of the temperature control system since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.

It also aids in flavor, since a filter allows for a more prolonged bloom time. This lets the beans release their flavors, and allows for better extraction.

However it is crucial to remember that even a top filter can make a terrible cup of coffee as the quality of the beans and extraction are vital.

This is where the magic happens, it's the thing that makes espresso taste good. The grouphead, also referred to as the brew head, is where the portafilter (the device you put the ground coffee in) sits when you're making pro espresso machine.

Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water heated in an airtight container to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water through the grounds of coffee and espresso maker under high pressure. These kinds of machines are generally cheaper and easier to maintain than pump-driven models. However, they are limited in their capacity to create the perfect brewing conditions as they only operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. However, the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

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