The 10 Most Scariest Things About Machine Espresso

The 10 Most Scariest Things About Machine Espresso

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How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso makes use of precise pressure, as well as a filtering system that is awe-inspiring to create the coffee you enjoy. How exactly does it work?

Espresso is created by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However, the pressure is the major difference.

The Group Head

The name implies, the group head is the place you place your portafilter when brewing espresso. It disperses water in the portafilter, and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are many different types of group heads each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. Some include a mix of features, such as the E61 that is the standard choice for many baristas due to its ability to offer multiple benefits in one package.

As you can see from the image above the head of the group is equipped with several notches. You place your portafilter in these notches, then twist the head to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is placed inside the notches, which helps create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches allow for an exact placement of the portafilter. This is essential for an efficient extraction.

Apart from allowing you easily place your portafilter in, the group head is also responsible for maintaining a consistent temperature. This is achieved by cycling hot water around the portafilter, and through the brew-basket to ensure that the temperature is at the right level for extraction. This is important, as just a few degrees could mean the difference between good and great espresso.

The Pump

Motorized pumps in espresso machines rotary provide nine atmospheric bars of pressure required for espresso extraction. This is different from manual piston machines that rely on a lever. The pressure is created by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps are typically less expensive and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines are susceptible to degrading because of excessive use and poor cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, and can add to the cost of even the simplest models.

Certain espresso machines can eliminate the pump entirely and make use of steam pressure to make espresso. The downside is that the same boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of water to boiling and can result in excessive extraction. These machines also have to constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.

Many espresso machines employ a vibration or rotary pump, with a vibrating model that uses a vibrating disc that generates the pressure, and rotating models that push hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both types of machines are capable of producing excellent espresso, however the rotary pumps are quieter, and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the element that heats water to an optimal temperature to extract. The steam created reaches the portafilter, which contains the espresso coffee grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. In this process, the steam creates pressure that pushes through the coffee grounds. This results in a crema on the top of the espresso. This is one of the main characteristics of a good espresso.

There are three distinct types of espresso machines, each having different pumps and brew temperature. There are different ways to control the brew and the size of the 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 burnt and bitter. This is the reason Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine.

The most popular espresso machine is a semiautomatic with an electric pump. These are what people imagine when they think of an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic machine, you have to grind espresso machine the beans and tamp them yourself but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanised quality.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines use filters that separate the coffee grounds as they pass through the hot water. The filter is also a vital part of the temperature control system because it stops the machine from overheating.

It also improves flavor, since a filter allows for a longer bloom time. This helps the beans to let their nuances out and provides an opportunity to improve extraction.

However, it is important to keep in mind that even a good filter can produce a bad cup of coffee as the quality of the beans and extraction are vital.

This is where the magic happens, and it's what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter - the thingy which you put the grounds of coffee into when making espresso.

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

In recent years, espresso machines driven 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.