Do You Think Machine Espresso Be The Next Supreme Ruler Of The World?

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso utilizes precise pressure and amazing filter technology to make the coffee we love. What exactly is it that makes it work?

Espresso is created by forcing hot water at high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee. However, the pressure is the primary difference.

The Head of the Group

As the name implies the group head is the place you place your portafilter when brewing espresso. It is responsible for dispersing the water into the portafilter, and controlling the pressure of the extraction. There are various kinds of group head, each with their distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. There are some that contain a variety of features, like the E61, which is considered to be the most popular among baristas due to its ability to offer multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the above photo The group head features several notches to put your portafilter, then twist it manually to secure it. A rubber gasket is located in the notches to create a seal as you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head permit a precise position of the portafilter which is essential to ensure a consistent extraction.

The group head not only allows you to insert your portafilter easily however it also keeps the same temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter, making sure that it is always at the correct temperature to extract. This is important because just a few degrees could make the difference between a good and excellent espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to manual piston machines which rely on a lever to pressurize water, Rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to deliver the nine atmospheric bars of pressure necessary for espresso extraction. This pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior being pumped through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps tend to be less expensive and last for longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines can degrade because of frequent use and poor cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which can increase the cost of even most basic models.

Some espresso machines eliminate the pump completely check here and utilize steam pressure to make espresso. The drawback is that the boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of the water to boiling, which can lead to excessive extraction. They also have to continually rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.

Many espresso machines utilize either a rotary or vibration pump, with a vibrating model using a rotating disc to create the pressure and a rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both models can produce an excellent espresso, however the rotary models are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the one that is used to heat the water to the right temperature for extraction. The resulting steam is then transferred to the portafilter which holds the ground espresso and is then funneled down into the cup. During this process, steam causes pressure to push through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a layer of crema on top. This is a hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso machines, each having a different type of pump and the temperature of the brew. There are different ways that the brew may be controlled and the size of the cup the machine can produce.

The earliest espresso machines were steam types. They utilized one boiler to create both steam and brew, but the pressure they could produce was not very high - two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is the reason Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine.

The most common espresso maker is a semi-automatic one that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they think of these machines. If you have a semi-automatic machine you need to grind the beans and tamp them by hand. The pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanized consistency.

The Filter

Espresso machines typically use a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also a vital part of the temperature control system because it stops the machine from overheating.

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

It is important to remember that even the best filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans and the extraction, remain vital.

It's here that the magic occurs. This is the reason why espresso tastes so delicious. The grouphead, sometimes called the brew head, is where the portafilter (the container you place the coffee ground into) sits when you're making espresso.

In a steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam. This then pushes the hot water through the grounds with high pressure. These machines are less expensive and easier for the owner to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their ability to produce the ideal conditions for brewing as they only operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. However, 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 through the grounds and are more portable than electric steam-driven machines.