20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso uses precision pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to create the coffee we love. How exactly does it work?

Espresso is produced by pushing hot water under 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

The group head is the portafilter is inserted when you are making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter and then controlling the pressure that results from the extraction. There are many different kinds of group heads, each with their unique advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, others on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. There are some that come with a range of features, like the E61 that is the classic choice among many baristas due to its capacity to offer multiple benefits in one package.

As you can see in the above image the group head is made up of several notches where you place your portafilter and then twist it manually to lock it in. There is also a gasket made from rubber that is a part of the notches, which helps create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches permit precise placement of the portafilter. This is vital for an even extraction.

Aside from allowing you to easily place your portafilter in, the group head is also responsible for maintaining a consistent temperature. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter, and through the brew-basket to ensure that the temperature is constant for extraction. It is important to remember that even a tiny difference can make the difference between a decent and a great espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps used in espresso machines rotary provide nine atmospheric bar pressure required for espresso extraction. This is different from manual piston machines which use a lever. The pressure is created by drawing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior being shot through the ground coffee inside the group head.

Pumps are generally cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines can degrade because of frequent use and insufficient cleaning. They also add mechanical complexity that can lead to the cost of even the most basic models.

Certain espresso machines eliminate the pump entirely and employ steam pressure to create espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that makes steam also warms the water to boil. The machines must also continuously rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.

Many espresso machines use a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model uses the vibrating disk to create pressure, whereas the rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at high speed. Both machines can make great espresso but rotary machines are more quiet, durable and less likely to break.

The Boiler

The boiler is the one that will heat the water to the perfect temperature to extract. The steam produced reaches the portafilter, which is a container for espresso grounds. It is then funneled into the cup. During this process, steam creates pressure and pushes through the coffee grounds. This results in a layer of crema that is then poured over. This is one click here of the hallmarks of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso makers. They differ in the type of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are various ways to control the amount of brew, as well as the size of cup that can be made by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam-type. The earliest espresso machines were steam-type machines. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was invented by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most well-known espresso maker is a semi-automatic device with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they picture these machines. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp your beans yourself The pump, however, regulates the water flow and pressure. This is a perfect compromise between human control and mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines use a filter to separate out the grounds of coffee as they move through the hot water. The filter is also a vital component of the machine's temp control, as it prevents overheating.

It also improves flavor as a filter lets you enjoy a longer bloom phase. This lets the beans let their nuances out, and allows for a better extraction.

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

It's here that the magic takes place. This is the reason why espresso tastes so good. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter, which is the thingy which you put the coffee grounds in, when making espresso.

In an espresso machine that is driven by steam, hot water is heated in an airtight container to create steam. This is then pushed through the grounds under high pressure. These types of machines are generally cheaper and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their ability to produce the ideal brewing conditions, because they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure, while the perfect shot requires 9-10 bar.

In recent years, compressed air-driven espresso machines have become more popular. They utilize an air compressor to force the hot water through the grounds, and are far more portable than steam-driven electric machines.