Machine Espresso: The Ugly The Truth About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work? Machine espresso utilizes precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to make the coffee we love. What exactly is it that makes it work? Espresso is made by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, but the major difference is in the pressure. The Group Head The group head is the portafilter that you place in the espresso maker when making it. It disperses water into the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure of extraction. There are a variety of types of group head each with its unique advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion capabilities, and still others are designed to control the lever. Some come with a range of features, like the E61 one, which is the most popular choice among baristas due to its capacity to offer multiple benefits in a single 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, then twist the head to lock it. A gasket made of rubber is placed inside the notches, which helps create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches permit precise placement of the portafilter. This is vital for an even extraction. In addition to allowing you easily connect your portafilter, the group head is responsible for maintaining an even temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the correct temperature to extract. This is vital, because just a few degrees could make the difference between a excellent and great espresso. The Pump Motorized pumps in espresso machines rotary provide nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This differs from manual piston machines that use levers. This pressure is built up by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee. Pumps tend to be less expensive and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines can deteriorate due to excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, and can add to prices of even most basic models. Some espresso machines employ steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that produces steam also warms the water to boil. In addition these machines are often required to rebuild their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy. Many espresso machines make use of the rotary or vibration pump, which is a vibration model using a vibrating disc to generate 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 makes the water warm to the perfect temperature to extract. The steam produced is then directed to the portafilter, which is a container for espresso grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. The steam is able to create enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This results in a crema on the top of the espresso. This is a hallmark of a great espresso. There are three kinds of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they use and how hot the brew is. There are various ways that the brew may be controlled, as well as the size of the cup the machine is capable of making. The first espresso machines were steam-types. The first espresso machines were steam types. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is the reason Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine. The most commonly used espresso maker is a semi-automatic machine that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they imagine these machines. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp your beans yourself while the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a perfect solution that combines human control with mechanised consistency. The Filter Typically, espresso machines utilize filters to separate the grounds of coffee as they move through the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temp control, as it prevents overheating. Filters also aid in flavor because it allows for an extended flowering time. This allows the beans to release their flavors, and improves extraction. It is important to remember that even the most efficient filter could result in a poor cup of coffee. The quality of the beans and the extraction process are still very important. This is where the magic happens. It's what makes espresso taste great. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter – the thingy that you put the coffee grounds in, while making espresso. In the steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight container to create steam, which is then pushed through the grounds at high pressure. These kinds of machines are typically less expensive and easier to maintain than pump-driven models. However, they are limited in their ability to produce the ideal conditions for brewing because they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. While the perfect shot requires 9-10 bar. In recent years, compressed air-pump-driven espresso machines have become more popular. They utilize an air compressor to force hot water through the ground. They are also more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.