13 Things You Should Know About Machine Espresso That You Might Not Have Known

How Does Machine Espresso Work? Machine espresso utilizes precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to make the coffee we love. How exactly does it work? Espresso is made by pushing hot water at high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee but the key difference is in the pressure. The Group Head The group head is the portafilter you put in when making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter before controlling the pressure of the resulting extraction. There are several different types of group head each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. Some are specifically designed for temperature stability while others are built to handle pre-infusion. Others are built to control the lever. There are even some that contain a variety of features, like the E61, which is the classic choice among many baristas for its ability to offer multiple perks in one package. As you can see in the above photo, the group head has numerous notches that you can place your portafilter before twisting it with your hands to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is positioned inside the notches to help create a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches allow for an exact placement of the portafilter. This is crucial to ensure an accurate extraction. Apart from allowing you easily place your portafilter in, the group head is also responsible to maintain an even temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the correct temperature to extract. It is important to note that even a few degree deviation can make the difference between a decent and a excellent espresso. The Pump The motorized pumps in rotary espresso machines supply the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This differs from manual piston machines that use 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 can deteriorate due to overuse and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which could increase the cost of even simplest models. Some espresso machines use steam pressure instead of a pump to brew espresso. The drawback of this is that the same boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of water until it reaches boiling and can result in excessive extraction. They also have to continually rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time. Many espresso machines make use of either a vibration or rotary pump. A vibration model utilizes a vibrating disk to generate pressure, whereas the rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at a fast speed. Both machines can produce excellent espresso however rotary machines tend to be more stable, quieter and less likely to fail. The Boiler The boiler is the part that heats the water to the ideal temperature to extract. The steam produced gets to the portafilter which is the container that holds the espresso coffee grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. The steam is able to create enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This results in a whipped-up the top of the espresso. This is one of the hallmarks of a great espresso. There are three types of espresso makers. They differ in the type of pump they employ and how hot the espresso is. There are a variety of ways that the brew may be controlled, as well as the dimensions of the cup the machine can produce. The first espresso machines were steam type. They used one boiler to create both steam and brew, however the pressure they were able to generate was low – only two bars of atmospheric pressure, at most. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is why the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine. The most common espresso machine is a semiautomatic with an electric pump. This is what people envision when they imagine an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic machine, you need to grind the beans and tamp them yourself but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent combination of human control and mechanised reliability. The Filter Typically, espresso machines use a filter to separate out the grounds of coffee when they pass through the hot water. The filter is also an important element of the temperature control system as it prevents the machine from overheating. Filters also aid in flavor as it allows for the beans to flower for a longer period of time. This allows the beans to release their flavors, and also allows for better extraction. However it is crucial to remember that even a top 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 happens. This is what makes espresso taste so good. The grouphead, sometimes referred to as the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the container you place the coffee ground into) is located when you're making espresso. Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water that is heated inside an airtight container to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water into the grounds of coffee at high pressure. These kinds of machines are typically cheaper and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited to create the perfect conditions for brewing as they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars. In recent years, compressed-air-pump-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. Coffeee utilize an air compressor to push hot water through grounds and are significantly more portable than steam-driven electric machines.