The No. One Question That Everyone Working In Machine Espresso Should Be Able To Answer

The No. One Question That Everyone Working In Machine Espresso Should Be Able To Answer

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How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso employs precise pressure and amazing filter technology to make the coffee we love. But how exactly does it work?

Espresso is produced by pushing hot water at high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee however the main difference lies in the pressure.

The Group Head

The name implies the group head is the place you place your portafilter when brewing espresso. It distributes water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are various kinds of group heads each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, others on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. Some are a combination, like the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas due to the fact that it has multiple benefits in one package.

As you can see in the photo above, the group head has many notches in which you can place your portafilter and twist it with your hands to lock it in. There is also a rubber gasket that is a part of the notches and helps to create an airtight seal after inserting your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit an exact position of the portafilter which is crucial to ensure an efficient extraction.

The group head is not just able to allow you to insert your portafilter easily, but it also maintains an even temperature. This is achieved by cycling hot water around the portafilter, and through the brew-basket to ensure that the temperature is always at the right level for extraction. This is crucial, since even a small difference in temperature can make the difference between good and great espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, which use a lever to pressurize water, rotating espresso machines rely upon motorized pumps that provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed for espresso extraction. The pressure is created by drawing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to being shot through the ground coffee inside the group head.

Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven machines, and they tend to last longer. However, both types of machines may become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, and can add to the cost of even the most basic models.

Certain espresso machines remove the pump completely and employ steam pressure to create espresso. The drawback of this is that the same boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of water until it reaches boiling which can cause over-extraction. Additionally these machines typically have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

A majority of espresso machines utilize the rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model utilizes an oscillating disk to create pressure, while the rotating model pushes hot water through the ground at high speed. Both types of machine are capable of producing excellent espresso, however the rotary models are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the component that heats water to the optimal temperature to extract. The steam that is created will eventually reach the portafilter, which contains the espresso coffee grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. During this process, steam creates pressure that pushes through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a layer of crema that is then poured over. This is a hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso makers. They differ here in the type of pump they use and how hot the brew is. There are different ways in which the brew can be controlled as well as the size of the cup that the maker can create.

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

The most commonly used espresso maker is a semi-automatic one that has an electric pump. These are the things people think of when they think of an espresso maker. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you must grind the beans and then tamp them yourself but the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent solution that combines human control with mechanised reliability.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines utilize filters to separate the grounds of the coffee as they go through the hot water. The filter is also an important component of the temperature control system as it keeps the machine from overheating.

It also helps with flavor, as it allows for a longer bloom phase. This helps the beans release their nuances and gives an opportunity for better extraction.

However it is crucial to remember that even a good filter can produce a bad cup of coffee, since the quality of the beans and extraction are crucial.

This is where the magic happens, and it's what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead, sometimes referred to as the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the device you put the coffee ground into) is placed when making espresso.

In a steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam, which is then pushed through the grounds with high pressure. These machines are cheaper and easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their ability to create the perfect conditions for brewing, since they 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 been gaining popularity. They use an air-compressor to force hot water into the ground and are much more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.