The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Machine Espresso

The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Machine Espresso

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How Does Machine Espresso Work?

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

To make espresso hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee. However, it is the pressure that makes the main difference.

The Head of the Group

The name implies, the group head is where you insert your portafilter when making espresso. It disperses water into the portafilter and controls the pressure of the extraction. There are several different types of group heads each with its particular advantages and drawbacks. Some focus on temperature stability, while 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 image above the head of the group has a number of notches. The portafilter is placed into these notches and turn the head around to secure it. There is also a rubber gasket in the notches to help create an airtight seal after inserting your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head allow for a precise positioning of the portafilter which is necessary to ensure a consistent extraction.

The group head not only lets you to put in your portafilter easily however, it also keeps a constant temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter, ensuring that it is always at the right temperature for extraction. This is important, as even a few degrees can be the difference between a good and great espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps that are used in espresso machines rotary provide nine atmospheric bars of pressure required for espresso extraction. This is different from manual piston machines which use a lever. This pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger before being pumped through the ground coffee inside the group head.

Pumps tend to be cheaper than piston-driven machines, and tend to last longer, but both types of machines could be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. They also create mechanical complexity which can result in the cost of even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines eliminate the pump entirely and utilize steam pressure to make espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that produces steam also heats the water until it comes to a boil. These machines also have to continually rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.

Many espresso machines make use of the rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model employs the vibrating disk to create pressure, whereas a rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at high speed. Both machines produce great espresso however rotary machines tend to be quieter, more durable and less likely to fail.

The Boiler

The boiler heats the water to the perfect temperature to extract. The steam that is produced reaches the portafilter, which contains ground espresso beans and gets funnelled down into the cup. In this process, the steam creates pressure to push through the coffee grounds. This creates a foam on top of the espresso. This is one of the hallmarks of a great espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they employ and the degree of heat that the brew is. There are different ways to control the brew and the size of the cup that can be made by the machine.

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

The most commonly used espresso machine is a semiautomatic that has an electric pump. This is what people envision when they think of an espresso machine. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans on your own while the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines typically have filters that get more info separate the coffee grounds from the hot water. The filter is also a crucial part of the temperature control system as it prevents the machine from overheating.

A filter also improves flavor, as it permits a longer flowering period. This lets the beans release their flavors, and improves extraction.

It is important to keep in mind that even the best filter can result in a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans and the extraction process, are still crucial.

This is where the magic happens. It's what makes an espresso really taste good. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter - the thingy which you put the grounds of your coffee into when making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water heated in an airtight container to produce steam. The steam then pushes hot water into the coffee grounds under high pressure. These machines are cheaper and are easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their ability to produce the ideal conditions for brewing since they are only operating 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 use an air-compressor to force hot water into the ground and are more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.