The Expert Guide To Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso uses precision pressure, and filter technology that is mind-blowing to make the coffee you love. How exactly does it work?

In order 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 Group Head

As the name suggests, the group head is the place you put your portafilter in when brewing Professional espresso machine for home. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter before controlling the pressure of the extraction. There are a variety of types of group head each with its distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. Some are a combination, like the E61. This is a very popular choice for baristas since it provides multiple advantages in one package.

As you can see in the above image, the group head has many notches in which you can place your portafilter before twisting it manually to secure it. There is also a gasket of rubber in the notches to help create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head allow for a precise placement of the portafilter, which is crucial to ensure an efficient extraction.

The group head not only allows you to put in your portafilter easily but also maintains the same temperature. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket, ensuring the temperature is always right to extract the coffee. It is important to note that even a small differences can make the distinction between a decent espresso machine and a great espresso.

The Pump

Contrary to manual piston machines which rely on a lever that pressurize water, rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed for espresso extraction. This pressure is built up by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be cheaper than piston-driven machines, and they tend to last longer, but both types of machines could get damaged through overuse and lack of cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, and can add to prices of even simpler models.

Some espresso machines do away with the pump completely and instead use steam pressure to brew espresso. This can result in over-extraction because the boiler that produces steam also heats the water to boil. Additionally these machines are often required to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

A majority of espresso machines use an rotary or vibrating pump, with a vibration model that uses a vibrating disc that generates the pressure, and rotating models that push hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both models can make a great espresso, however Rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the part which heats the water to the optimal temperature to extract. The steam that is produced reaches the portafilter containing ground espresso beans and is then pumped down into the cup. During this process the steam creates enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This creates a foam on the top of the espresso. This is one of the main characteristics of a great espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso makers, which differ in the kind of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are different ways to control the brew as well as the size of cup that can be made by the machine.

The first barista espresso coffee machine machines were steam-type. The first espresso machines were steam-type machines. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was designed by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most commonly used espresso maker is a semi-automatic machine with an electric pump. This is what people envision when they imagine an espresso machine. If you have a semi-automatic machine you must grind the beans and tamp them by hand. However, the pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and mechanized quality.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines have filters that separate the grounds of coffee as they move through the hot water. The filter is also a crucial element of the temperature control system, because it stops the machine from overheating.

It also aids in flavor as a filter allows for a more prolonged bloom phase. This lets the beans release their flavor and allows for better extraction.

It is important to keep in mind that even the best filter could result in a poor cup of coffee and espresso maker. The quality of the beans, and the extraction, are still crucial.

This is where the magic happens, it's the thing that makes espresso taste good. The grouphead, also referred to as the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the container you place the ground coffee in) is placed when you're making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water heated in an airtight container to produce steam. The steam then pushes hot water through the grounds of coffee at high pressure. These machines are cheaper and easier 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. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent times, espresso machines powered by a compressed air compressor have become increasingly popular. They use an air-compressor to push hot water through the ground and are more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.