9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso uses precision pressure and amazing filter technology to make the coffee we love. What exactly is it that makes it work?

Espresso is created by forcing hot water at high pressure through finely-ground coffee espresso machines. The process is similar to making drip coffee, but the major difference is in the pressure.

The Group Head

As the name suggests, the group head is where you place your portafilter while making espresso. It distributes water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure during the extraction. There are various kinds of group heads, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some are specifically designed for stability in temperature, while others are designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are built 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 perks in a single package.

As you can see in the above image the group head is made up of numerous notches that you can place your portafilter and twist it with your hands to lock it in. There is also a rubber gasket in the notches and helps create a seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit a precise position of the portafilter which is necessary to ensure an efficient extraction.

The group head does not just allow you to put in your portafilter easily however, it also keeps the temperature at a constant level. This is done by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket, making sure that the temperature is constant for extraction. This is important, as just a few degrees could make the difference between a excellent and great espresso.

The Pump

Motorized pumps in rotary espresso machines provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required for espresso extraction. This differs from manual piston machines which use levers. The pressure builds by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger before it is shot through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps tend to be cheaper than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer. However, both types of machines could be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. They also make mechanically complex that can lead to the cost of even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines eliminate the pump completely and use steam pressure to brew espresso. The disadvantage of this is that the boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of the water to boiling, which can lead to over-extraction. Additionally these machines typically have to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.

Many espresso machines espresso machines employ either a rotary or vibration pump, which has a vibration model using a vibrating disc to create pressure, and rotating models that push hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both machines can produce excellent espresso but rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is what will heat the water to the ideal temperature to extract. The resulting steam is then transferred to the portafilter that contains ground espresso beans and is then pumped down into the cup. During this process, steam creates pressure and pushes through the coffee grounds. This results in a layer of crema on top. This is one of the main characteristics of a good espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso makers. They differ in the kind of pump they use and how hot the coffee is. There are a variety of ways to control the amount of brew, as well as the size of the cup that can be produced by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam-type. The first espresso machines were steam types. The coffee tasted bitter and burned. This is why the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni developed the modern espresso machine.

The most popular espresso machine is a semiautomatic one with an electric pump. These are what people imagine when they think of an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic machine, you grind the beans and tamp them by hand. The pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanised accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines typically use filters that separate the grounds of coffee from hot water. The filter is also an essential part of the temperature control system since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.

It also aids in flavor as a filter can allow for a longer bloom phase. This allows beans to release their nuances and gives the chance for better extraction.

However it is crucial to keep in mind that even a great filter could result in a bad cup of coffee, as the quality of the beans and extraction is important.

It's here that the magic takes place. This is what makes espresso taste so delicious. The grouphead, also called the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the thing you put the ground coffee in) is placed when making travel espresso maker.

In a steam-driven barista espresso machine machine, hot water is heated in an airtight tank to produce steam, which then pushes the hot water through the grounds at a high pressure. These machines are cheaper and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited for creating the ideal conditions for brewing, as they operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The ideal shot requires 9-10 bars.

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