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11 Methods To Totally Defeat Your Machine Espresso
How Does Machine Espresso Work?


Machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to make the delicious coffee we enjoy. How does it work exactly?

Espresso is produced by pushing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee but the key difference is in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

As the name suggests, the group head is the place you put your portafilter in when brewing espresso. It disperses water in the portafilter and controls the pressure of the extraction. There are various kinds of group head, each with their distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed to provide stability of temperature while others are designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are built to control the lever. There are also some that have a combination of features, such as the E61 that is the classic choice among many baristas due to its capacity to offer multiple perks in a single package.

As you can see from the image above the head of the group is fitted with several notches. The portafilter is placed in these notches, then twist the head to lock it. A gasket made of rubber is placed inside the notches to help create a seal as you insert your portafilter. The notches allow for an exact placement of the portafilter. This is crucial to ensure an efficient extraction.

The group head not only allows the portafilter to be inserted easily however, it also keeps the same temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter, ensuring that it's always at the correct temperature for extraction. It is important to realize that even a tiny differences can make the distinction between a great and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps that are used in rotary espresso machines provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required for espresso extraction. This is different from manual piston machines that rely on a lever. The pressure builds by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior it is shot through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps tend to be cheaper than piston-driven machines, and they tend to last longer. However, both types of machine can get damaged through overuse and lack of cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems that can lead to costly prices for even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines do away with the pump completely and instead utilize steam pressure to make espresso. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that makes steam also warms the water to boil. The machines also need 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 makes use of an oscillating disk to create pressure, while a Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at a fast 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 component that heats water to an optimal temperature for extraction. The steam created will eventually reach the portafilter, which is a container for espresso grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. During this process the steam creates enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This results in a layer of crema that is then poured over. This is the hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso makers. They differ in the type of pump they employ and the degree of heat that the espresso is. There are a variety of ways to control the amount of brew, as well as the size of cup that can be produced by the machine.

The first espresso 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 created by the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most well-known espresso maker is a semi-automatic machine that has an electric pump. When buy espresso machines think of espresso machines, they envision these machines. With a semi-automatic machine, you grind the beans and tamp them yourself but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is a perfect combination of human control and mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually use filters that separate the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also a vital part of the machine's temperature control, since it helps to prevent overheating.

A filter also helps with flavor because it allows for an extended flowering time. This helps the beans to release their nuances and gives an opportunity to improve 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 very important.

This is where the magic happens, and it's what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead, often referred to as the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the container you place the coffee grounds into) is located when you're making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water that is heated in an airtight container to produce steam. The steam then pushes hot water through the grounds of coffee under high pressure. These kinds of machines tend to be cheaper and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their ability to provide the perfect conditions for brewing, as they only operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. While the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, compressed air-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.

Read More: https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/espresso-coffee-machines