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10 Machine Espresso-Related Meetups You Should Attend
How Does Machine Espresso Work?

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

To make an espresso hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee but the key difference is in the pressure.

The Group Head

The group head is the portafilter you insert when brewing espresso. It disperses water in the portafilter and controls the pressure of the extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed to provide stability in temperature, while others are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. Some contain a variety of features, such as the E61 that is the standard choice for many baristas because of its ability to provide multiple benefits in one package.

As you can see in the above photo, the group head has numerous notches that you can place your portafilter and twist it manually to secure it. A gasket of rubber is situated within the notches to create a seal as you insert your portafilter. The notches permit an exact placement of the portafilter. This is crucial to ensure a consistent extraction.

In addition to allowing you to easily connect your portafilter, the group head is also responsible for maintaining an even temperature. This is achieved by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket, making sure that the temperature is always at the right level to extract the coffee. It is important to realize that even a slight variation can mean the difference between a good and a great espresso.

The Pump

Motorized pumps in rotary espresso machines provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure required for espresso extraction. This differs from manual piston machines which use a lever. This pressure is generated 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 machine can be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, and can add to the price of even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines eliminate the pump completely and instead make use of steam pressure to make espresso. The disadvantage of this is that the boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of water to boiling and can result in over-extraction. In addition these machines are often required to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.

Many espresso machines make use of either a rotary or vibration pump, which has a vibration model that uses a vibrating disc that generates the pressure and an rotary model that pushes hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both types of machines can make excellent espresso, but rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the component that heats the water to the ideal temperature to extract. The resulting steam reaches the portafilter, which contains ground espresso beans and is then pumped down into the cup. The steam creates pressure that pushes through the coffee grounds. This results in a crema on top of the espresso. This is one of the main characteristics of a good espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they employ and how hot the espresso is. There are also different ways that the brew can be controlled, as well as the size of the cup that the machine can produce.

The first espresso machines were steam-based. The earliest espresso machines were steam-type machines. pro espresso machine tasted bitter and burned. The modern espresso machine was created by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most common espresso maker is a semi-automatic device with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they think of these machines. If you have a semi-automatic machine you must grind the beans and then tamp them by hand, but the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and mechanized consistency.

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 essential component of the temperature control system as it prevents the machine from overheating.

It also enhances flavor, since a filter can allow for a longer bloom phase. This lets the beans release their flavors, and allows for a better extraction.

However it is crucial to keep in mind that even a great filter can result in a poor cup of coffee as the quality of the beans and extraction is still essential.


This is where the magic happens. It's what makes an espresso really taste good. The grouphead, also referred to as the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the container you place the ground coffee in) sits when you're making espresso.

In an espresso machine that is driven by steam, hot water is heated in an airtight container to create steam. Steam is then pushed through the grounds under high pressure. These types of machines are usually less expensive and simpler to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their ability to provide the perfect brewing conditions because they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. While the perfect shot requires 9-10 bar.

In recent years, compressed air pump-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They utilize an air compressor to force hot water into the grounds and are more portable than steam-driven electric machines.

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