Notes

3 Common Reasons Why Your Machine Espresso Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)
How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to create the delicious coffee we enjoy. What exactly is it that makes it work?

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

The Head of the Group

As the name implies, the group head is where you place your portafilter when brewing espresso. It disperses the water into the portafilter and regulates the pressure during the extraction. There are many different kinds of group heads each with its distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are specifically designed for stability in temperature, while others are built to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. There are some that include a mix of features, such as the E61, which is considered the most popular choice among baristas for its ability to offer multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the above image The group head features several notches to place your portafilter and twist it with your hands to secure it. There is also a gasket made from rubber in the notches and helps to create the seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head allow for a precise location of the portafilter which is vital to ensure a consistent extraction.

The group head not only allows you to insert your portafilter easily but also maintains the temperature at a constant level. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the correct temperature for extraction. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a few degree variation can mean the difference between a decent and a great espresso.

The Pump


Unlike manual piston machines, which use a lever to pressurize water, the rotary espresso machines use motorized pumps to supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure necessary to extract espresso. The pressure is created by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps are typically cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines can deteriorate because of excessive use and poor cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which could increase the cost of even the simpler models.

Some espresso machines make use of steam pressure instead of a pump for brewing espresso. This can cause over-extraction because the boiler that makes steam also heats the water until it comes to a boil. In addition these machines typically have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.

A majority of espresso machines utilize an rotary or a vibration pump. A vibration model utilizes a vibrating disk to generate pressure, whereas the rotating model pushes hot water through the ground at a fast speed. Both types of machines can make excellent espresso, but the rotary pumps are quieter, and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is what heats the water to the perfect temperature for extraction. The steam that is created gets to the portafilter which contains the espresso coffee grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. During this process the steam causes enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This results in a whipped-up the top of the espresso. This is one of the hallmarks of a great espresso.

There are three types 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 cup that can be produced by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam-based. They used a single boiler to make both steam and brew however, the pressure they could generate was low - only two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is why Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.

The most well-known espresso maker is a semi-automatic device 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 your beans yourself, but the pump regulates the water flow and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually use a filter that separates the coffee grounds from the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temperature control, since it helps to prevent overheating.

It also helps with flavor, as a filter allows for a longer bloom phase. This allows the beans to release their nuances, and allows for a better extraction.

However, it is important to keep in mind that even a top filter can result in a poor cup of coffee, since the quality of the beans and extraction are essential.

best espresso machine under 200 is where the magic happens, it's what makes an espresso really taste good. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter, the device that you put the coffee grounds into, when making espresso.

In a steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam. Steam is then pushed through the grounds under high pressure. They are less expensive and are easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability 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 years, espresso machines driven by a compressed air compressor have become increasingly popular. They use an air compressor to force hot water through the ground and are much more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.

Here's my website: https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/espresso-coffee-machines