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10 Facts About Machine Espresso That Will Instantly Put You In An Optimistic Mood
How Does Machine Espresso Work?

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

To make espresso, hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, however the main difference lies in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

As the name suggests, the group head is the place you place your portafilter when brewing espresso. It disperses water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure during the extraction. There are several different types of group heads each with its particular advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed for stability of temperature while others are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. Some include a mix of features, such as the E61 one, which is to be the most popular among baristas because of its ability to offer multiple perks in a single package.

As you can see in the picture above, the group head has a number of notches. You place your portafilter in these notches, then twist the head to lock it. There is also a rubber gasket in the notches and helps to create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches permit precise placement of the portafilter. This is crucial to ensure an efficient extraction.

The group head not only allows 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 because even a few degrees can mean the difference between excellent and great espresso.

The Pump

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

Pumps tend to be less expensive and last for longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines may degrade due to overuse and insufficient cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems and can lead to costly prices for even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines make use of steam pressure instead of a pump in order to brew espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that produces steam also heats the water until it comes to a boil. Additionally these machines typically have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.

Many espresso machines make use of either a rotary or vibration pump, with a vibrating model that uses a vibrating disc to create pressure and the rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both machines produce great espresso, but rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is what is used to heat the water to the perfect temperature for extraction. The resulting steam is then transferred to the portafilter that contains the ground espresso and is then pumped down into the cup. The steam is able to create enough pressure to push the grounds of coffee through. This results in a layer crema on top. This is one of the main characteristics 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 espresso is. There are a variety of ways that the brew may be controlled as well as the dimensions of the cup the machine is capable of making.

The first espresso machines were steam-types. They utilized only one boiler to make both brew and steam, however, the pressure they could generate was low - only two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. This resulted in the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. 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. When people think of espresso machines, they picture these machines. With a semi-automatic machine you have to grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. The pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a perfect combination of human control and mechanized reliability.


The Filter

Typically, espresso machines use filters that separate the coffee grounds as they pass through the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temp control, as it prevents overheating.

It also improves flavor, as it allows for a more prolonged bloom time. This lets the beans release their flavor and improves extraction.

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

Coffeee UK is where the magic happens. It's what makes espresso taste great. The grouphead, also referred to as the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the device you put the coffee ground into) is located when you're making espresso.

In a steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam. Steam then pushes the hot water through the grounds at a high pressure. These kinds of machines are generally less expensive and simpler to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited for creating the ideal brewing conditions as they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, compressed air pump-driven espresso machines have become more popular. They use an air compressor to force the hot water through the grounds, and are far more portable than steam-driven electric machines.

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