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The Most Advanced Guide To Machine Espresso
How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso utilizes precise pressure and amazing filter technology to make the delicious coffee we enjoy. What exactly does it work?

To make espresso, hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee. However, the pressure is the primary difference.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter that you put in when making espresso. It distributes water into the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure during the extraction. There are a variety of group heads each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some are specifically designed for stability of temperature while others are designed to handle pre-infusion. Some are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination, like the E61. This is a very popular choice for baristas as it provides a variety of advantages in one package.

As you can see in the photo above The group head features several notches where you place your portafilter and twist it with your hands to lock it in. A gasket of rubber is situated inside the notches, which helps make a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches permit precise placement of your portafilter. This is crucial to ensure an accurate extraction.

In addition to allowing you easily insert your portafilter, the group head is responsible for maintaining a consistent temperature. This is accomplished 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 remember that even a few degree deviation can make the difference between a good and a great espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, which use a lever to pressurize water, the rotary espresso machines use motorized pumps to supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure necessary for espresso extraction. This pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to being shot through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer. However, espresso machine uk of machines may become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems that can lead to costly prices for even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines eliminate the pump completely and instead utilize steam pressure to make espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that makes steam also warms the water to boil. They also have to constantly rebuild their pressure in between cups. This takes energy and time.

Many espresso machines use either a vibration or rotary pump. A vibration model employs a vibrating disk to generate pressure, while the Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at a high speed. Both machines produce great espresso, however rotary machines are more stable, quieter and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is the element that heats the water to the optimal temperature for extraction. The steam that is produced reaches the portafilter, which is a container for espresso grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. During this process, the steam creates pressure to push through the coffee grounds. This results in a layer crema that is then poured over. This is a sign of a great espresso.

There are three different types of espresso machines, each having a different type of pump and the temperature of the brew. There are also different ways that the brew can be controlled as well as the size of the cup that the machine can make.


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

The most commonly used espresso machine is a semiautomatic model with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they imagine these machines. With a semi-automatic machine, you must grind the beans and then tamp them yourself but the pump is able to regulate the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanised accuracy.

The Filter

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

It also improves flavor as a filter can allow for a longer bloom phase. This allows the beans to release their flavors and provides an opportunity to improve extraction.

It is important to keep in mind that even the finest filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans and the extraction, are still very important.

It's in this area that the magic occurs. This is what makes espresso taste so delicious. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter, which is the thingy that you put the grounds of your coffee into when making espresso.

In an espresso machine that is driven by steam, hot water is heated in an airtight container to create steam, which then pushes the hot water through the grounds under high pressure. These machines are cheaper and are easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their capacity to create 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, espresso machines driven by compressed air-pump are becoming increasingly popular. They use an air compressor to force hot water through the ground. They are also more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.

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