9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine professional espresso machine for home uses precision pressure and incredible filter technology to produce the coffee we love. What exactly does it work?

Espresso is made by pushing hot water at 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

The group head is the portafilter is inserted when you are making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter and then controlling the pressure that results from the extraction. There are many different kinds of group heads each with its particular advantages and disadvantages. Some are focused on temperature stability, others on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. Some come with a range of features, such as the E61 that is the standard choice for many baristas due to its ability to offer multiple perks in a single package.

As you can see from the photo above, the group head is fitted with several notches. You can place your portafilter inside these notches, and then twist the head to lock it. A gasket made of rubber is positioned inside the notches to help create a seal as you insert your portafilter. The notches permit precise placement of the portafilter. This is crucial to ensure an even extraction.

Apart from allowing you easily insert your portafilter, the group head is responsible for maintaining an even temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket and around the portafilter, ensuring that it is always at the right temperature for extraction. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a slight deviation can make the difference between a decent espresso machine and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps that are used in rotary espresso machines supply the nine atmospheric bar pressure needed to extract espresso. This is different from manual piston machines that rely on a lever. This pressure is generated by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven models, and they tend to last longer. However, both types of machine can be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which can raise prices of even simplest models.

Some espresso machines employ steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that makes steam also heats the water until it comes to a boil. These machines also have to continually rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.

A majority of espresso machines utilize a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model employs the vibrating disk to create pressure, while a circular model pushes hot liquid through the ground at a rapid speed. Both types of machines can make excellent espresso, however the rotary models are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is what heats the water to the ideal temperature for extraction. The steam created gets to the portafilter which is a container for espresso grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. The steam creates pressure and pushes through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a layer crema that is then poured over. This is one of the hallmarks of a good espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso makers, and they differ in the kind of pump they use and how hot the brew is. There are various ways to control the brew and the size of the cup that can be made by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam-types. The first espresso coffee maker machines were steam types. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most well-known espresso machine is a semiautomatic one with an electric pump. These are what people imagine when they think of an espresso maker. If you have a semi-automatic machine you have to grind the beans and then tamp them by hand, but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually have a filter that separates the grounds of coffee from hot water. The filter is also a vital part of the temperature control system, since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.

A filter also improves flavor since it allows for a longer flowering period. This lets the beans release their flavor and also allows for better extraction.

It is important to keep in mind that even the best espresso machine under 200 filter can result in a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, and the extraction, remain vital.

It's here that the magic happens. This is what makes espresso taste so good. The grouphead, also called the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the thing you put the coffee and espresso machine ground into) sits when you're making espresso.

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

In recent times, espresso machines powered 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.