There's Enough! 15 Things About Machine Espresso We're Fed Up Of Hearing

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine retro espresso maker uses precise pressure and filter technology that is mind-blowing to create the coffee you enjoy. How does it work exactly?

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

The Group Head

The group head is the portafilter that is inserted when you are making espresso. It disperses water in the portafilter and regulates the pressure of the extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination, such as the E61. This is a popular choice among baristas due to the fact that it has multiple advantages in one package.

As you can see in the photo above the head of the group is equipped with several notches. The portafilter is placed in these notches, then twist the head to secure it. There is also a gasket made from rubber which is located inside the notches, which helps create a seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches permit precise placement of the portafilter. This is crucial for an efficient extraction.

The group head not only allows the portafilter to be inserted easily however it also keeps the temperature at a constant level. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket, and around the portafilter to ensure that it is always at the right temperature to extract. It is important to note that even a few degree variation can mean the difference between a great and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps that are used in espresso machines that rotate provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure required to extract espresso machine with frother. This is different from manual piston machines which use a lever. The pressure builds by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to it is shot through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps tend to be less expensive and last for longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines can deteriorate due to excessive use and insufficient cleaning. They also create mechanical complexity that can lead to costly prices for even the simplest models.

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

A majority of espresso machines use either a rotary or vibration pump, with a vibrating model using a rotating disc to create pressure, and an rotary model that pushes hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both types of machine are capable of producing excellent espresso, but the rotary pumps are quieter, and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the element that heats water to an optimal temperature to extract. The resulting steam reaches the portafilter containing the ground buy espresso machine and is then pumped down into the cup. During this process the steam causes enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This results in a crema on top of the espresso. This is one of the main characteristics of a good espresso.

There are three types of espresso makers, which differ in the kind of pump they use and how hot the espresso is. There are various ways that the brew may be controlled and the size of the cup the machine is capable of making.

The earliest espresso machines were steam type. They utilized one boiler to make both steam and brew but the pressure they could produce was very low - just two bars of atmospheric pressure maximum. This led to the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. 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 picture these machines. If you have a semi-automatic machine you need to grind the beans and tamp them yourself but the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanised accuracy.

The Filter

Typically, mini espresso maker machines utilize filters to separate the grounds of the coffee as they go through the hot water. The filter is also an important part of the temperature control system, since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.

It also improves flavor, as it allows for a longer bloom phase. This lets the beans release their flavors, and allows for better extraction.

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

This is where the magic happens. It's what makes an espresso really taste good. The grouphead, often referred to as the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the device you put the coffee ground into) is placed when you're making espresso.

In an espresso machine that is driven by steam, hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam, which then pushes the hot water through the grounds under high pressure. These types of machines are generally less expensive and simpler to maintain than pump-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create the perfect brewing conditions as they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The ideal shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, espresso machines powered by a compressed air pump have become increasingly popular. They use an air compressor to force hot water into the ground. They are also more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.