12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso uses precise pressure, as well as a filtering technology that is amazing to make the coffee you love. How exactly does it work?

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

The Group Head

The group head is the portafilter you insert when brewing espresso. It distributes water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure of the extraction. There are many different types of group heads each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are designed for stability of temperature while others are designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are built to control the lever. Some are a combination, like the E61. This is a very popular choice for baristas because it offers multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see from the image above the head of the group is equipped with several notches. You can place your portafilter inside these notches, and then twist the head to lock it. There is also a gasket made of rubber that resides inside the notches and helps create a seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit a precise location of the portafilter which is vital for an even extraction.

The group head not only lets the portafilter to be inserted easily however it also keeps an even temperature. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket, making sure that the temperature is at the right level to extract the coffee. It is important to note that even a slight difference can make the difference between a good and great espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, which rely on a lever that pressurize water, rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required to extract espresso. The pressure is built by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven machines, and tend to last longer. However, both types of machines can get damaged through overuse and lack of cleaning. They also add mechanical complexity, which can result in a high price tag on even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines make use of steam pressure instead of a pump for brewing espresso. espresso machine This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that produces steam also causes the water to boil. In addition the machines often have to restore their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

Many espresso machines make use of a vibration or rotary pump, which is a vibration model using a vibrating disc to generate the pressure and a rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both types of machines can produce an excellent espresso, however the rotary models are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler makes the water warm to the ideal temperature to extract. The steam that is produced reaches the portafilter containing the ground espresso coffee, and is then pumped down into the cup. During this process the steam generates enough pressure to push the grounds of coffee through. This results in a crema on the top of the espresso. This is one of the main characteristics of a good 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 in which the brew can be controlled and the size of the cup that the maker can create.

The earliest espresso machines were steam-based. The earliest espresso machines were steam-type machines. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is the reason why Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine.

The most common espresso machine is a semiautomatic with an electric pump. This is what people envision when they imagine an espresso machine. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans yourself The pump, however, 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 use a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also an important element of the temperature control system as it keeps the machine from overheating.

A filter can also help with flavor because it allows for a longer flowering phase. This lets the beans let their nuances out, and allows for a better extraction.

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

This is where the magic happens, it's the thing that makes espresso taste great. The grouphead, often called the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the thing you put the ground coffee in) sits when you're making espresso.

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

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