How Does Machine Espresso Work?
The machine espresso uses precise pressure and filter technology that is awe-inspiring to create the coffee you love. How does it work exactly?
In order 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
As the name suggests the group head is the place you insert your portafilter when brewing espresso. It disperses the water into the portafilter and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are various kinds of group head, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Some are specifically designed for the stability of temperature while some are built to handle pre-infusion. Others are built to control the lever. There are some that include a mix of features, like the E61, which is the standard choice for many baristas due to its ability to offer multiple perks in one package.
As you can see in the above photo the group head comes with several notches where you place your portafilter before twisting it with your hands to lock it in. There is also a rubber gasket which is located inside the notches to help create a 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.
In addition to allowing you to easily place your portafilter in, the group head is responsible to ensure that the temperature remains even. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter, making sure that it is always at the right temperature to extract. It is important to realize that even a few degree variation can mean the difference between a good and excellent espresso.
The Pump
In contrast to manual piston machines which rely on a lever to pressurize water, Rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure that are required to extract espresso. The pressure builds up by drawing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior being pumped through the ground coffee in the group head.
Pumps are generally less expensive than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer. However, both types of machine can degrade with overuse and insufficient cleaning. They also create mechanical complexity and can lead to the cost of even the most basic models.
Some
barista espresso machine machines employ steam pressure instead of a pump to make
espresso coffee machines. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that makes steam also heats the water to boil. Additionally these machines are often required to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.
Many espresso machines employ either a rotary or vibration pump, which is a vibration model using a rotating disc that generates the pressure, and a rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both machines can make great espresso but rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break.
The Boiler
The boiler is the part which heats the water to the optimal temperature to extract. The resulting steam reaches the portafilter, which contains the ground espresso coffee and is then pumped into the cup. In this process, the steam creates pressure and pushes through the coffee grounds. This results in a layer crema on top. This is a hallmark of a great
pro espresso machine.
There are three kinds of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they use and the degree of heat that the espresso is. There are also different ways that the brew can be controlled, as well as the size of the cup the machine is capable of making.
The earliest espresso machines were steam types. The earliest espresso machines were steam-type machines. This led to the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. This is the reason Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.
The most common
espresso capsule machine maker is a semi-automatic machine that has an electric pump. These are what people imagine when they think of an espresso machine. With a semi-Automatic Espresso Machine (
Mazafakas.Com), you need to grind the beans and tamp them by hand, but the pump is able to regulate the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanized accuracy.
The Filter
Typically, espresso machines have filters that separate the coffee grounds as they pass through the hot water. The filter is also a vital part of the machine's temperature control, as it prevents overheating.
A filter also helps with flavor since it allows for a longer flowering period. This helps the beans release their flavor and gives an opportunity for a better extraction.
However it is crucial to remember that even a good filter could result in a bad cup of coffee, because the quality of the beans and extraction are crucial.
It's here that the magic takes place. This is the reason why espresso tastes so delicious. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter - the thingy that you use to put the grounds of coffee into while making
espresso maker barista.
In the steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight tank to produce steam, which then pushes the hot water through the grounds at high pressure. These machines are less expensive and are easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their ability to create the perfect conditions for brewing, as they only 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 have become increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor to push hot water through the ground, and are more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.
