10 Tell-Tale Symptoms You Need To Buy A Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso uses precision pressure, and filtering technology that is amazing to make the coffee you enjoy. What exactly is it that makes it work?

In order to make espresso, hot water is pushed under 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

As the name suggests, the group head is the place you place your portafilter while making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter, and controlling the pressure that results from the extraction. There are several different types of group heads, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Some are specifically designed for stability in temperature, while others are built to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. Some include a mix of features, such as the E61, which is the most popular choice among baristas for its ability to offer multiple benefits in one package.

As you can see in the picture above the head of the group is fitted with several notches. It is possible to place your portafilter in these notches and then twist the head to lock it. A gasket made of rubber is placed in the notches to create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head allow for a precise position of the portafilter which is necessary to ensure an even extraction.

The group head not only allows you to place your portafilter easily but also maintains an even temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the correct temperature for extraction. This is important, as even a small difference in temperature can mean the difference between good and excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps that are used in rotary espresso machines supply the nine atmospheric bar pressure required for espresso extraction. This is different from manual piston machines that use a lever. The pressure is created by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be cheaper than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer, but both types of machines can be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. They also create mechanical complexity and can lead to costly prices for even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines make use of steam pressure instead of a pump in order to brew espresso. This can cause over-extraction because the boiler that makes steam also causes the water to boil. In addition these machines typically have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

A large majority of espresso maker for home machines employ a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model utilizes an oscillating disk to create pressure, whereas a rotating model pushes hot water through the ground at high speed. Both machines can produce excellent mini espresso machine however rotary machines tend to be quieter, more durable and less likely to break.

The Boiler

The boiler is the one that heats the water to the right temperature to extract. The resulting steam reaches the portafilter which holds the ground espresso coffee, and is then pumped down into the cup. During this process, the steam causes pressure to push through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a crema on top of the espresso. This is one of the hallmarks of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso makers. They differ in the type of pump they use and how hot the brew is. There are different ways in which the brew can be controlled, as well as the dimensions of the cup the machine can make.

The first espresso machines were steam-based. They had one boiler to create both steam and brew, however the pressure they were able to generate was low - only two bars of atmospheric pressure maximum. The coffee tasted bitter and burned. The modern espresso machine was created by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most well-known espresso maker is a semi-automatic device that has an electric pump. These are what people imagine when they think of an espresso machine coffee maker. With a semi-automatic machine, you need to grind the beans and tamp them by hand, but the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a perfect compromise between human control and mechanised reliability.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines utilize filters that separate the grounds of the coffee as they go through the hot water. The filter is also an essential part of the machine's temperature control, as it helps prevent overheating.

It also helps with flavor, as a filter allows for a longer bloom time. This helps the beans release their nuances and gives an opportunity for a better extraction.

However it is crucial to remember that even a great filter could result in a bad cup of coffee, as the quality of the beans and extraction is still crucial.

This is where the magic happens, and it's what makes espresso taste great. The grouphead, sometimes called the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the device you put the ground coffee in) is located 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 under high pressure. These types of machines are generally cheaper and easier to maintain than pump-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 perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

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