How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso uses precise pressure and filtering system that is awe-inspiring to make the coffee you 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 that of making drip coffee. However the pressure is the main difference.

The Group Head

The name implies, the group head is where you put your portafilter in when making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter and controlling the pressure that results from the extraction. There are a variety of types of group head each with its particular advantages and disadvantages. Some are designed to provide temperature stability 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 considered the classic choice among many baristas due to its capacity to offer multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the photo above, the group head has many notches in which you can place your portafilter and then twist it by hand to lock it in. There is also a gasket made of rubber which is located inside the notches and helps to create a seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches allow for the precise placement of the portafilter. This is vital for a consistent extraction.

The group head is not just able to allow you to put in your portafilter easily however it also keeps the temperature at a constant level. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew basket and around the portafilter, making sure that it's always at the right temperature to extract. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a slight deviation can make the difference between a good and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

Contrary to manual piston machines that use a lever to pressurize water, rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to deliver the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required for espresso extraction. 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 models, and they tend to last longer, although both types of machines could become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems, which can result in costly prices for even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines use steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. The downside is that the boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of water to boiling which can cause excessive extraction. The machines must also continually rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.

A large majority of espresso machines employ the rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model uses the vibrating disk to create pressure, whereas a rotating model pushes hot water through the ground at high speed. Both machines can make excellent espresso maker barista, however rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is the one that heats the water to a temperature that is ideal to extract. The steam produced will eventually reach the portafilter, which holds the espresso grounds. It is then funneled into the cup. During this process the steam causes enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This creates a foam on top of the espresso. This is a hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three types of Beko CEP5152B Espresso Machine - 15 Bar Black machines, each with distinct pumps and brew temperature. There are different ways that the brew may be controlled, as well as the dimensions of the cup the machine can make.

The earliest espresso machines were steam type. The earliest espresso machines were steam types. This resulted in the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is why the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.

The most popular espresso machine is a semiautomatic with an electric pump. These are the images people have when they think of an espresso maker. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans by yourself, but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanized quality.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines use filters to separate the grounds of coffee when they pass through the hot water. The filter is also a vital component of the temperature control system, since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.

A filter also improves flavor since it allows for an extended flowering time. This allows beans to let their nuances out and provides an opportunity to improve extraction.

It is important to keep in mind that even the most efficient filter can make a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans and the extraction process, remain crucial.

It's here that the magic takes place. This is the reason why espresso tastes so delicious. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter, the device used to place the grounds of your coffee into while making espresso.

In a steam-driven espresso machine, hot water is heated in an airtight container to create steam, which is then pushed through the grounds at a high pressure. These types of machines are typically less expensive and simpler to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their capacity to create the ideal brewing conditions, because they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure, while the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, espresso machines driven by compressed air-pump are becoming increasingly popular. They use an air compressor to push hot water across the ground, and are more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.