How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso utilizes precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to make the delicious coffee we enjoy. How exactly does it work?

To make an espresso, hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, however the main difference lies in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter that you put in when making espresso. It disperses water in the portafilter and regulates the pressure during the extraction. There are several different types of group heads each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. Some are specifically designed for the stability of temperature while some are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Some are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination, such as the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas since it provides multiple advantages in a single package.

As you can see in the above image, the group head has several notches where you place your portafilter and twist it with your hands to lock it in. A gasket made of rubber is placed inside the notches, which helps create a seal as you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head permit an exact location of the portafilter which is vital for an efficient extraction.

The group head does not just allow you to put in your portafilter easily however it also keeps a constant temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter, ensuring that it's always at the right temperature to extract. It is important to remember that even a small deviation can make the difference between a great and a great espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, that use a lever to pressurize water, rotating espresso machines rely upon motorized pumps to deliver the nine atmospheric bars of pressure necessary for espresso extraction. The pressure is built by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps are typically less expensive and last for longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines are susceptible to degrading because of frequent use and poor cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems that can lead to a high price tag on even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines eliminate the pump entirely and employ steam pressure to create espresso. The drawback of this is that the same boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of the water to the point of boiling which can cause over-extraction. In addition the machines often have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

A majority of espresso machines utilize an rotary or a vibration pump. A vibration model uses the vibrating disk to create pressure, while the rotating model pushes hot water through the ground at a high speed. Both machines produce great espresso, but rotary machines are more quiet, durable and less likely to break.

The Boiler

The boiler makes the water warm to a temperature that is ideal to extract. The steam that is created gets to the portafilter which holds the espresso grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. During this process, steam creates pressure that pushes through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a layer crema that is then poured over. This is a sign of a great Premium Tower Espresso Machine with Frother and Carafe.

There are three types of espresso makers. They differ in the kind of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are different ways that the brew may be controlled, as well as the size of the cup the machine can produce.

The first De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine: Coffee Lover's Dream machines were steam-type. They employed one boiler to create both steam and brew but the pressure they could create was minimal - two bars of atmospheric pressure, at most. This resulted in the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. This is why Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni developed the modern espresso machine.

The most well-known espresso maker is a semi-automatic device that has an electric pump. When people think of beko cep5152b espresso Machine - 15 bar black machines, they picture these machines. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans on your own while the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human control and mechanized reliability.

The Filter

Espresso machines typically have a filter that separates the grounds of coffee from hot water. The filter is also a crucial component of the temperature control system because it stops the machine from overheating.

It also aids in flavor as a filter allows for a more prolonged bloom time. This allows the beans to release their nuances and gives an opportunity for better extraction.

It is important to keep in mind that even the finest filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans as well as the extraction, are still very important.

It's here that the magic happens. 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 put the grounds of coffee into when making espresso.

In the steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam. Steam then pushes the hot water through the grounds at high pressure. They are less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their ability to create the perfect conditions for brewing, since they are only operating at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. However, the perfect shot requires 9-10 bar.

In recent years, espresso machines powered by a compressed air compressor have become increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor to force hot water into the grounds, and are far more portable than electric steam-driven machines.