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How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso and filter coffee machine (you can try here) makes use of 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 pressure is the major difference.

The Head of the Group

As the name implies the group head is where you place your portafilter when making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing the water into the portafilter before controlling the pressure that results from the extraction. There are many different kinds of group head each with its unique advantages and drawbacks. Some are specifically designed for stability in temperature, while others are designed to handle pre-infusion. Some are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination of features, such as the E61, which is the classic choice among many baristas due to its capacity to provide multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the photo above the head of the group is equipped with several notches. The portafilter is placed into these notches and twist the head to secure it. There is also a gasket made of rubber which is located inside the notches to help create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit an exact positioning of the portafilter which is essential for an efficient extraction.

In addition to allowing you to easily connect your portafilter, the group head is responsible for maintaining an even temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew basket and around the portafilter, ensuring that it's always at the right temperature to extract. This is crucial, since even a small difference in temperature can make the difference between excellent and great espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps in rotary espresso machines supply the nine atmospheric bar pressure needed to extract espresso. This differs from manual piston machines that use levers. This pressure is generated by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps are generally cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines can degrade because of excessive use and insufficient cleaning. They also create mechanical complexity that can lead to costly prices for even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines do away with the pump entirely and make use of steam pressure to make espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that makes steam also heats the water to boil. These machines also have to continually rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.

Many espresso machines make use of an rotary or a vibration pump. A vibration model uses a vibrating disk to generate pressure, Espresso and filter coffee Machine whereas the circular model pushes hot liquid through the ground at high speed. Both types of machine can produce an excellent espresso, espresso and filter Coffee machine however the rotary pumps are quieter, and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler heats the water to the right temperature for extraction. The resultant steam then reaches the portafilter that contains the ground espresso and is then pumped into the cup. The steam causes pressure to push through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a layer of crema that is then poured over. This is the hallmark of a good espresso.

There are three types of retro espresso machine makers, and they differ in the type of pump they use and how hot the espresso is. There are a variety of ways in which the brew can be controlled, as well as the size of the cup the machine is capable of making.

The first espresso machines were steam-type. They used one boiler to create both brew and steam, but the pressure they could produce was very low - just two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. The coffee tasted bitter and burned. This is why Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine.

The most commonly used espresso maker is a semi-automatic one with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they envision these machines. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans yourself however the pump controls the water flow and pressure. This is a perfect combination of human control and mechanized consistency.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines employ filters that separate the grounds of coffee when they pass through the hot water. The filter is also an essential element of the machine's temperature control, as it prevents overheating.

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

However, it is important to remember that even a good filter can produce a bad cup of coffee, as the quality of the beans and extraction is still crucial.

This is where the magic happens, it's what makes espresso taste great. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter, which is the thingy that you put the grounds of your coffee into when making espresso.

In the steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight container to create steam. Steam is then pushed through the grounds under high pressure. These kinds of machines are generally less expensive and simpler to maintain than pump-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their capacity 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 bars.

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