10 Meetups On Machine Espresso You Should Attend

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso is made using precise pressure and filter technology that is awe-inspiring to make the coffee you enjoy. What exactly is it that makes it work?

espresso and filter coffee machine is made by pushing hot water at high pressure through finely-ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However it is the pressure that makes the main difference.

The Group Head

The name implies, 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 of the extraction. There are a variety of types of group head, each with their distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. Some include a combination like the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas because it offers multiple benefits in one package.

As you can see in the image above the group head is made up of several notches where you place your portafilter and then twist it with your hands to lock it in. A gasket of rubber is situated inside the notches to help make a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head allow for a precise positioning of the portafilter which is vital for an efficient extraction.

Apart from allowing you easily insert your portafilter, the group head is also responsible to ensure that the temperature remains even. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter, ensuring that it's always at the correct temperature to extract. This is vital, because even a few degrees can mean the difference between good and great espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps used in rotary mini espresso machine machines provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This is different from manually operated piston machines that employ a lever. This pressure is generated by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven machines, and they tend to last longer, however both types of machine can become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems and can lead to the cost of even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines make use of steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. This can result in over-extraction because the boiler that produces steam also heats the water to boil. The machines also need to constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.

A majority of espresso machines utilize an rotary or a vibration pump. A vibration model employs a vibrating disk to generate pressure, whereas a Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at a high speed. Both types of machine can make excellent espresso, but rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the component that heats water to the optimal temperature for extraction. The steam produced will eventually reach the portafilter, which holds the espresso grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. During this process the steam is able to create enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee espresso machine through. This creates a crema on the top of the espresso. This is one of the hallmarks of a great espresso.

There are three distinct types of espresso machines, each having different pumps and the temperature of the brew. There are various ways to control the amount of brew, as well as the size of the cup that can be made by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam types. They employed one boiler to create both steam and brew however, the pressure they could generate was low - only two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. The coffee tasted bitter and burned. The modern espresso machine was designed by the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most well-known espresso machine is a semiautomatic model with an electric espresso maker pump. These are what people imagine when they imagine an espresso machine. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp your beans yourself, but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between human control and mechanised accuracy.

The Filter

compact espresso machine (just click Hzpc 6) machines usually have a filter that separates the grounds of coffee from hot water. The filter is also a vital element of the machine's temperature control, since it stops overheating.

It also aids in flavor, since a filter can allow for a longer bloom phase. This allows the beans to release their flavor and gives the chance for better extraction.

It is important to remember that even the finest filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, and the extraction process, are still crucial.

This is where the magic happens, it's the thing that makes espresso taste great. The grouphead, also called the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the device you put the coffee grounds into) is located when you're making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water heated in an airtight container to create steam. The steam then moves hot water through the grounds of coffee under high pressure. They are less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their ability to produce the perfect conditions for brewing, as they only operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bar.

In recent years, compressed-air-pump-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They utilize an air compressor to push hot water through grounds, and are far more portable than electric steam-driven machines.