10 Meetups On Machine Espresso You Should Attend

How Does Machine espresso coffee maker Work?

The machine espresso is made using precision pressure, and a filtering system that is awe-inspiring to make the coffee you enjoy. But how exactly does it work?

In order to make espresso hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee but the difference is in the pressure.

The Group Head

The group head is the portafilter you place in the espresso maker when making it. It distributes water into the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure of extraction. There are several different types of group heads each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. Some are focused on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. Some come with a combination of both, such as the E61. This is a popular choice among baristas as it provides a variety of benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the image above the group head is made up of several notches to put your portafilter, then twist it with your hands to secure it. There is also a gasket made from rubber that is a part of the notches to help create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit a precise placement of the portafilter, which is vital to ensure a consistent extraction.

The group head does not just allow the portafilter to be inserted easily but also maintains a constant temperature. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew basin, ensuring that the temperature is constant to extract the coffee. It is important to realize that even a few degree deviation can make the difference between a good and great espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps that are used in espresso machines that rotate provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This is different from manual piston machines which use a lever. The pressure builds by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to it is shot through the ground coffee inside the group head.

Pumps are generally less expensive than piston-driven machines, and tend to last longer, however both types of machines can become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. They also make mechanically complex that can lead to a high price tag on even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines remove the pump completely and utilize steam pressure to make espresso. This could lead bean to cup espresso machine over-extraction since the boiler that makes steam also heats the water to boil. They also have bean to cup espresso machine constantly rebuild their pressure in between cups. This takes energy and time.

A large majority of espresso machines employ the rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model employs the vibrating disk to create pressure, while a rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at a high speed. Both types of machines can produce an excellent espresso, but Rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler will heat the water to a temperature that is ideal for extraction. The steam created gets to the portafilter which is the container that holds the espresso coffee grounds. It is then funneled into the cup. The steam is able to create enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This creates a layer crema on top. This is one of the hallmarks of a good espresso.

There are three types of espresso and filter coffee machine machines, each with a different type of pump and the temperature of the brew. There are also different ways that the brew can be controlled as well as the dimensions of the cup the maker can create.

The first espresso machines were steam-types. They employed one boiler to create steam and brew, but the pressure they could produce was very low - just two bars of atmospheric pressure at the 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 commonly used commercial espresso machine machine is a semiautomatic that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they envision these machines. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you must grind the beans and tamp them by hand. However, the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between 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 a vital part of the machine's temperature control, since it helps to prevent overheating.

It also improves flavor, since a filter allows for a longer bloom phase. This helps the beans to release their flavor and gives an opportunity for better extraction.

It is important to remember that even the best espresso machine Under 500 filter can result in 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 what makes an espresso really taste good. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter, the thingy used to place the coffee grounds in, 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 with high pressure. They are less expensive and easier for the owner to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their capacity to create the perfect conditions for brewing, since they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure, while the perfect shot requires 9-10 bar.

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