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13 Things You Should Know About Machine Espresso That You Might Not Have Considered
How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso uses precision pressure, and a filter technology that is mind-blowing to create the coffee you love. How exactly does it work?

Espresso is made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely-ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, but the key difference is in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter you put in when making espresso. It disperses water into the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure of extraction. There are a variety of types of group head each with its particular advantages and disadvantages. Some are focused on temperature stability, others on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. There are some that have a combination of features, like the E61, which is considered the standard choice for many baristas because of its ability to offer multiple perks in a single package.

As you can see in the image above the group head comes with numerous notches that you can place your portafilter and then twist it with your hands to secure it. A rubber gasket is located within the notches to create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches allow for precise placement of your portafilter. This is crucial for an even extraction.

Apart from allowing you easily connect your portafilter, the group head is also responsible for maintaining an even temperature. This is done by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew basin, ensuring that the temperature is constant for extraction. It is important to remember that even a small difference can make the difference between a good and a great espresso.

The Pump

Unlike manual piston machines, that use a lever to pressurize water, the rotary espresso machines use motorized pumps to deliver the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required for espresso extraction. This pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior being pumped through the ground coffee inside the group head.

Pumps tend to be cheaper than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer. However, both types of machines could become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, which can increase the cost of even the simple models.

Certain espresso machines utilize steam pressure instead of a pump for brewing espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that makes steam also heats the water to boil. They also have to constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. small espresso machine requires energy and time.

A majority of espresso machines use an rotary or vibrating pump, with a vibrating model that uses a vibrating disc that generates the pressure and an rotary model that pushes hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both types of machines can make excellent espresso, but rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the component that heats the water to the optimal temperature to extract. The steam that is created gets to the portafilter which contains the espresso coffee grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. During this process the steam causes enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This creates a layer crema that is then poured over. This is one of the hallmarks of a good 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 brew as well as the size of cup that can be produced by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam-type. They utilized one boiler to make both steam and brew however the pressure they were able to create was minimal - two bars of atmospheric pressure maximum. The coffee tasted bitter and burned. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most well-known espresso maker is a semi-automatic machine that has an electric pump. This is what people envision when they imagine an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you grind the beans and tamp them by hand. The pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a fantastic solution that combines human control with mechanized reliability.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines use a filter to separate out the grounds of the coffee as they go through the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temperature control, as it prevents overheating.

It also improves flavor, as it allows for a more prolonged bloom phase. This helps the beans release their nuances and gives an opportunity for a better extraction.

It is important to keep in mind that even the most efficient filter can result in a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, as well as the extraction, remain vital.

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

Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water that is heated inside an airtight container to make steam. The steam then moves hot water through the grounds of coffee at high pressure. They are less expensive and are easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their capacity to create the ideal conditions for brewing because they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure, while the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

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