10 Meetups About Machine Espresso You Should Attend

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso utilizes precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to make the coffee we love. But how exactly does it work?

To make an 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 name implies the group head is the place you insert your portafilter when brewing espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter and controlling the pressure of the extraction. There are various kinds of group heads each with its own advantages and Espresso Machines drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. Some include a combination like the E61. This is a favorite among baristas since it provides multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see from the picture above the head of the group is equipped with several notches. You can place your portafilter in these notches and then twist the head to lock it. There is also a gasket made from rubber in the notches and helps to create an airtight seal after inserting your portafilter into the machine. The notches allow for an exact placement of the portafilter. This is crucial for an efficient extraction.

Apart from allowing you easily insert your portafilter, the group head is responsible to ensure that the temperature remains even. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter, making sure that it’s always at the right temperature for extraction. This is important because even a few degrees can mean the difference between good and excellent espresso.

The Pump

Motorized pumps in small espresso machine machines (mugaksa.co.Kr) that rotate provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure required for espresso extraction. This differs from manually operated piston machines that employ levers. The pressure builds by drawing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger before it is shot through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps are typically less expensive than piston-driven machines, and they tend to last longer, however both types of machine can be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which can increase the cost of even the most basic models.

Certain 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 water until it reaches boiling and can result in over-extraction. These machines also have to continuously rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.

A majority of retro espresso machine machines utilize either a vibration or rotary pump. A vibration model makes use of the vibrating disk to create pressure, whereas a Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground 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 one that heats the water to the perfect temperature for extraction. The steam that is produced gets to the portafilter which contains the espresso coffee grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. During this process the steam creates enough pressure to push the grounds of coffee through. This results in a layer crema that is then poured over. This is one of the hallmarks of a good espresso.

There are three types of espresso makers, which differ in the type of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are various ways that the brew can be controlled, as well as the size of the cup that the maker can create.

The earliest espresso machines were steam-based. The first espresso machines were steam types. The coffee tasted bitter and burned. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most commonly used espresso machine is a semiautomatic that has an electric espresso maker pump. These are the images people have when they think of an espresso maker. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans by yourself however the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanized consistency.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines employ filters that separate the grounds of the coffee as they go through the hot water. The filter is also a crucial part of the temperature control system since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.

A filter also helps with flavor because it allows for a longer flowering phase. This helps the beans to release their flavors and provides an opportunity for better extraction.

However, it is important to remember that even a great filter could result in a bad cup of coffee as the quality of the beans and extraction are vital.

This is where the magic happens. It’s what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead, also called the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the thingy you put the ground coffee in) is located when you’re making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water heated in an airtight container to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water into the grounds of coffee under high pressure. These machines are cheaper and easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited to create the perfect conditions for brewing, as they operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The ideal shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent times, espresso machines powered by compressed air-pump have become increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor to push hot water across the ground. They are also more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.