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10 Quick Tips For Machine Espresso
How Does Machine Espresso Work?
Machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to create the delicious coffee we enjoy. What 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 main difference lies in the pressure.
The Head of the Group
The group head is the portafilter is inserted when you are 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 heads, each with their distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are focused on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. Some come with a combination of both, like the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas because it offers multiple advantages in one package.
As you can see in the above photo the group head is fitted with several notches. The portafilter is placed in these notches and then twist the head to lock it. A gasket made of rubber is positioned in the notches to create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches permit an exact placement of the portafilter. This is crucial for an even extraction.
Apart from allowing you easily place your portafilter in, the group head is also responsible to ensure that the temperature remains even. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket, and around the portafilter, making sure that it is always at the right temperature for extraction. It is important to remember that even a slight differences can make the distinction between a decent and a excellent espresso.
The Pump
In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, which rely on a lever that pressurize water, rotating espresso machines rely upon motorized pumps to deliver the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed to extract espresso. The pressure builds up by drawing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger before being shot through the ground coffee in the group head.
Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven models, and they tend to last longer. However, both types of machines could be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. They also create mechanical complexity that can lead to costly prices for even the most basic models.
Certain espresso machines eliminate the pump entirely and make use of steam pressure to make espresso. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that makes steam also heats the water to boil. In addition these machines are often required to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.
Many espresso machines employ the rotary or vibration pump, which is a vibration model that uses a vibrating disc to create the pressure, and rotating models that push hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both types of machine can make excellent espresso, however Rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.
The Boiler
The boiler is the element that heats water to the ideal temperature to extract. The steam produced is then directed to the portafilter, which is the container that holds the espresso coffee grounds. It is then poured into the cup. The steam creates 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 great espresso.
There are three different types of espresso machines, each with a different type of pump and brew temperature. There are also different ways in which the brew can be controlled, as well as the dimensions of the cup the machine can produce.
The first espresso machines were steam-based. The earliest espresso machines were steam types. This led to the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. This is why the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.
The most commonly used espresso machine is a semiautomatic with an electric pump. These are the images people have when they imagine an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you must grind the beans and then tamp them yourself but the pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a fantastic compromise between human control and mechanized accuracy.
The Filter
Typically, espresso machines utilize filters to separate the grounds of coffee as they move through the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the temperature control system as it prevents the machine from overheating.
It also improves flavor, as a filter allows for a longer bloom time. This helps the beans let their nuances out and provides an opportunity to improve extraction.
It is important to remember that even the best filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans as well as the extraction, are still very important.
This is where the magic happens, and it's what makes espresso taste great. The grouphead, sometimes called the brew head, is where the portafilter (the container you place the ground coffee in) sits when you're making espresso.
Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water that is heated inside an airtight vessel to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water through the grounds of coffee at high pressure. These kinds of machines are usually less expensive and simpler 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 perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.
In recent years, compressed air-driven espresso machines have become more popular. machine espresso use an air-compressor to push hot water across the ground. They are also more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.