Blog entry by Consuelo Burchfield
How Does Machine Espresso Work?
Machine espresso uses precision pressure and incredible filter technology to produce the coffee we love. How does it work exactly?
In order to make espresso, hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee. However, it is the pressure that makes the main difference.
The Head of the Group
The group head is the portafilter that you place in the espresso maker when making it. It disperses water into the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure of extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. Some come with a combination of both, like the E61. This is a popular choice among baristas because it offers multiple benefits in one package.
As you can see in the image above The group head features many notches in which you can place your portafilter and twist it with your hands to lock it in. There is also a gasket made from rubber which is located inside the notches to help create an airtight seal after inserting your portafilter into the machine. The notches permit precise placement of the portafilter. This is essential for a consistent extraction.
In addition to allowing you effortlessly insert 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-basket, making sure that the temperature is at the right level to extract the coffee. This is important, as even a small difference in temperature can make the difference between good and excellent buy espresso makers.
The Pump
The motorized pumps used in espresso machines that rotate provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This differs from manual piston machines that use levers. This pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to being pushed through the ground coffee in the group head.
Pumps are generally cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines are susceptible to degrading due to excessive use and insufficient cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, which can increase the cost of even the simplest models.
Some espresso machines do away with the pump completely and employ steam pressure to create espresso. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that produces steam also heats the water until it comes to a boil. In addition these machines typically have to restore their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.
Many pro espresso machine machines use the rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model utilizes an oscillating disk to create pressure, whereas a circular model pushes hot liquid through the ground at high speed. Both machines produce great espresso, however rotary machines are more stable, quieter and less likely to break.
The Boiler
The boiler makes the water warm to the perfect temperature for extraction. The steam produced is then directed to the portafilter, which contains 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 results in a layer crema that is then poured over. This is the hallmark of a great espresso.
There are three types of espresso makers. They differ in the type of pump they employ and how hot the espresso is. There are different ways that the brew may be controlled as well as the size of the cup the machine can produce.
The first espresso machines were steam-types. The earliest espresso machines were steam-type machines. This resulted in the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is why the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine.
The most popular espresso machine is a semiautomatic one with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they imagine these machines. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you must grind the beans and tamp them by hand, but the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and mechanized quality.
The Filter
Espresso machines usually use a filter that separates the coffee grounds from the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temp control, as it helps prevent overheating.
A filter can also help with flavor since it allows for an extended flowering time. This allows the beans to let their nuances out, and improves extraction.
However it is crucial to keep in mind that even a high-quality filter can make a terrible cup of coffee, because the quality of the beans and extraction is important.
It's here that the magic occurs. This is the reason why Espresso Maker For Home (Https://Telegra.Ph/Why-Home-Espresso-Machine-Could-Be-More-Dangerous-Than-You-Believed-12-31) tastes so good. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter, the device used to place the coffee grounds into, when making espresso.
In an espresso machine that is driven by steam, hot water is heated in an airtight container to produce steam, which then pushes the hot water through the grounds under high pressure. These machines are less expensive and easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability for creating the ideal conditions for brewing as they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The ideal shot requires 9-10 bars.
In recent times, discount espresso machines machines powered by compressed air-pump have become increasingly popular. They use an air-compressor to push hot water through the ground, and are more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.