You Are Responsible For The Machine Espresso Budget? 12 Ways To Spend Your Money
How Does Machine Espresso Work?
Machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and amazing filter technology to make the delicious coffee we enjoy. How exactly does it work?
Espresso is made by pushing hot water at high pressure through finely-ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However, the pressure is the main difference.
The Group Head
As the name suggests, the group head is the place you place your portafilter when brewing espresso. It distributes water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are various kinds of group head each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are specifically designed for stability in temperature, while others are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are built to control the lever. There are also some that include a mix of features, such as the E61 one, which is the most popular choice among baristas because of its ability to offer multiple benefits in one package.
As you can see in the photo above the group head is made up of numerous notches that you can place your portafilter before twisting it with your hands to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is positioned inside the notches, which helps create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches allow for the precise placement of the portafilter. This is vital for an efficient extraction.
The group head does not just allow you to insert your portafilter easily however it also keeps the same temperature. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket, ensuring that the temperature is always at the right level to extract the coffee. It is important to realize that even a few degree difference can make the difference between a good and a great espresso.
The Pump
Motorized pumps in espresso machines that rotate provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This differs from manual piston machines which use levers. The pressure is built by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.
Pumps are typically less expensive than piston-driven machines, and tend to last longer, although both types of machine can get damaged through overuse and lack of cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems and can lead to a high price tag on even the most basic models.
Some espresso machines eliminate the pump completely and make use of steam pressure to make espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that produces steam also warms the water to boil. Additionally, these machines frequently have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.
This Internet page utilize a vibration or rotary pump, which has a vibration model using a rotating disc to create the pressure, and rotating models that push hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both machines can make excellent espresso however rotary machines tend to be more quiet, durable and less likely to break down.
The Boiler
The boiler is what will heat the water to the right temperature to extract. The steam that is produced will eventually reach the portafilter, which is a container for espresso grounds. It is then funneled into the cup. During this process the steam creates enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This creates a layer crema that is then poured over. This is one of the main characteristics of a great espresso.
There are three types of espresso makers, and they differ in the kind of pump they use and how hot the espresso is. There are different ways in which the brew could be controlled as well as the size of the cup the maker can create.
The first espresso machines were steam-type. They had only one boiler to make both steam and brew, however, the pressure they could produce was not very high - two bars of atmospheric pressure at most. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is the reason why Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.
The most popular espresso maker is a semi-automatic machine with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they imagine these machines. With a semi-automatic machine you need to grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. However, the pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a fantastic solution that combines human control with mechanized accuracy.
The Filter
Typically, espresso machines have filters that separate the grounds of coffee when they pass through the hot water. The filter is also an essential part of the temperature control system as it prevents the machine from overheating.
A filter also improves flavor because it allows for the beans to flower for a longer period of time. This allows the beans to release their flavor and gives an opportunity to improve extraction.
However, it is important to remember that even a good filter can make a terrible cup of coffee as the quality of the beans and extraction is still 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 device that you put the grounds of your coffee into while making espresso.
Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water heated in an airtight container to create steam. The steam then moves hot water through the grounds of coffee under high pressure. These kinds of machines are usually less expensive and easier 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, espresso machines powered by compressed air-pump have become increasingly popular. They use an air compressor to force hot water through grounds and are much more portable than electric steam-driven machines.