The Main Problem With Machine Espresso And How To Fix It

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso makers uses precision pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to make the delicious coffee we enjoy. What exactly is it that makes it work?

Espresso is created by forcing hot water at high pressure through finely-ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee. However, the pressure is the primary difference.

The Head of the Group

As the name implies the group head is where you insert your portafilter when making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter, and controlling the pressure that results from the extraction. There are a variety of group heads each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some focus on temperature stability, others on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. Some are a combination, such as the E61. This is a favorite among baristas as it provides a variety of advantages in a single package.

As you can see in the above image the group head is made up of several notches where you put your portafilter, then twist it by hand to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is positioned in the notches to make a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches permit the precise placement of the portafilter. This is crucial to ensure a consistent extraction.

Aside from allowing you to effortlessly insert your portafilter the group head is responsible to maintain an even temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the right temperature to extract. It is important to remember that even a slight variation can mean the difference between a great and a great espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, which use a lever to pressurize water, rotating espresso machines rely upon motorized pumps that provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed to extract espresso. This pressure builds up by drawing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to being shot through the ground coffee and espresso maker inside the group head.

Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer, Espresso maker barista however both types of machines can become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, and can add to prices of even simple models.

Some espresso machines make use of steam pressure instead of a pump to brew espresso. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that makes steam also heats the water to boil. Additionally these machines are often required bean to cup espresso machine rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

Many espresso machines utilize a vibration or rotary pump, with a vibrating model using a vibrating disc to create the pressure, and an rotary model that pushes hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both types of machines can make excellent espresso, however the rotary models are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the part which heats the water to the ideal temperature for extraction. The resulting steam is then transferred to the portafilter that contains the ground espresso coffee, and is then pumped down into the cup. During this process, steam creates pressure and pushes through the coffee grounds. This creates a crema on the top of the espresso. This is the hallmark of a good espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso Maker Barista makers, and they differ in the kind of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are various ways that the brew may be controlled as well as the size of the cup that the machine can produce.

The first espresso machines were steam-types. The first espresso machines were steam types. This led to the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. This is why Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine.

The most commonly used espresso machine is a semiautomatic one with an electric pump. These are the images people have when they think of an espresso machine. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans yourself, but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines employ a filter to separate out the coffee grounds as they pass through the hot water. The filter is also an essential part of the machine's temperature control, since it helps to prevent overheating.

It also enhances flavor, as a filter allows for a more prolonged bloom time. This lets the beans release their flavor and allows 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 and the extraction, remain vital.

It's in this area that the magic happens. This is the reason why espresso tastes so good. The grouphead, also called the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the thing you put the ground coffee in) is placed when you're making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water that is heated inside an airtight container to create steam. The steam then moves hot water through the grounds of the coffee under pressure. These types of machines are usually cheaper and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create the ideal 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 a compressed air compressor have become increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor to force the hot water through the grounds and are significantly more portable than electric steam-driven machines.