10 Meetups About Machine Espresso You Should Attend

How Does Machine espresso machine with frother Work?

Machine espresso employs precise pressure and amazing filter technology to make the coffee we love. But how exactly does it work?

In order to make espresso hot water is pushed under 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 place your portafilter while brewing espresso. It is responsible for dispersing the water into the portafilter, and controlling the pressure of the extraction. There are many different kinds of group head, each with their particular advantages and drawbacks. Some are specifically designed for temperature stability while others are designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. Some come with a range of features, such as the E61 that is the standard choice for many baristas due to its ability to offer multiple benefits in one package.

As you can see in the picture above the group head is fitted with a variety of notches. You can place your portafilter into these notches and twist the head to secure it. A rubber gasket is located in the notches to create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches permit precise placement of the portafilter. This is vital for a consistent extraction.

The group head is not just able to allow you to insert your portafilter easily however it also keeps a constant 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 for extraction. This is important, as even a small difference in temperature can make the difference between a good and excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps used in espresso machines that rotate provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure needed for espresso extraction. This differs from manual piston machines that rely on a lever. The pressure builds by drawing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to being shot through the ground coffee and espresso machine in the group head.

Pumps are typically less expensive than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer, however both types of machines could become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems that can lead to costly prices for even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines eliminate the pump completely and instead employ steam pressure to create espresso. The drawback is that the same boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of water to the point of boiling, which can lead to over-extraction. These machines also have to constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.

Many espresso machines make use of an rotary or a vibration pump. A vibration model uses the vibrating disk to create pressure, whereas the circular model pushes hot liquid through the ground at high speed. Both machines can make great espresso however rotary machines tend to be quieter, more durable and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is the one that will heat the water to a temperature that is ideal to extract. The steam that is produced gets to the portafilter which is the container that holds the espresso coffee grounds. It is then poured into the cup. The steam creates pressure and pushes through the grounds of the coffee. This creates a layer crema that is then poured over. This is a hallmark of a good espresso.

There are three different types of espresso machines, each having a different type of pump and the temperature of the brew. There are different ways to control the strength of the brew and the size of the cup that can be made by the machine.

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

The most common espresso machine small maker is a semi-automatic machine that has an electric pump. These are what people imagine when they think of an espresso maker. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp your beans yourself however the pump controls the water flow and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human control and mechanised reliability.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines have a filter to separate out the grounds of the coffee as they go through the hot water. The filter is also a vital element of the machine's temperature control, since it stops overheating.

It also improves flavor, as a filter allows for a more prolonged bloom phase. This lets the beans let their nuances out, and also allows for better extraction.

It is important to remember that even the best filter could result in a poor cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, and the extraction process, are still very important.

It's in this area that the magic takes place. This is what makes espresso taste so good. The grouphead, sometimes referred to as the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the thingy you put the coffee grounds into) is placed when making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water that is heated in an airtight vessel to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water through grounds of coffee at high pressure. These machines are less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their capacity to create the perfect conditions for brewing, as they only operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, espresso machine with milk frother machines driven by a compressed air pump have become increasingly popular. They make use of an air compressor to force hot water through the ground and are more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.