16 Must-Follow Pages On Facebook For Machine Espresso-Related Businesses

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso utilizes precise pressure and incredible filter technology to produce the coffee and espresso maker we love. What exactly does it work?

In order to make espresso hot water is forced under high 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

As the name suggests, the group head is where you put your portafilter in when brewing espresso. It is responsible for dispersing the water into the portafilter and then controlling the pressure of the resulting extraction. There are several different types of group head, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some are focused on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. Some come with a combination of both, such as the E61. This is a very popular choice for baristas since it provides multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the above image the group head comes with several notches to place your portafilter and twist it manually to secure it. A rubber gasket is located within the notches to create a seal as you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head permit a precise placement of the portafilter, which is essential to ensure a consistent extraction.

The group head is not just able to allow you to insert your portafilter easily however it also keeps an even temperature. This is achieved by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew basin, ensuring that the temperature is always at the right level for extraction. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a few degree deviation can make the difference between a decent and a great espresso.

The Pump

Contrary to manual piston machines which rely on a lever that pressurize water, the rotary espresso machines use motorized pumps that provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required to extract espresso coffee machine for home. This pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior being pumped through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps are generally cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines are susceptible to degrading because of frequent use and inadequate cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems which can result in costly prices for even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines use steam pressure instead of a pump to brew espresso. The downside is that the same boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of the water to boiling and can result in excessive extraction. Additionally these machines are often required to rebuild their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.

A majority of espresso machines utilize either a vibration or rotary pump. A vibration model employs a vibrating disk to generate pressure, while a rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at a high speed. Both machines can make excellent espresso but rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is what makes the water warm to the right temperature to extract. The steam that is produced will eventually reach the portafilter, which is the container that holds the espresso coffee grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. During this process, steam creates pressure that pushes through the coffee grounds. This results in a crema on the top of the espresso. This is one of the hallmarks of a good best espresso machine.

There are three distinct types of espresso machines, each having different types of pumps and brew temperature. There are different ways that the brew can be controlled as well as the size of the cup the machine can make.

The first espresso machines were steam-types. They used a single boiler to make both steam and brew but the pressure they could create was minimal - two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is the reason why Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni developed the modern espresso Coffee Machine with milk Frother machine.

The most well-known espresso maker is a semi-automatic device that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they think of these machines. With a semi-automatic machine, you have to grind the beans and tamp them yourself but the pump is able to regulate the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanised accuracy.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines employ filters that separate the grounds of coffee when they pass through the hot water. The filter is also a vital component of the temperature control system as it prevents the machine from overheating.

A filter also improves flavor as it allows for a longer flowering period. This allows beans to release their nuances and gives an opportunity for better extraction.

However, it is important to remember that even a high-quality filter can result in a poor cup of coffee as the quality of the beans and extraction are important.

It's here that the magic occurs. This is the reason why best small espresso machine tastes so delicious. The grouphead, also referred to as the brew head, is where the portafilter (the thingy you put the coffee grounds into) is placed when you're making espresso.

In a steam-driven espresso machine, hot water is heated in an airtight tank to produce steam, which then pushes the hot water through the grounds at a high pressure. These machines are less expensive and easier for the owner to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited 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 years, compressed air pump-driven espresso coffee machine machines have become more popular. They utilize an air compressor to force hot water through the ground, and are more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.