24 Hours To Improve Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine Swan Espresso Machine: Milk Frother 15 Bar Buy Now makes use of precise pressure and amazing filter technology to make the delicious coffee we enjoy. How exactly does it work?

To make espresso hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, however the main difference lies in the pressure.

The Group Head

The group head is the portafilter you insert when brewing espresso. It disperses water in the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure during the extraction. There are a variety of group heads, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some focus on temperature stability, whereas others on pre-infusion options, 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 as it provides a variety of advantages in one package.

As you can see in the above photo the group head comes with many notches in which you can place your portafilter and then twist it by hand to lock it in. There is also a rubber gasket that is a part of the notches and helps to create a seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head allow for a precise location of the portafilter which is necessary to ensure a consistent extraction.

The group head does not just allow you to place your portafilter easily however, it also keeps a constant temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket and around the portafilter, making sure that it is always at the right temperature to extract. This is important, as even a few degrees can make the difference between a good and great espresso.

The Pump

Motorized pumps in rotary espresso machines supply the nine atmospheric bar pressure required to extract espresso. This differs from manual piston machines that use a lever. This pressure is generated by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be cheaper than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer, but both types of machines may degrade with overuse and insufficient cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, which can raise prices of even most basic models.

Certain espresso machines utilize steam pressure instead of a pump to brew espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that produces steam also heats the water to boil. Additionally these machines typically have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

Many espresso machines make use of either a rotary or vibration pump, with a vibrating model using a vibrating disc to generate the pressure, and a rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both types of machine can make a great espresso, however the rotary pumps are quieter, and more durable than vibration pumps.

The dual boiler espresso machine

The boiler makes the water warm to the perfect temperature for extraction. The steam produced is then directed to the portafilter, which is a container for espresso grounds. It is then poured into the cup. During this process the steam generates enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This produces a layer of crema on top. This is a sign of a good espresso.

There are three different types of espresso machines, each with distinct pumps and brew temperature. There are many ways to control the brew as well as the size of the cup that can be made by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam-based. They used only one boiler to make both steam and brew, however the pressure they were able to produce was not very high - two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is why the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine.

The most popular espresso maker is a semi-automatic device that has an electric Swan Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine With Frother. These are what people imagine when they think of an espresso maker. If you have a semi-automatic machine you must grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. However, the pump is able to regulate the flow of water and pressure. This is a fantastic combination of human control and mechanised reliability.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines employ filters that separate the grounds of the coffee as they go through the hot water. The filter is also a vital part of the machine's temperature control, as it helps prevent overheating.

A filter also helps with flavor because it allows for a longer flowering period. This allows the beans to let their nuances out and provides the chance for better extraction.

It is important to keep in mind that even the most efficient filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans and the extraction process remain crucial.

It's in this area that the magic occurs. This is what makes espresso taste so delicious. The grouphead, also referred to as the brew head, is where the portafilter (the device you put the ground coffee into) sits when you're making espresso.

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