How To Explain Machine Espresso To Your Grandparents

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso utilizes precision pressure, and a filter technology that is awe-inspiring to create the coffee you love. How does it work exactly?

In order to make espresso hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee but the difference is in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter that you put in when making espresso. It disperses the water into the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure of the extraction. There are a variety of types of group head each with its particular advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion capabilities, and still others are designed to control the lever. There are even some that come with a range of features, like the E61, which is the standard choice for many baristas due to its ability to offer multiple perks in one package.

As you can see from the photo above, the group head is equipped with several notches. You place your portafilter inside these notches, and then twist the head to lock it. There is also a gasket made of rubber that is a part of the notches, which helps create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head allow for a precise location of the portafilter which is crucial to ensure an even extraction.

In addition to allowing you to easily insert your portafilter, the group head is responsible for maintaining an even temperature. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket to ensure that the temperature is always at the right level to extract the coffee. This is important, as even a small difference in temperature can make the difference between good and excellent espresso.

The Pump

Unlike manual piston machines, that use a lever to pressurize water, the rotary buy espresso makers machines use motorized pumps that provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure necessary to extract espresso. The pressure is created by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer, although both types of machines could become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, which could increase the cost of even most basic models.

Some espresso machines remove the pump completely and instead use steam pressure to brew espresso. This can result in over-extraction because the boiler that produces steam also heats the water until it comes to a boil. They also have to constantly rebuild their pressure in between cups. This requires energy and time.

Many espresso machines employ the rotary or vibration pump, which has a vibration model that uses a vibrating disc to generate the pressure, and the rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both machines can make excellent Italian espresso Machines however rotary machines tend to be more stable, quieter and less likely to break.

The Boiler

The boiler is the part that heats water to an optimal temperature to extract. The steam that is created reaches the portafilter, which holds the espresso grounds. It is then poured into the cup. The steam generates enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This results in a crema on the top of the espresso. This is a hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they use and how hot the espresso is. There are various ways to control the strength of the brew and the size of the cup that can be produced by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam-types. They used a single boiler to make both steam and brew but the pressure they could produce was very low - just two bars of atmospheric pressure maximum. This resulted in the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is why Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni developed the modern espresso capsule machine machine.

The most popular espresso machine is a semiautomatic with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they picture these machines. With a semi-automatic machine you grind the beans and then tamp them by hand, but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent combination of human control and mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually use filters that separate the coffee grounds from the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temperature control, since it stops overheating.

It also helps with flavor, as it allows for a more prolonged bloom time. This allows the beans to release their nuances, and allows for better extraction.

However, it is important to remember that even a great filter can make a terrible cup of coffee, as the quality of the beans and extraction is crucial.

This is where the magic happens, and it's what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter - the thingy used to place the coffee grounds into, when making espresso.

In a steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight container to create steam. Steam then pushes the hot water through the grounds with high pressure. These types of machines are generally less expensive and simpler to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their ability to produce the ideal conditions for brewing since they are only operating at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. While the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, compressed-air-pump-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They use an air compressor to force the hot water through the grounds and are much more portable than steam-driven electric machines.