10 Facts About Machine Espresso That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
10 Facts About Machine Espresso That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
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How Does Machine Espresso Work?
Machine espresso uses precision pressure and amazing filter technology to make the delicious coffee we enjoy. What exactly does it work?
In order to make espresso, hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However, the pressure is the primary difference.
The Head of the Group
The group head is the portafilter you put in when making espresso. It disperses water in the portafilter and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are many different types of group heads each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination of features, like the E61, which is considered to be the most popular among baristas due to its capacity to offer multiple benefits 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 rubber gasket is located inside the notches to help create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head allow for an exact location of the portafilter which is necessary to ensure an efficient extraction.
The group head not only allows you to place your portafilter easily but also maintains a constant temperature. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter, and through the brew-basket, making sure that the temperature is always at the right level for extraction. It is important to realize that even a slight deviation can make the difference between a good and a excellent espresso.
The Pump
Motorized pumps in espresso machines that rotate provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This differs from manual piston machines which use levers. This pressure is generated by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.
Pumps are typically less expensive and last for longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines can degrade because of frequent use and inadequate cleaning. They also make mechanically complex, which can result in an expensive price for even the simplest models.
Certain espresso machines remove the pump completely and make use of steam pressure to make espresso. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that makes steam also causes the water to boil. In addition these machines typically have to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.
Many espresso machines use the rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model employs the vibrating disk to create pressure, whereas the circular model pushes hot liquid through the ground at a fast speed. Both types of machine can produce an excellent espresso, however the rotary pumps are quieter, and more durable than vibration pumps.
The Boiler
The boiler makes the water warm to the right temperature to extract. The resultant steam then reaches the portafilter, which contains the ground espresso coffee, and is then funneled down into the cup. During this process, the steam creates pressure that pushes through the grounds of the coffee. This creates a layer crema on top. This is a sign of a good espresso.
There are three kinds of espresso machines, each with distinct pumps and brew temperature. There are various ways in which the brew could be controlled as well as the dimensions of the cup the machine is capable of making.
The earliest espresso machines were steam-based. The first espresso machines were steam types. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is why the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni developed the modern espresso machine.
The most well-known espresso maker is a semi-automatic device with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they think of these machines. With a semi-automatic machine, you grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. However, the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanised consistency.
The Filter
Espresso machines usually use a filter that separates the coffee grounds from the hot water. The filter is also a vital part of the machine's temperature control, since it helps to prevent overheating.
It also aids in flavor, since a filter can allow for a longer bloom time. This allows the beans to release their flavor and gives an opportunity to improve extraction.
It is important to remember that even the best filter can make a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, as well as the extraction, are still very important.
This is where the magic happens, it's the thing that makes an espresso really taste great. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter, here which is the thingy which you put the grounds of your coffee into while making espresso.
In the steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam. Steam is then pushed through the grounds with high pressure. These types of machines are usually cheaper and easier to maintain than pump-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 been gaining popularity. They use an air compressor to push hot water through grounds and are much more portable than electric steam-driven machines.