12 Companies Leading The Way In Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso uses precision pressure and amazing filter technology to make the perfect cup of coffee. How does it work exactly?

To make espresso, hot water is pushed under pressure through finely Lavazza Tierra Ground Coffee - Organic Arabica coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, but the key difference is in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

As the name implies the group head is where you place your portafilter when brewing espresso. It disperses water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are many different kinds of group heads each with its particular advantages and drawbacks. Some focus on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. Some come with a range of features, like the E61, which is to be the most popular among baristas due to its ability to offer multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the image above the head of the group is fitted with several notches. You place your portafilter inside these notches, and then turn the head around to secure it. There is also a rubber gasket which is located inside the notches and helps create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches allow for precise placement of your portafilter. This is essential for an efficient extraction.

The group head does not just allow the portafilter to be inserted easily however, it also keeps an even temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter, making sure that it is always at the right temperature for extraction. It is important to realize that even a small differences can make the distinction between a great and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps used in espresso machines rotary provide nine atmospheric bars of pressure required for espresso extraction. This differs from manual piston machines that rely on a lever. The pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to being shot through the ground coffee inside the group head.

Pumps are generally less expensive than piston-driven models, and they tend to last longer, but both types of machine can get damaged through overuse and lack of cleaning. They also make mechanically complex which can result in the cost of even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines make use of steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. The disadvantage of this is that the boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of the water to the point of boiling which could lead to excessive extraction. In addition, these machines frequently have to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.

Many espresso machines utilize a vibration or rotary pump, which has a vibration model using a rotating disc that generates the pressure, and rotating models that push hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both models can make a great espresso, but the rotary pumps are quieter, and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the part that heats water to an optimal temperature for extraction. The steam produced will eventually reach the portafilter, which is the container that holds the espresso coffee grounds. It is then funneled into the cup. During this process, espresso the steam creates pressure that pushes through the grounds of the coffee. This creates a layer crema that is then poured over. This is one of the hallmarks of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso machines, each with a different type of pump and the temperature of the brew. There are various ways that the brew may be controlled and the size of the cup that the machine can produce.

The earliest espresso machines were steam-based. They employed 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 maximum. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most commonly used espresso maker is a semiautomatic machine with an electric pump. These are the things people think of when they think of an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic machine, you have to grind the beans and tamp them by hand. However, the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is a great solution that combines human control with mechanised consistency.

The Filter

Espresso machines typically have a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the temperature control system, because it stops the machine from overheating.

It also improves flavor, as it can allow for premium Decaf colombian coffee: medium roast (1kg) a longer bloom time. This allows beans to release their flavor and gives the chance for better extraction.

It is important to remember that even the most efficient filter can result in a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, as well as the extraction, remain crucial.

This is where the magic happens, and it's what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead, also referred to as the brew head, Espresso is where the portafilter (the thing you put the ground coffee into) sits when you're making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water that is heated inside an airtight container to produce steam. The steam then pushes hot water through the grounds of coffee at high pressure. These types of machines are typically less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create the perfect 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 machines have become more popular. They use an air compressor to push hot water through grounds and are much more portable than steam-driven electric machines.