20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Machine Espresso
20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Machine Espresso
Blog Article
How Does Machine Espresso Work?
The machine espresso is made using precise pressure and filter technology that is mind-blowing to make the coffee you enjoy. What exactly does it work?
To make an espresso, hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, but the key difference is in the pressure.
The Group Head
As the name suggests the group head is the place you place your portafilter while making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing the water into the portafilter before controlling the pressure that results from the extraction. There are several different types of group heads each with its particular advantages and disadvantages. Some are designed to provide stability in temperature, while others are designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. There are even some that contain a variety of features, such as the E61, which is 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 photo above, the group head has several notches where you place your portafilter and twist it manually to lock it in. There is also a rubber gasket that is a part of the notches and helps create an airtight seal after inserting your portafilter into the machine. The notches allow for precise placement of your portafilter. This is crucial for an efficient extraction.
The group head not only lets you to insert your portafilter easily, but it also maintains the temperature at a constant level. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter, and through the brew-basket, ensuring that the temperature is always at the right level for extraction. This is important, as just a few degrees could mean the difference between good and great espresso.
The Pump
In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, which use a lever to pressurize water, rotating espresso machines rely upon motorized pumps to deliver the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed for espresso extraction. The pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to being pumped through the ground coffee inside the group head.
Pumps are generally less expensive than piston-driven machines, and tend to last longer, however both types of machines may become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. They also add mechanical complexity and can lead to an expensive price for even the simplest models.
Certain espresso machines can eliminate the pump completely and instead make use of steam pressure to make espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that makes steam also heats the water to boil. The machines also need to continually rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.
A majority of espresso machines utilize a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model makes use of an oscillating disk to create pressure, whereas a circular model pushes hot liquid through the ground at a fast speed. Both types of machine are capable of producing excellent espresso, however Rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.
The Boiler
The boiler heats the water to the perfect temperature for extraction. The steam produced gets to the portafilter which is a container for espresso grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. The steam creates enough pressure to push the grounds of coffee through. This creates a layer crema that is then poured over. This is a hallmark of a good espresso.
There are three types of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are a variety of ways to control the amount of brew, as well as the size of the cup that can be made by the machine.
The first espresso machines were steam-type. The first espresso machines were steam types. This resulted in the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.
The most popular espresso machine is a semiautomatic that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they picture these machines. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp your beans yourself however the pump controls the water flow and pressure. This is a great compromise between human control and mechanised accuracy.
The Filter
Typically, espresso machines have filters that separate the grounds of coffee as they move through the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the temperature control system as it keeps the machine from overheating.
It also enhances flavor, as a filter can espresso coffee machine allow for a longer bloom time. This allows the beans to release their nuances 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 and the extraction process, remain vital.
This is where the magic happens. It's what makes an espresso really taste great. The grouphead, also referred to as the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the thingy you put the ground coffee into) is placed when making espresso.
Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water that is heated inside an airtight container to make steam. The steam then pushes hot water through the grounds of coffee under high pressure. These kinds of machines are generally less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited to create the perfect conditions for brewing since 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 utilize an air compressor to force hot water through the grounds and are more portable than steam-driven electric machines.