We've Had Enough! 15 Things About Machine Espresso We're Tired Of Hearing
We've Had Enough! 15 Things About Machine Espresso We're Tired Of Hearing
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How Does Machine Espresso Work?
Machine espresso uses precision pressure and incredible filter technology to produce the coffee we love. What exactly is it?
To make espresso, hot water is forced under high 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 implies the group head is where you put your portafilter in when brewing espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter and controlling the pressure of the extraction. There are a variety of types of group head, each with their particular advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed to provide stability in temperature, while others are designed to handle pre-infusion. Some are designed to control the lever. Some include a combination such as the E61. This is a popular choice among baristas because it offers multiple benefits in one package.
As you can see in the image above the group head is fitted with several notches. You place your portafilter in these notches and then twist the head to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is positioned within the notches to create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches permit precise placement of the portafilter. This is crucial for an efficient extraction.
In addition to allowing you to effortlessly insert your portafilter the group head is also responsible to maintain an even temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter to ensure that it is always at the correct temperature for extraction. It is important to note that even a slight difference can make the difference between a good and a great espresso.
The Pump
In contrast to manual piston machines which rely on a lever to pressurize water, Rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to supply 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 cheaper than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer. However, both types of machine can be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, and can add to the cost of even simple models.
Certain espresso machines remove the pump completely and use steam pressure to brew espresso. The disadvantage of this is that the boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of water to the point of boiling, which can lead to excessive extraction. In addition the machines often have to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.
A large majority of espresso machines employ a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model employs a vibrating disk to generate pressure, whereas the rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at high speed. Both types of machine can make excellent espresso, but the rotary pumps are quieter, and more durable than vibration pumps.
The Boiler
The boiler is the component which heats the water to the optimal temperature to extract. The steam that is created is then directed to the portafilter, which is a container for espresso grounds. It is then poured into the cup. During this process, steam creates pressure to push through the coffee grounds. This creates a layer crema on top. This is one of the hallmarks of a good espresso.
There are three different types of espresso machines, each with different pumps and the temperature of the brew. There are a variety of ways in which the brew could be controlled and the dimensions of the cup the maker can create.
The first espresso machines were steam type. The earliest espresso machines were steam-type machines. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is why Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni developed the modern espresso machine.
The most common espresso machine is a semiautomatic model with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they picture these machines. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans by yourself however the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the check here human touch and mechanized quality.
The Filter
Espresso machines usually have a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from the hot water. The filter is also an essential element of the temperature control system since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.
It also improves flavor, as a filter allows for a more prolonged bloom time. This helps the beans release their flavor and gives an opportunity for a better extraction.
It is important to keep in mind that even the finest filter can make a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans as well as the extraction, remain vital.
It's here that the magic happens. This is what makes espresso taste so delicious. The grouphead, often referred to as the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the device you put the ground coffee in) is placed when you're making espresso.
In an espresso machine that is driven by steam, hot water is heated in an airtight container to produce steam, which then pushes the hot water through the grounds at a high pressure. These types of machines are usually less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited to create the ideal conditions for brewing, as they operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.
In recent times, espresso machines powered by compressed air-pump are becoming increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor to force hot water through the grounds and are much more portable than steam-driven electric machines.