The Ultimate Guide To Machine Espresso
The Ultimate Guide To Machine Espresso
Blog Article
How Does Machine Espresso Work?
The machine espresso uses precise pressure and filter technology that is mind-blowing to create the coffee you enjoy. What exactly is it that makes it work?
Espresso is created by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee however the main difference lies in the pressure.
The Group Head
The group head is the portafilter you insert when brewing espresso. It distributes water into the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure of the extraction. There are many different kinds of group heads, each with their distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some focus on temperature stability, whereas others on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. Some include a combination such as the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas due to the fact that it has multiple benefits in a single package.
As you can see in the above photo, the group head is fitted with a variety of notches. You can place your portafilter in these notches, then turn the head around to secure it. There is also a gasket made from rubber which is located inside the notches to help create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head allow for a precise positioning of the portafilter which is essential to ensure an efficient extraction.
The group head not only lets you to insert your portafilter easily however, it also keeps the temperature at a constant level. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the correct temperature to extract. This is vital, because even a few degrees can be the difference between a good and excellent espresso.
The Pump
The motorized pumps used in espresso machines rotary provide nine atmospheric bar pressure required for espresso extraction. This differs from manual piston machines that rely on a lever. This pressure is generated 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, but both types of machines can be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which could increase the price of even the simpler models.
Certain espresso machines remove the pump completely and use steam pressure to brew espresso. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that produces steam also heats the water to boil. These machines also have to constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.
Many espresso machines employ either a rotary or vibration pump, with a vibrating model using a vibrating disc to generate the pressure and an rotary model that pushes hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both machines can produce excellent espresso but rotary machines are more stable, quieter and less likely to break.
The Boiler
The boiler is the part that heats the water to the ideal temperature for extraction. The resulting steam reaches the portafilter that contains the ground espresso and is then funneled down into the cup. In this process, the steam creates pressure and pushes through the grounds of the coffee. This creates a layer crema on top. This is a hallmark of a great espresso.
There are three kinds of espresso machines, each having different pumps and the temperature of the brew. 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 first espresso machines were steam types. The first espresso machines were steam types. The coffee tasted bitter and burned. This is why the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.
The most commonly used espresso maker is a semiautomatic machine with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they envision these machines. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans by yourself, but the pump regulates the water flow and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanised quality.
The Filter
Espresso here machines typically use filters that separate the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temp control, since it stops overheating.
A filter also helps with flavor because it allows for a longer flowering phase. This allows beans to release their flavors and provides an opportunity for a better extraction.
It is important to keep in mind that even the most efficient filter can produce 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 what makes espresso taste great. The grouphead, often referred to as the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the container you place the coffee ground into) is located 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 into the grounds of coffee at high pressure. These types of machines are usually less expensive and easier to maintain than pump-driven models. They are however limited to create the ideal 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 utilize an air compressor to force hot water through the ground and are more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.