11 Strategies To Refresh Your Machine Espresso

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

Machine espresso uses precision pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to create the coffee we love. How does it work exactly?

In order to make espresso hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, but the major difference is in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter you put in when making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing the water into the portafilter before controlling the pressure of the extraction. There are various kinds of group heads, each with their particular advantages and disadvantages. Some are specifically designed for stability in temperature, while others are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are built to control the lever. There are some that include a mix of features, such as the E61, which is considered the standard choice for many baristas for its ability to offer multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the image above, the group head has numerous notches that you can place your portafilter and then twist it by hand to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is placed within the notches to create a seal as you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head permit an exact position of the portafilter which is necessary to ensure a consistent extraction.

In addition to allowing you to effortlessly insert your portafilter the group head is also responsible to ensure that the temperature remains even. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the right temperature to extract. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a few degree deviation can make the difference between a good and great espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to manual piston machines that use a lever to pressurize water, rotating espresso machines rely upon motorized pumps to deliver the nine atmospheric bars of pressure necessary for espresso extraction. The pressure builds by drawing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior being shot through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps are generally less expensive than piston-driven machines, and they tend to last longer, but both types of machines can be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. They also create mechanical complexity, which can result in an expensive price for even the most basic models.

Certain espresso machines utilize steam pressure instead of a pump in order to brew espresso. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that makes steam also warms the water to boil. The machines must also constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.

Many espresso machines use a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model utilizes an oscillating disk to create pressure, while a circular model pushes hot liquid through the ground at a rapid speed. Both machines can produce excellent espresso, however rotary machines are more stable, quieter and less likely to break.

The Boiler

The boiler is the component that heats water to the ideal temperature for extraction. The steam that is created reaches the portafilter, which holds the espresso grounds.  espresso coffee machines  is then funneled into the cup. The steam is able to create enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This results in a layer crema on top. This is a sign of a great espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso machines, each having different types of pumps and the temperature of the brew. There are a variety of ways to control the brew as well as the size of cup that can be produced by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam-types. They utilized only one boiler to make both steam and brew, but the pressure they could generate was low - only two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most common espresso machine is a semiautomatic model with an electric pump. These are the things people think of when they imagine an espresso machine. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans on your own The pump, however, regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanized consistency.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines use a filter to separate out the grounds of coffee as they move through the hot water. The filter is also an important element of the temperature control system, because it stops the machine from overheating.

It also enhances flavor, since a filter allows for a more prolonged bloom phase. This allows the beans to release their flavor and gives an opportunity for better extraction.

However it is crucial to keep in mind that even a great filter can make a terrible cup of coffee as the quality of the beans and extraction is still essential.

It's here that the magic occurs. This is the reason why espresso tastes so good. The grouphead, also referred to as the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the thingy you put the ground coffee in) is placed when 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 at high pressure. These types of machines are typically less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited for creating the ideal conditions for brewing, as they operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The ideal shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent times, espresso machines powered by a compressed air compressor have become increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor to push the hot water through the grounds and are significantly more portable than steam-driven electric machines.