How To Explain Machine Espresso To Your Grandparents
How Does Machine professional espresso maker Work?
The machine mini espresso machine utilizes precision pressure, and a filter technology that is awe-inspiring to make the coffee you enjoy. How does it work exactly?
To make an espresso machine black friday hot water is pushed 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 that you place in the espresso maker when making it. It disperses the water into the portafilter and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are many different types of group heads each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed to provide the stability of temperature while some are designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are built to control the lever. There are also some that include a mix of features, such as the E61, which is the classic choice among many baristas due to its capacity to provide multiple benefits in a single package.
As you can see in the above photo the head of the group has a number of notches. You can place your portafilter into these notches and turn the head around to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is placed inside the notches to help create a seal as you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head permit an exact position of the portafilter which is essential to ensure an even extraction.
The group head does not just allow you to place your portafilter easily however, it also keeps the temperature at a constant level. This is done by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket to ensure that the temperature is at the right level for extraction. It is important to note that even a few degree differences can make the distinction between a decent and a excellent espresso.
The Pump
The motorized pumps that are used in rotary espresso machines supply the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This is different 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 more affordable and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines can degrade because of excessive use and insufficient cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, and can add to the cost of even the most basic models.
Certain espresso machines utilize steam pressure instead of a pump in order to brew espresso. The drawback is that the boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of the water to boiling which can cause excessive extraction. The machines also need to continuously rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.
Many espresso machines make use of a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model employs a vibrating disk to generate pressure, whereas a rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at a high speed. Both types of machine can make a great 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 reaches the portafilter, which contains the espresso coffee grounds. It is then funneled into the cup. During this process the steam causes enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This produces a layer of crema on top. This is a sign of a great espresso.
There are three types of espresso machines, each with different pumps and brew temperature. There are different ways to control the brew and the size of cup that can be made by the machine.
The first espresso machines were steam-type. They used a single boiler to make both steam and brew however, the pressure they could generate was low - only two bars of atmospheric pressure, at most. This resulted in the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. The modern espresso machine was designed by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.
The most common espresso maker is a semi-automatic device that has an electric pump. This is what people envision when they think of an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic machine, you need to grind the beans and tamp them by hand. However, the pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a great solution that combines human control with mechanized accuracy.
The Filter
Espresso machines typically have filters that separate the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also an essential part of the temperature control system, since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.
A filter also improves flavor since it allows for a longer flowering period. This allows the beans to release their flavor and gives an opportunity for a better extraction.
It is important to keep in mind 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.
It's here that the magic takes place. This is the reason why espresso tastes so good. The grouphead, sometimes referred to as the brew head, is where the portafilter (the thingy you put the coffee ground into) is placed when making espresso.
Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water that is heated in an airtight container to make steam. The steam then pushes hot water through grounds of coffee at high end espresso machine pressure. These kinds of machines are generally less expensive and easier to maintain than pump-driven models. However, they are limited in their capacity to create the ideal conditions for brewing since they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.
In recent years, compressed air-pump-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They utilize an air compressor to push hot water across the ground and are much more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.
