10 Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Find A New Machine Espresso
10 Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Find A New Machine Espresso
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How Does Machine Espresso Work?
Machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to make the coffee we love. But how 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. However it is the pressure that makes the main difference.
The Head of the Group
The name implies the group head is the place you place your portafilter when making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing the water into the portafilter before controlling the pressure of the resulting extraction. There are a variety of group heads each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are specifically designed for the stability of temperature while some are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are built to control the lever. Some have a combination, such as the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas because it offers multiple benefits in one package.
As you can see in the photo above, the group head has a number of notches. The portafilter is placed in these notches and then turn the head around to secure it. There is also a rubber gasket in the notches to help create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit an exact positioning of the portafilter which is crucial to ensure a consistent extraction.
The group head not only allows you to place your portafilter easily however, it also keeps the same temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter to ensure that it is always at the correct temperature for extraction. This is vital, because even a few degrees can make the difference between a good and excellent espresso.
The Pump
The motorized pumps that are used in rotary espresso machines supply the nine atmospheric bar pressure needed to extract espresso. This is different from manually operated piston machines that employ levers. The pressure is created by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.
Pumps are generally less expensive than piston-driven machines, and they tend to last longer, but both types of machines could get damaged through overuse and lack of cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, which can increase the price of even the most basic models.
Certain espresso machines can eliminate the pump completely and use steam pressure to brew espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that produces steam also causes the water to boil. They also have to constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.
Many espresso machines make use of the rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model makes use of the vibrating disk to create pressure, while a Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at high speed. Both machines produce great espresso however rotary machines tend to be more quiet, durable and less likely to break.
The Boiler
The boiler is used to heat the water to a temperature that is ideal to extract. The steam created gets to the portafilter which is a container for espresso grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. During this process, the steam causes pressure to push through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a whipped-up the top of the espresso. This is one of the main characteristics of a great espresso.
There are three distinct types of espresso machines, each with a different type espresso coffee machines uk of pump and the temperature of the brew. There are many ways to control the strength of the brew and the size of the cup that can be made by the machine.
The first espresso machines were steam-types. They had one boiler to make steam and brew, but the pressure they could produce was very low - just two bars of atmospheric pressure maximum. The coffee tasted bitter and burned. This is the reason Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.
The most popular espresso machine is a semiautomatic that has an electric pump. These are the images people have when they think of an espresso maker. If you have a semi-automatic machine you must grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. However, the pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a fantastic compromise between human control and mechanized accuracy.
The Filter
Espresso machines usually have a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from the hot water. The filter is also a vital component of the machine's temp control, as it prevents overheating.
A filter also helps with flavor since it allows for a longer flowering period. This helps the beans to release their flavor and gives an opportunity for better extraction.
However it is crucial to keep in mind that even a high-quality filter could result in a bad cup of coffee as the quality of the beans and extraction is vital.
It's in this area that the magic takes place. This is the reason why espresso tastes so good. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter, which is the thingy used to place the coffee grounds in, when making espresso.
Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water heated in an airtight container to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water through the coffee grounds under high pressure. These kinds of machines are usually less expensive and easier to maintain than pump-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their ability to create the ideal brewing conditions, since they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. However, the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.
In recent years, compressed air-pump-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They use an air-compressor to force hot water into the ground. They are also more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.