Are You Sick Of Machine Espresso? 10 Sources Of Inspiration That'll Bring Back Your Passion
Are You Sick Of Machine Espresso? 10 Sources Of Inspiration That'll Bring Back Your Passion
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How Does Machine Espresso Work?
Machine espresso uses precision pressure and incredible filter technology to produce the delicious coffee we enjoy. What exactly does it work?
In order to make espresso, hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, but the difference is in the pressure.
The Group Head
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 that results from the extraction. There are a variety of group heads, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some focus on temperature stability, others on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. Some are a combination, such as the E61. This is a favorite among baristas because it offers multiple benefits in one package.
As you can see in the above photo, the group head is equipped with several notches. You can place your portafilter in these notches and then turn the head around to secure it. There is also a gasket made from rubber in the notches, which helps create an airtight seal after inserting your portafilter into the machine. The notches allow for the precise placement of the portafilter. This is essential for a consistent extraction.
Apart from allowing you effortlessly insert your portafilter the group head is also responsible for maintaining a consistent temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter, ensuring that it's always at the correct temperature for extraction. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a tiny deviation can make the difference between a good and excellent espresso.
The Pump
In contrast to manual piston machines which use a lever to pressurize water, the rotary espresso machines use motorized pumps to supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed to extract espresso. The pressure is created by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger before being pushed through the ground coffee in the group head.
Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven models, and they tend to last longer, however both types of machine can be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which can raise the price of even the simple models.
Some espresso machines employ steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler website that makes steam also causes the water to boil. Additionally these machines are often required to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.
Many espresso machines use a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model employs an oscillating disk to create pressure, while the Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at high speed. Both models can produce an excellent espresso, however the rotary models are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.
The Boiler
The boiler is the one that will heat the water to the ideal temperature to extract. The steam that is produced will eventually reach the portafilter, which contains the espresso coffee grounds. It is then funneled into the cup. The steam creates pressure that pushes through the coffee grounds. This produces a layer of crema on top. This is a sign of a good espresso.
There are three kinds of espresso makers, which differ in the type of pump they use and how hot the coffee is. There are various ways to control the brew and the size of cup that can be made by the machine.
The first espresso machines were steam-types. The earliest espresso machines were steam types. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.
The most well-known espresso machine is a semiautomatic model with an electric pump. These are the things people think of when they think of an espresso machine. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans yourself, but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanised accuracy.
The Filter
Espresso machines usually have filters that separate the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also an essential element of the machine's temperature control, since it stops overheating.
It also improves flavor as a filter allows for a longer bloom time. This allows beans to release their flavors and provides an opportunity to improve extraction.
However it is crucial to keep in mind that even a top filter could result in a bad cup of coffee as the quality of the beans and extraction is still essential.
It's here that the magic happens. This is what makes espresso taste so good. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter, which is the thingy which you put the grounds of coffee into when making espresso.
Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water heated in an airtight container to create steam. The steam then moves hot water through the grounds of coffee at high pressure. These machines are cheaper and easier for the owner to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their capacity to create the ideal brewing conditions, because 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 become more popular. They utilize an air compressor to force hot water through grounds and are significantly more portable than steam-driven electric machines.