10 Quick Tips On Machine Espresso
10 Quick Tips On Machine Espresso
Blog Article
How Does Machine Espresso Work?
The machine espresso uses precise pressure, as well as a filter technology that is awe-inspiring to create the coffee you enjoy. How exactly does it work?
Espresso is made by pushing 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 that you put in when making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter and controlling the pressure of the extraction. There are a variety of types of group heads, each with their unique advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. Some come with a combination of both, such as the E61. This is a popular choice among baristas due to the fact that it has multiple advantages in a single package.
As you can see in the above photo the group head is made up of many notches in which you can place your portafilter and then twist it by hand to lock it in. There is also a rubber gasket which is located inside the notches and helps create the seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches allow for an exact placement of the portafilter. This is vital for a consistent extraction.
The group head not only allows the portafilter to be inserted easily however it also keeps the same temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter, ensuring that it is always at the right temperature to extract. This is crucial, since even a small difference in temperature can make the difference between a good and excellent espresso.
The Pump
The motorized pumps in espresso machines that rotate provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure needed for espresso extraction. This differs from manual piston machines which use levers. The pressure is built by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.
Pumps tend to be less expensive and last for longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines may degrade because of frequent use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which can increase prices of even simplest models.
Some espresso machines do away with the pump entirely and employ steam pressure to create espresso. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that produces steam also heats the water to boil. Additionally, these machines frequently have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.
Many espresso machines utilize either a rotary or vibration pump, which is a vibration model using a vibrating disc that generates the pressure and rotating models that push hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both machines can make great espresso however rotary machines tend to be quieter, more durable and less likely to fail.
The Boiler
The boiler is the component which heats the water to the ideal temperature to extract. The steam that is produced reaches the portafilter containing the ground espresso coffee, and is then pumped into the cup. During this process the steam creates enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This results in a layer crema that is then poured over. This is one of the main characteristics of a great espresso.
There are three types of espresso machines, each with a different type of pump and brew temperature. There are also different ways that the brew can be controlled, as well as the size of the cup that the machine can make.
The earliest espresso machines were steam types. They had only one boiler to make both steam and brew, but the pressure they could produce was very low - just two bars of atmospheric pressure, at most. The coffee tasted bitter and burned. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.
The most popular espresso maker is a semi-automatic one that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they picture these machines. If you have a semi-automatic machine you need to grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. The pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent solution that combines human control with mechanised accuracy.
The Filter
Espresso machines typically use a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temperature control, since it helps to prevent overheating.
A filter also improves flavor as it allows for a longer flowering period. This allows the beans to release their nuances, and allows for a better extraction.
It is important to remember that even the finest filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans as well as the extraction, are still crucial.
This is where the magic happens, it's the thing that makes espresso taste great. The grouphead, sometimes referred to as the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the thing you put the ground coffee in) is placed when making espresso.
In a steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight container to create steam. This then pushes the hot water through the grounds under high pressure. These types of machines tend to be less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create the perfect conditions for brewing since they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The ideal shot espresso machine coffee requires 9-10 bars.
In recent years, compressed-air-pump-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They use an air-compressor to push hot water through the ground and are much more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.