Are You Sick Of Machine Espresso? 10 Inspirational Resources To Revive Your Passion
Are You Sick Of Machine Espresso? 10 Inspirational Resources To Revive Your Passion
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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. How exactly does it work?
In order to make espresso, hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However, it is the pressure that makes the main difference.
The Head of the Group
The group head is the portafilter you put in when making espresso. It distributes water into the portafilter, and then controls the pressure of the extraction. There are many different types of group heads, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. Some include a combination such as the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas due to the fact that it has multiple benefits in one package.
As you can see in the picture above the group head is fitted with a variety of notches. It is possible to place your portafilter into these notches and turn the head around to secure it. A gasket of rubber is situated inside the notches to help create a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head permit a precise positioning of the portafilter which is vital for a consistent extraction.
The group head not only lets you to place your portafilter easily however, it also keeps the temperature at a constant level. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket, and around the portafilter, making sure that it is always at the correct temperature to extract. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a few degree difference can make the difference between a good and great espresso.
The Pump
Unlike manual piston machines, that use a lever to pressurize water, Rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps that provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure necessary for espresso extraction. The pressure builds by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger before being shot through the ground coffee inside the group head.
Pumps are typically less expensive than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer. However, both types of machines may degrade with overuse and insufficient cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems, which can result in an expensive price for even the most basic models.
Some espresso machines employ steam pressure instead of a pump to brew espresso. This can cause over-extraction because the boiler that produces steam also heats the water until it comes to a boil. These machines also have to constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.
Many espresso machines utilize the rotary or vibration pump, with a vibrating model that uses a vibrating disc to create the pressure and an rotary model that pushes hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both machines produce great espresso, however rotary machines are more quiet, durable and less likely to break down.
The Boiler
The boiler is the one that makes the water warm to the perfect temperature to extract. The steam that is produced gets to the portafilter which is a container for espresso grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. During this process, the steam creates pressure and pushes through the coffee grounds. This results in a layer of crema that is then poured over. commercial espresso machine This is one of the main characteristics of a good espresso.
There are three kinds of espresso makers, which differ in the type of pump they employ and the degree of heat that the espresso is. There are different ways in which the brew can be controlled as well as the dimensions of the cup the maker can create.
The first espresso machines were steam-type. The first espresso machines were steam-type machines. This resulted in the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was created by the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.
The most commonly used espresso maker is a semi-automatic one that has an electric pump. These are the images people have when they imagine an espresso machine. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp your beans yourself The pump, however, regulates the water flow and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanised accuracy.
The Filter
Espresso machines typically have a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the temperature control system, because it stops the machine from overheating.
A filter can also help with flavor as it allows for a longer flowering phase. This allows the beans to release their flavor and allows for better extraction.
It is important to remember that even the most efficient filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, as well as the extraction, are still very important.
This is where the magic happens, it's what makes espresso taste great. The grouphead, sometimes referred to as the brew head, is where the portafilter (the thing you put the coffee grounds into) is placed when you're making espresso.
Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water that is heated in an airtight container to make steam. The steam then moves hot water through the coffee grounds under high pressure. These machines are less expensive and easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited to create the perfect conditions for brewing since they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.
In recent years, espresso machines driven by compressed air-pump have become increasingly popular. They use an air-compressor to force hot water through the ground and are much more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.