The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Seen About Machine Espresso
The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Seen About Machine Espresso
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How Does Machine Espresso Work?
The machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and filtering system that is awe-inspiring to create the coffee you love. How exactly does it work?
To make an espresso, hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee. However the pressure is the main difference.
The Group Head
The group head is the portafilter you place in the espresso maker when making it. It distributes water into the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure during the extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed to provide the stability of temperature while some are designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. Some include a mix of features, like the E61 that is to be the most popular among baristas because of its ability to provide multiple benefits in a single package.
As you can see in the above image the group head is made up of numerous notches that you can put your portafilter, then twist it with your hands to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is placed inside the notches, which helps create a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches allow for precise placement of the portafilter. This is vital for an accurate extraction.
In addition to allowing you easily insert your portafilter, the group head is also responsible for maintaining a consistent temperature. This is done by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew basin, ensuring the temperature is always right to extract the coffee. This is vital, because just a few degrees could be the difference between a good and great espresso.
The Pump
The motorized pumps that are used in rotary espresso machines provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This is different from manual piston machines that rely on levers. The pressure builds by drawing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to being pushed through the ground coffee inside the group head.
Pumps are typically less expensive than piston-driven machines, and tend to last longer, but both types of machines may become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, and can add to prices of even simple models.
Certain espresso machines do away with the pump entirely and make use of steam pressure to make espresso. The drawback of this is that the same boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of the water to boiling which could lead to over-extraction. In addition these machines typically have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.
Many espresso machines use either a vibration or rotary pump. A vibration model makes use of the vibrating disk to create pressure, whereas a circular model pushes hot liquid through the ground at a high speed. Both machines can make excellent espresso however rotary machines tend to be quieter, more durable and less likely to fail.
The Boiler
The boiler is the one that makes the water warm to the ideal temperature to extract. The steam that is produced gets to the portafilter which holds the espresso grounds. It is then funneled into the cup. The steam creates pressure to push through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a whipped-up top of the espresso. This is one of the hallmarks of a good espresso.
There are three different types of espresso machines, each having different pumps and the temperature of the brew. There are many ways to control the brew and the size of cup that can be made by the machine.
The first espresso machines were steam-types. They utilized only one boiler to make both steam and brew, but the pressure they could produce was very low - just two bars of atmospheric pressure maximum. This resulted in the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is why Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.
The most common espresso maker is a semiautomatic machine that has 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 your beans yourself while the pump controls the water flow and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and mechanized quality.
The Filter
Typically, espresso machines utilize a filter to separate out the grounds of coffee as they move through the hot water. The filter is also a vital component of the website machine's temperature control, since it stops overheating.
A filter also helps with flavor as it allows for a longer flowering period. This lets the beans release their nuances, and allows for better extraction.
However it is crucial to remember that even a great filter can result in a poor cup of coffee, as the quality of the beans and extraction is essential.
It's in this area that the magic happens. This is the reason why espresso tastes so good. The grouphead, also called the brew head, is where the portafilter (the device you put the ground coffee into) sits when you're making espresso.
In the steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight container to create steam. This is then pushed through the grounds at a high pressure. These machines are less expensive and easier for the owner to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create the ideal conditions for brewing since they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The ideal 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 the ground and are much more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.