How Does Machine professional espresso maker Work?

Machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and amazing filter technology to make the delicious coffee we enjoy. But how exactly does it work?

Espresso is created by forcing hot water at high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However the pressure is the main difference.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter that you insert when brewing professional espresso maker. It distributes water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure during the extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination, like the E61. This is a favorite among baristas due to the fact that it has multiple advantages in one package.

As you can see in the image above The group head features several notches where you place your portafilter before twisting it by hand to lock it in. There is also a gasket made from rubber that resides inside the notches and helps create the seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head allow for a precise positioning of the portafilter which is vital for a consistent extraction.

The group head does not just allow you to insert your portafilter easily, but it also maintains the same temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew basket, and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the right temperature for extraction. This is crucial, since even a few degrees can make the difference between a excellent and great espresso.

The Pump

Unlike manual piston machines, which rely on a lever that pressurize water, rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed for espresso extraction. The pressure builds by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger before being pumped through the ground coffee inside the group head.

Pumps tend to be cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines can deteriorate due to overuse and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, which can raise the cost of even simplest models.

Some espresso machines do away with the pump completely and instead employ steam pressure to create buy espresso makers. The drawback of this is that the boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of the water to the point of boiling which could lead to excessive extraction. In addition these machines are often required to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.

Many espresso machines use an rotary or a vibration pump. A vibration model employs an oscillating disk to create pressure, while a Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at a rapid speed. Both machines produce great espresso, however rotary machines are more quiet, durable and less likely to break.

The Boiler

The boiler is the part that heats water to an optimal temperature for extraction. The resulting steam is then transferred to the portafilter, which contains the ground espresso coffee and gets funnelled down into the cup. During this process, the steam creates pressure to push through the grounds of the coffee. This creates a crema on the top of the espresso. This is a hallmark of a good espresso coffee machines.

There are three types of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they employ and how hot the coffee is. There are many ways to control the brew as well as the size of cup that can be made by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam-type. They used one boiler to create both steam and brew, however, the pressure they could produce was not very high - two bars of atmospheric pressure maximum. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most popular espresso machine is a semiautomatic that has an electric espresso maker pump. When people think of espresso machines, they picture these machines. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you have to grind the beans and then tamp them yourself but the pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is an excellent solution that combines human control with mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines typically use a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from the hot water. The filter is also an important component of the temperature control system, as it prevents the machine from overheating.

Filters also aid in flavor, as it permits a longer flowering period. This helps the beans release their flavors and provides an opportunity to improve extraction.

It is important to keep in mind that even the best filter can result in a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, as well as the extraction, are still crucial.

It's in this area that the magic occurs. This is the reason why espresso tastes so delicious. The grouphead, also called the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the container you place the ground coffee into) is placed when you're making espresso.

In a steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam. This then pushes the hot water through the grounds with high pressure. These machines are less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create the perfect brewing conditions as they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, compressed air-driven espresso machines have become more popular. They use an air compressor to force the hot water through the grounds, and are far more portable than electric steam-driven machines.