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?
Machine espresso uses precision pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to create the coffee we love. What exactly is it that makes it work?
In order to make 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 major difference.
The Group Head
As the name suggests the group head is the place you insert your portafilter when making espresso. It disperses the water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are several different types of group head, each with their unique advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed for stability in temperature, while others are built to handle pre-infusion. Others are built to control the lever. There are some that come with a range of features, such as the E61, which is the most popular choice among baristas for its ability to offer multiple perks in a single package.
As you can see in the above image the group head is made up of several notches to place your portafilter before twisting it by hand to lock it in. A gasket made of rubber is positioned inside the notches, which helps create a seal as you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head permit an exact location of the portafilter which is necessary for an efficient extraction.
The group head not only allows the portafilter to be inserted easily but also maintains the temperature at a constant level. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew basket, and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the correct temperature for extraction. This is vital, because even a small difference in temperature can mean the difference between excellent and great espresso.
The Pump
The motorized pumps in rotary espresso machines provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure required for espresso extraction. This is different from manual piston machines that rely on levers. This pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to it is shot through the ground coffee inside the group head.
Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven machines, and they tend to last longer, but both types of machines could become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. They also make mechanically complex, which can result in the cost of even the most basic models.
Some espresso machines make use of steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. The downside is that the same boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of water to boiling and can result in over-extraction. The machines must also constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.
Many espresso machines utilize either a rotary or vibration pump, with a vibration model that uses a vibrating disc to create pressure, and the rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both types of machines can make excellent espresso, however rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.
The Boiler
The boiler is the part that heats water to the ideal temperature to extract. The resultant steam then reaches the portafilter that contains the ground espresso coffee, and is then pumped down into the cup. During this process, the steam causes pressure to push through the coffee grounds. This creates a foam on top of the espresso. This is a hallmark of a good espresso.
There are three distinct types of espresso machines, each having different types of pumps and the temperature of the brew. There are espresso coffee maker a variety of ways in which the brew can be controlled as well as the size of the cup that the maker can create.
The first espresso machines were steam-types. They employed only one boiler to make both brew and steam, however the pressure they were able to produce was very low - just two bars of atmospheric pressure at most. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is the reason why Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine.
The most popular espresso maker is a semi-automatic device with an electric pump. These are the images people have when they think of an espresso maker. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans by yourself while the pump controls the water flow and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human control and mechanized reliability.
The Filter
Espresso machines typically use a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from the hot water. The filter is also an essential part of the machine's temperature control, as it prevents overheating.
It also enhances flavor, since a filter lets you enjoy a longer bloom phase. This allows beans to let their nuances out and provides the chance for better extraction.
However it is crucial to keep in mind that even a good filter can produce a bad cup of coffee, since the quality of the beans and extraction is still essential.
It's in this area that the magic occurs. This is what makes espresso taste so delicious. The grouphead, sometimes called the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the thingy you put the coffee grounds into) sits when you're 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 at high pressure. These machines are cheaper and are easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their capacity to create the perfect brewing conditions since they are only operating at 1-1.5 bars of pressure, while the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.
In recent years, compressed air-pump-driven espresso machines have become more popular. They use an air-compressor to push hot water across the ground and are more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.