The 10 Most Dismal Machine Espresso Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
How Does Machine Espresso Work? The machine espresso is made using precision pressure, and filtering technology that is amazing to make the coffee you love. How exactly does it work? To make an espresso hot water is pushed 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 insert when brewing espresso. It disperses water in the portafilter, and then controls the pressure of the extraction. There are a variety of group heads each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Some are focused on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion capabilities, and still others are designed to control the lever. There are also some that have a combination of features, such as the E61, which is the classic choice among many baristas due to its capacity to offer multiple perks in a single package. As you can see in the above photo The group head features many notches in which you can put your portafilter, then twist it with your hands to secure it. A gasket of rubber is situated in the notches to create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head allow for an exact location of the portafilter which is vital to ensure an efficient extraction. Apart from allowing you easily connect your portafilter, the group head is also responsible for maintaining a consistent temperature. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket, making sure the temperature is always right for extraction. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a small differences can make the distinction between a great and a excellent espresso. The Pump Contrary to manual piston machines which rely on a lever to pressurize water, Rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required to extract espresso. The pressure is created by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee. Pumps are generally more affordable and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines are susceptible to degrading due to excessive use and insufficient cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems that can lead to a high price tag on even the most basic models. Certain espresso machines can eliminate the pump completely and instead use steam pressure to brew espresso. The drawback of this is that the boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of the water to the point of boiling, which can lead to excessive extraction. Additionally the machines often have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy. A large majority of espresso machines employ an rotary or a vibration pump. A vibration model employs a rotating disk to generate pressure, whereas the rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at a high speed. Both machines produce great espresso, but rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break down. The Boiler The boiler is the component that heats the water to the optimal temperature for extraction. The resulting steam reaches the portafilter which holds the ground espresso coffee and is then pumped into the cup. During this process the steam causes enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This results in a crema on the top of the espresso. This is the hallmark of a great espresso. There are three kinds of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they employ and how hot the espresso is. There are also best home espresso machine that the brew may be controlled, as well as the size of the cup the maker can create. The first espresso machines were steam-type. They employed one boiler to make both steam and brew but the pressure they could produce was not very high – two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. This resulted in the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni. The most commonly used espresso maker is a semi-automatic machine that has an electric pump. This is what people envision when they imagine an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic machine you must grind the beans and tamp them by hand. The pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a perfect combination of human control and mechanised consistency. The Filter Espresso machines usually use filters that separate the grounds of the coffee from the hot water. The filter is also a vital element of the temperature control system, as it keeps the machine from overheating. It also aids in flavor, as a filter allows for a more prolonged bloom phase. This allows the beans to release their flavor and gives the chance for better extraction. It is important to keep in mind that even the finest filter can make a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans and the extraction process remain vital. This is where the magic happens, it's the thing that makes an espresso really taste great. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter – the thingy which you put the coffee grounds into, while 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 grounds of the coffee under pressure. These machines are cheaper and are easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited for creating the ideal conditions for brewing as 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. They are also more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.