Do You Think Machine Espresso Ever Be The King Of The World?
Do You Think Machine Espresso Ever Be The King Of The World?
Blog Article
How Does Machine Espresso Work?
Machine espresso utilizes precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to create the delicious coffee we enjoy. How exactly does it work?
Espresso is produced by pushing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee. However, the pressure is the primary difference.
The Group Head
The group head is the portafilter that is inserted when you are making espresso. It distributes water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure of extraction. There are various kinds of group heads each with its distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed for stability of temperature while others are built to handle pre-infusion. Some are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination, such as the E61. This is a popular choice among baristas because it offers multiple advantages in a single package.
As you can see in the image above the group head is made up of several notches to place your portafilter and twist it manually to lock it in. There is also a gasket made from rubber that is a part of the notches and helps to create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head allow for a precise placement of the portafilter, which is vital to ensure a consistent extraction.
The group head not only lets you to put in your portafilter easily but also maintains an even temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter, ensuring that it's always at the correct temperature for extraction. It is important to note that even a few degree differences can make the distinction between a good and great espresso.
The Pump
Contrary to manual piston machines which rely on a lever to pressurize water, rotating espresso machines rely upon motorized pumps to supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required to extract espresso. The pressure builds by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to being pushed through the ground coffee in the group head.
Pumps are typically more affordable and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines are susceptible to degrading because of excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, and can add to the price of even the simplest models.
Some espresso machines remove the pump completely and make use of steam pressure to make espresso. The downside is that the same boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of water to boiling which can cause excessive extraction. Additionally, these machines frequently have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.
Many espresso machines make use of a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model makes use of a vibrating disk to generate pressure, whereas the Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at a rapid speed. Both types of machines can make excellent espresso, however rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.
The Boiler
The boiler heats the water to the perfect temperature to extract. The steam that is produced is then directed to the portafilter, which contains the espresso coffee grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. During this process the steam generates enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This produces a layer of crema that is then poured over. This is one of the hallmarks of a great espresso.
There are three kinds of espresso makers, which differ in the type of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are different ways in which the brew could be controlled and the size of the cup that the machine can produce.
The first espresso machines were steam-type. The earliest espresso machines were steam-type machines. The coffee tasted bitter and burned. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.
The most well-known espresso machine is a semiautomatic model with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they imagine these machines. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp your beans yourself however the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a perfect solution that combines human control with mechanized consistency.
The Filter
Typically, espresso machines utilize filters that separate the coffee grounds as they pass through the hot water. The filter is also a vital part of the machine's temperature control, as it prevents overheating.
A filter also improves flavor since it allows for a longer flowering period. This helps the beans let read more their nuances out and provides an opportunity for a better extraction.
However, it is important to remember that even a top filter could result in a bad cup of coffee as the quality of the beans and extraction is crucial.
This is where the magic happens. It's what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter, the device that you use to put the grounds of your coffee 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 coffee grounds under high pressure. These machines are cheaper and are easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their ability to create the ideal brewing conditions, as they only operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure, while the perfect shot requires 9-10 bar.
In recent years, espresso machines driven by a compressed air pump have become increasingly popular. They make use of an air compressor to force hot water into the ground and are more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.