The 10 Most Dismal Machine Espresso Fails Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso makes use of precise pressure, as well as a filtering technology that is amazing to make the coffee you love. But how exactly does it work?

Espresso is made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee but the key difference is in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter is inserted when you are making espresso machines home. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter before controlling the pressure of the resulting extraction. There are several different types of group head, each with their distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. Some come with a combination of both, like the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas due to the fact that it has multiple advantages in one package.

As you can see in the photo above the group head comes with numerous notches that you can put your portafilter, then twist it manually to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is positioned inside the notches to help create a seal as you insert your portafilter. The notches allow for precise placement of your portafilter. This is vital for a consistent extraction.

The group head does not just allow the portafilter to be inserted easily however it also keeps the same temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket, and around the portafilter, making sure that it's always at the correct temperature to extract. This is crucial, since just a few degrees could make the difference between good and excellent espresso machine small.

The Pump

Unlike manual piston machines, which use a lever to pressurize water, rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed for espresso extraction. The pressure is created by removing tap water from a reservoir, and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior being 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. However, both types of machine can get damaged through overuse and lack of cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which can raise the price of even the most basic models.

Certain espresso machines can eliminate the pump entirely and employ steam pressure to create decent espresso machine. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that produces steam also warms the water to boil. In addition, these machines frequently have to restore their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

Many espresso machines utilize a vibration or rotary pump, which has a vibration model using a rotating disc that generates the pressure, and the rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both machines can make excellent espresso, however rotary machines are more quiet, durable and less likely to break.

The Boiler

The boiler is what makes the water warm to the right temperature for extraction. The steam produced will eventually reach 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 coffee grounds through. This produces a layer of crema on top. This is one of the main characteristics of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso machines, each having different types of pumps and brew temperature. There are various ways that the brew may be controlled as well as the size of the cup that the machine can produce.

The first espresso machines were steam type. The first espresso machines were steam types. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is the reason why Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.

The most popular espresso maker is a semi-automatic one that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they think of these machines. With a semi-automatic machine you need to grind the beans and then tamp them yourself but the pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanised consistency.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines have a filter to separate out the grounds of coffee when they pass through the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the temperature control system, as it prevents the machine from overheating.

It also enhances flavor, as a filter lets you enjoy a longer bloom time. This allows the beans to release their nuances, and allows for better extraction.

However it is crucial to remember that even a high-quality filter can produce a bad cup of coffee, since the quality of the beans and extraction is still important.

This is where the magic happens, it's what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter, the thingy that you use to put the grounds of coffee into when making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water heated in an airtight vessel to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water through grounds of the coffee under pressure. These types of machines are usually less expensive and simpler to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited 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-driven espresso machines have become more popular. They make use of an air compressor to push hot water through the ground and are more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.