10 Meetups On Machine Espresso You Should Attend
10 Meetups On Machine Espresso You Should Attend
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How Does Machine Espresso Work?
Machine espresso employs precise pressure and mind-blowing filter technology to make the perfect cup of coffee. How exactly does it work?
Espresso is made by pushing 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 Group Head
As the name suggests, the group head is the place you put your portafilter in when brewing espresso. It disperses the water into the portafilter and regulates the pressure of the extraction. There are many different kinds of group heads, each with their particular advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination, like the E61. This is a favorite among baristas because it offers multiple benefits in one package.
As you can see in the image above, the group head has several notches where you place your portafilter and twist it manually to lock it in. There is also a rubber gasket which is located inside the notches, which helps create an airtight seal after inserting your portafilter into the machine. The notches allow for precise placement of the portafilter. This is crucial to ensure an efficient extraction.
The group head not only lets you to place your portafilter easily but also maintains an even temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket, and around the portafilter to ensure that it is always at the right temperature to extract. It is important to note that even a small variation can mean the difference between a decent and a excellent espresso.
The Pump
In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, which use a lever to pressurize water, rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps that provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure that are required for espresso extraction. This pressure is generated by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.
Pumps tend to be less expensive and last for longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines can degrade due to excessive use and insufficient cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, which can raise prices of even simplest models.
Some espresso machines use steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. The disadvantage of this is that the boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of water until it reaches boiling which could lead to excessive extraction. In addition these machines typically have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.
Many espresso machines make use of either a rotary or vibration pump, with a vibration model that uses a vibrating disc to generate the pressure, and an rotary model that pushes hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both types of machine are capable of producing excellent espresso, but Rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.
The Boiler
The boiler is the element that heats water to an ideal temperature to extract. The steam that is produced reaches the portafilter that contains the ground espresso and is then pumped into the cup. During this process, the steam creates pressure and pushes through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a layer of crema on top. This is the hallmark of a great espresso.
There are three types of espresso makers, which differ in the kind of pump they use and how hot the espresso is. There are various ways in which the brew can be controlled and the dimensions of the cup the machine is capable of making.
The earliest espresso machines were steam type. The earliest espresso machines were steam types. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is the reason Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine.
The most common espresso maker is a semiautomatic machine that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they more info picture these machines. With a semi-automatic machine, you have to grind the beans and then tamp them yourself but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent solution that combines human control with mechanized consistency.
The Filter
Espresso machines typically use filters that separate the coffee grounds from the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temperature control, since it helps to prevent overheating.
It also aids in flavor as a filter allows for a longer bloom phase. This allows the beans to let their nuances out and provides an opportunity to improve extraction.
It is important to keep in mind that even the most efficient filter can make a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans and the extraction process, remain vital.
It's here that the magic happens. This is the reason why espresso tastes so delicious. The grouphead, also referred to as the brew head, is the place where the portafilter (the container you place the coffee grounds into) sits when you're making espresso.
In a steam-driven espresso machine, hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam. Steam is then pushed through the grounds with high pressure. These machines are less expensive and are easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their ability to create the ideal conditions for brewing because they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. However, the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.
In recent times, espresso machines powered by compressed air-pump are becoming increasingly popular. They use an air compressor to push hot water into the grounds and are much more portable than electric steam-driven machines.