12 Statistics About Machine Espresso To Get You Thinking About The Water Cooler
12 Statistics About Machine Espresso To Get You Thinking About The Water Cooler
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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. What exactly is it?
To make espresso, hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However it is the pressure that makes the main difference.
The Head of the Group
The group head is the portafilter that is inserted when you are making espresso. It disperses water into the portafilter, and then controls the pressure of the extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, whereas others on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. There are some that include a mix of features, like the E61 that is the most popular choice among baristas due to its ability to offer multiple perks in one package.
As you can see from the photo above the group head is fitted with a variety of notches. You place your portafilter into these notches and twist the head to lock it. A rubber gasket is located within the notches to create a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head allow for a precise positioning of the portafilter which is vital for a consistent extraction.
The group head not only lets the portafilter to be inserted easily however, it also keeps the same temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter, making sure that it's always at the correct temperature to extract. This is crucial, since even a few degrees can be the difference between a good and great espresso.
The Pump
The motorized pumps used in espresso machines that rotate provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure required for espresso extraction. This is different from manual piston machines that rely on a lever. The pressure builds up by drawing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior to being pushed through the ground coffee inside the group head.
Pumps are generally less expensive than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer, but both types of machines could get damaged through overuse and lack of cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which can increase the cost of even simplest models.
Certain espresso machines utilize steam pressure instead of a pump to brew espresso. The drawback is that the boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of the water until it reaches boiling, which can lead to over-extraction. In addition the machines often have to restore their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.
A majority of espresso machines utilize the rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model utilizes the vibrating disk to create italian espresso machine pressure, whereas the rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at a high speed. Both models can make a great espresso, but Rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.
The Boiler
The boiler is the element that heats water to the optimal temperature to extract. The steam produced reaches the portafilter, which is a container for espresso grounds. The steam is then channeled into the cup. During this process the steam generates enough pressure to push the grounds of the coffee through. This results in a whipped-up the top of the espresso. This is one of the main characteristics of a great espresso.
There are three different types of espresso machines, each having distinct pumps and brew temperature. There are many ways to control the amount of brew, as well as the size of cup that can be produced by the machine.
The first espresso machines were steam type. They utilized one boiler to make both brew and steam, however, the pressure they could create was minimal - two bars of atmospheric pressure at most. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. This is why the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.
The most common espresso machine is a semiautomatic that has an electric pump. These are the things people think of when they think of an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you have to grind the beans and tamp them by hand. However, the pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a great compromise between human control and mechanised consistency.
The Filter
Typically, espresso machines employ a filter to separate out the grounds of coffee as they move through the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the temperature control system because it stops the machine from overheating.
It also helps with flavor as a filter allows for a more prolonged bloom phase. This allows the beans to release their flavor and allows for better extraction.
It is important to remember that even the finest filter can result in a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans and the extraction, remain vital.
It's in this area that the magic occurs. This is what makes espresso taste so delicious. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter - the thingy which you put the coffee grounds in, while making espresso.
Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water heated in an airtight container to create steam. The steam then moves hot water through the coffee grounds under high pressure. These machines are cheaper and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create the ideal brewing conditions as they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.
In recent years, espresso machines powered by compressed air-pump are becoming increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor to force hot water through grounds and are more portable than electric steam-driven machines.