3 Common Causes For Why Your Machine Espresso Isn't Performing (And How To Fix It)

How Does Machine Espresso Work? Machine espresso employs precise pressure and incredible filter technology to produce the delicious coffee we enjoy. How exactly does it work? Espresso is made by pushing hot water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee but the major difference is in the pressure. The Head of the Group As the name implies, the group head is where you place your portafilter while making espresso. It disperses the water into the portafilter, and controls the pressure of the extraction. There are various kinds of group head each with its particular advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, whereas others on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. There are some that come with a range of features, such as the E61 one, which is the classic choice among many baristas due to its ability to provide multiple benefits in a single package. As you can see from the above photo the group head is fitted with several notches. You can place your portafilter inside these notches, and then twist the head to lock it. There is also a gasket of rubber that resides inside the notches and helps to create the seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit a precise placement of the portafilter, which is essential for a consistent extraction. The group head is not just able to allow you to put in your portafilter easily, but it also maintains an even temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the right temperature to extract. This is crucial, since just a few degrees could be the difference between a excellent and great espresso. The Pump In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, which rely on a lever to pressurize water, Rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to deliver the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed for espresso extraction. The pressure builds up 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 are generally less expensive than piston-driven models, and they tend to last longer, but both types of machines may become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. They also create mechanical complexity that can lead to a high price tag on even the simplest models. Some espresso machines employ steam pressure instead of a pump in order to brew espresso. The drawback of this is that the same boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of water to boiling which could lead to over-extraction. In addition these machines typically have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy. Many espresso machines make use of the rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model makes use of a rotating disk to generate pressure, while the rotating model pushes hot water through the ground at a fast speed. Both models are capable of producing excellent espresso, but the rotary models are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps. The Boiler The boiler is the component that heats water to an optimal temperature to extract. The steam that is produced reaches the portafilter, which holds the espresso grounds. It is then poured into the cup. The steam generates enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. similar site creates a crema on top of the espresso. This is a sign of a great espresso. There are three kinds of espresso makers. They differ in the type of pump they use and the degree of heat that the coffee is. There are many ways to control the amount of brew, as well as the size of the cup that can be produced by the machine. The first espresso machines were steam-types. The first espresso machines were steam types. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is why the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni developed the modern espresso machine. The most popular espresso machine is a semiautomatic model with an electric pump. These are the images people have when they think of an espresso maker. With a semi-automatic machine you grind the beans and tamp them by hand. However, the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanized consistency. The Filter Espresso machines typically use filters that separate the grounds of the coffee from the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temp control, as it prevents overheating. A filter can also help with flavor, as it permits a longer flowering period. This allows the beans to let their nuances out, and improves 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 process, are still crucial. It's in this area that the magic takes place. This is the reason why espresso tastes so good. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter, the thingy used to place the grounds of coffee into while making espresso. In an espresso machine that is driven by steam, hot water is heated in an airtight container to create steam. Steam is then pushed through the grounds at high pressure. These machines are less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited 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, compressed air-driven espresso machines have become more popular. They use an air compressor to push hot water into the grounds and are much more portable than electric steam-driven machines.