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How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso is made using precision pressure, and a filtering technology that is amazing to create the coffee you love. How does it work exactly?

Espresso is created by forcing hot water 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

As the name suggests the group head is where you place your portafilter while making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter, and controlling the pressure of the resulting extraction. There are various kinds of group heads, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some are focused on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. espresso coffee machines come with a combination of both, like the E61. This is a popular choice among baristas because it offers multiple advantages in one package.

As you can see in the above image the group head is made up of many notches in which you can place your portafilter before twisting it by hand to lock it in. A gasket made of rubber is positioned within the notches to make a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches allow for precise placement of the portafilter. This is crucial to ensure an accurate extraction.

In addition to allowing you to easily connect your portafilter, the group head is also responsible to ensure that the temperature remains even. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket, and around the portafilter to ensure that it is always at the correct temperature to extract. This is important, as even a small difference in temperature can be the difference between a good and excellent espresso.

The Pump

Unlike manual piston machines, which rely on a lever to pressurize water, rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps to provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required for espresso extraction. This pressure is built up by pumping water through a heat exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps are generally less expensive than piston-driven models, and they tend to last longer, but both types of machines may be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which could increase prices of even simple models.

Some espresso machines use steam pressure instead of a pump for brewing espresso. This can cause over-extraction because the boiler that makes steam also causes the water to boil. These machines also have to constantly rebuild their pressure in between cups. This takes energy and time.

Many espresso machines make use of either a vibration or rotary pump. A vibration model utilizes an oscillating disk to create pressure, whereas the rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at a fast speed. Both machines can make excellent espresso, but rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break.

The Boiler

The boiler is the one that makes the water warm to the right temperature for extraction. The resulting steam reaches the portafilter containing the ground espresso coffee and gets funnelled down into the cup. In this process, the steam creates pressure and pushes through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a layer crema on top. This is the hallmark of a good espresso.

There are three types of espresso machines, each with different types of pumps and brew temperature. There are a variety of ways to control the strength of the brew and the size of cup that can be made by the machine.

The first espresso machines were steam-based. The first espresso machines were steam-type machines. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was invented by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.





The most popular espresso maker is a semi-automatic one 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 The pump, however, regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and mechanized accuracy.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines utilize a filter to separate out the grounds of coffee as they move through the hot water. The filter is also a vital component of the machine's temperature control, as it helps prevent overheating.

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

It is important to remember that even the most efficient filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, and the extraction process, remain vital.

It's here that the magic takes place. This is what makes espresso taste so good. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter - the thingy that you put the grounds of coffee into when making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water that is heated inside an airtight container to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water into the grounds of the coffee under pressure. These types of machines are typically cheaper and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their capacity to create the perfect brewing conditions since they are only operating at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. However, the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, compressed air pump-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They use an air-compressor to force hot water through the ground and are much more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.