How To Explain Machine Espresso To A Five-Year-Old
How To Explain Machine Espresso To A Five-Year-Old
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How Does Machine Espresso Work?
The machine espresso makes use of precise pressure and filter technology that is awe-inspiring to make the coffee you love. What exactly is it?
To make an espresso hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, but the difference is in the pressure.
The Group Head
The group head is the portafilter that you insert when brewing espresso. It is responsible for dispersing the water into the portafilter and controlling the pressure that results from the extraction. There are many different kinds of group head, each with their distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some focus on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion options, and others are designed to control the lever. Some come with a range of features, such as the E61 one, which is the classic choice among many baristas for its ability to offer multiple benefits in one package.
As you can see in the above photo, the group head has several notches where you place your portafilter and then twist it manually to lock it in. There is also a gasket of rubber in the notches to help create an airtight seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit an exact positioning of the portafilter which is vital to ensure an even extraction.
Apart from allowing you easily insert your portafilter, the group head is also responsible to ensure that the temperature remains even. This is done by cycling hot water around the portafilter, and through the brew-basket to ensure the temperature is always right for extraction. This is important because even a small difference in temperature can mean the difference between good and great espresso.
The Pump
In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, which use a lever to pressurize water, rotating espresso machines rely upon motorized pumps that provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure that are required to extract espresso. The pressure is created 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 cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines may degrade due to excessive use and poor cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems, which can result in a high price tag on even the most basic models.
Some espresso machines can eliminate the pump entirely and make use of steam pressure to make espresso. The downside is click here that the boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of water to the point of boiling, which can lead to excessive extraction. In addition these machines are often required to rebuild their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.
Many espresso machines make use of the rotary or vibration pump, with a vibration model that uses a vibrating disc to create pressure, and the rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both types of machine can produce an excellent espresso, but rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.
The Boiler
The boiler is the one that is used to heat the water to the perfect temperature for extraction. The resulting steam reaches the portafilter containing the ground espresso coffee and is then pumped into the cup. During this process, the steam creates pressure that pushes through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a layer of crema on top. This is the hallmark of a good espresso.
There are three types of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they employ and how hot the espresso is. There are also different ways that the brew may be controlled as well as the size of the cup the maker can create.
The first espresso machines were steam types. The first espresso machines were steam types. This resulted in the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. The modern espresso machine was invented by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.
The most commonly used espresso maker is a semiautomatic machine that has an electric pump. These are what people imagine when they imagine an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you have to grind the beans and then tamp them by hand, but the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human control and mechanised consistency.
The Filter
Espresso machines usually use a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also an important element of the temperature control system because it stops the machine from overheating.
A filter also improves flavor, as it permits the beans to flower for a longer period of time. This helps the beans release their flavor and gives an opportunity for a better extraction.
However, it is important to remember that even a high-quality filter can result in a poor cup of coffee, as the quality of the beans and extraction is vital.
It's in this area that the magic occurs. This is what makes espresso taste so good. The grouphead, also referred to as the brew head, is where the portafilter (the thing you put the ground coffee into) is placed when making espresso.
Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water heated in an airtight container to produce steam. The steam then pushes hot water into the grounds of coffee under high pressure. These kinds of machines are typically less expensive and simpler to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited for creating the ideal conditions for brewing, as they operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The ideal shot requires 9-10 bars.
In recent times, espresso machines powered by a compressed air compressor have become increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor to push the hot water through the grounds and are significantly more portable than steam-driven electric machines.