Three Common Reasons Your Machine Espresso Isn t Working And The Best Ways To Fix It

How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso utilizes precise pressure, as well as a filter technology that is awe-inspiring to create the coffee you love. What exactly does it work?

Espresso is made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely-ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However the pressure is the primary difference.

The Group Head

The group head is the portafilter you place in the espresso maker when making it. It disperses the water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure of the extraction. There are several different types of group heads each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. Some are designed for the stability of temperature while some are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. There are some that come with a range of features, like the E61, which is the classic choice among many baristas because of its ability to provide multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the above photo the group head is made up of numerous notches that you can put your portafilter, then twist it manually to secure it. A rubber gasket is located inside the notches, which helps create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head allow for a precise position of the portafilter which is essential to ensure an even extraction.

In addition to allowing you effortlessly insert your portafilter the group head is responsible to maintain an even temperature. This is achieved by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket, making sure that the temperature is constant to extract the coffee. This is crucial, since even a small difference in temperature can be the difference between a good and great espresso.

The Pump

Motorized pumps in espresso machines that rotate provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure needed for espresso extraction. This is different from manual piston machines that rely on levers. The pressure builds by drawing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior being pumped through the ground coffee inside the group head.

Pumps are typically less expensive and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines may degrade due to overuse and inadequate cleaning. They also create mechanical complexity that can lead to an expensive price for even the simplest models.

Certain espresso machines remove the pump completely and use steam pressure to brew espresso. This could lead to over-extraction since the boiler that produces steam also causes the water to boil. Additionally these machines are often required bean to cup espresso machine restore their pressure between cups, which requires time and energy.

Many espresso machines utilize the rotary or vibration pump, which has a vibration model using a vibrating disc to create pressure and the rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds at high speed. Both machines produce great espresso however rotary machines tend to be more stable, quieter and less likely to fail.

The Boiler

The boiler will heat the water to the ideal temperature for extraction. The steam that is produced reaches the portafilter containing best ground coffee for espresso machine espresso beans and is then pumped into the cup. The steam generates enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This results in a crema on top of the espresso. This is one of the hallmarks of a good espresso.

There are three types of espresso makers, which differ in the type of pump they use and how hot the brew is. There are various 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. They used one boiler to make both steam and brew however the pressure they were able to create was minimal - two bars of atmospheric pressure maximum. This resulted in the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was invented by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most common espresso machine is a semiautomatic one with an electric pump. This is what people envision when they think of an espresso machine. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans yourself, but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is a fantastic compromise between human control and mechanised accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually use a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also a crucial element of the temperature control system since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.

Filters also aid in flavor, as it permits an extended flowering time. This allows the beans to let their nuances out, and allows for better extraction.

However, it is important to keep in mind that even a high-quality filter can produce a bad cup of coffee, since the quality of the beans and extraction is important.

It's here that the magic takes place. This is the reason why espresso tastes so delicious. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter - the thingy used to place the coffee grounds in, while making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water heated in an airtight container to make steam. The steam then pushes hot water through grounds of coffee at 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 capacity to create the perfect brewing conditions since they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. While the perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, compressed air-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They make use of an air compressor to push hot water through the ground. They are also more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.