3 Common Reasons Why Your Machine Espresso Isn't Working (And The Best Ways To Fix It)
3 Common Reasons Why Your Machine Espresso Isn't Working (And The Best Ways To Fix It)
Blog Article
How Does Machine Espresso Work?
Machine espresso uses precision pressure and amazing filter technology to make the coffee we love. What exactly is it?
In order to make espresso hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee, however the main difference lies in the pressure.
The Group Head
The group head is the portafilter that is inserted when you are making espresso. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter, and controlling the pressure of the resulting extraction. There are numerous kinds of group heads each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are designed for stability of temperature while others are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are built to control the lever. There are some that have a combination of features, such as the E61 one, which is to be the most popular among baristas due to its capacity to offer multiple perks in a single package.
As you can see in the above photo, the group head is fitted with several notches. You can place your portafilter in these notches, then twist the head to lock it. A rubber gasket is located inside the notches to help make a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches allow for the precise placement of the portafilter. This is crucial for a consistent extraction.
The group head not only allows you to put in your portafilter easily but also maintains an even temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket, and around the portafilter to ensure that it is always at the right temperature for extraction. This is important, as just a few degrees could be the difference between a good and great espresso.
The Pump
In contrast to piston machines that are manually operated, which rely on a lever that pressurize water, rotary espresso machines rely on motorized pumps that provide the nine atmospheric bars of pressure necessary to extract espresso. The pressure builds 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 typically cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines can deteriorate due to excessive use and inadequate cleaning. Pumps are also more complicated mechanically, which could increase the price of even the simplest models.
Certain espresso machines remove the pump entirely and make use of steam pressure to make espresso. The downside is that the same boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of the water until it reaches boiling, which can lead to excessive extraction. In addition these machines typically have to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.
A large majority of espresso machines employ a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model makes use of the vibrating disk to create pressure, while the Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at high speed. Both types of machines can make excellent espresso, however Rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.
The Boiler
The boiler is used to heat the water to the right temperature for extraction. The resulting steam reaches the portafilter containing the ground espresso and is then pumped down into the cup. During this process, the steam causes pressure to push through the coffee grounds. This produces a layer of crema on top. This is a sign of a great espresso.
There are three types of espresso makers, and they differ in the type here of pump they employ and how hot the coffee is. There are many ways to control the brew and the size of the cup that can be made by the machine.
The first espresso machines were steam-types. The earliest espresso machines were steam types. This resulted in the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. The modern espresso machine was designed by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.
The most popular espresso machine is a semiautomatic one with an electric pump. These are the things people think of when they think of an espresso maker. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans by yourself while the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanised quality.
The Filter
Typically, espresso machines employ a filter to separate out the grounds of the coffee as they go through the hot water. The filter is also an essential component of the machine's temp control, since it stops overheating.
It also improves flavor, since a filter allows for a more prolonged bloom time. This helps the beans 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, as well as the extraction, remain vital.
It's here that the magic occurs. This is the reason why espresso tastes so good. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter - the thingy which you put the coffee grounds in, while making espresso.
In a steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight container to create steam. Steam then pushes the hot water through the grounds at high pressure. They are less expensive and easier for the owner to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create the ideal conditions for brewing since they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The ideal 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 into the grounds and are more portable than steam-driven electric machines.