12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Machine Espresso How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso utilizes precision pressure, and filter technology that is mind-blowing to create the coffee you enjoy. What exactly does it work?

Espresso is produced by pushing hot water under 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 you put in when making espresso. It disperses water into the portafilter and controls the pressure of the extraction. There are a variety of group heads each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, some on pre-infusion capabilities, and still others are designed to control the lever. Some include a combination such as the E61. This is a favorite among baristas due to the fact that it has multiple benefits in one package.

As you can see from the image above the group head has a number of notches. You can place your portafilter inside these notches, and then twist the head to secure it. A gasket of rubber is situated inside the notches to help create a seal when you insert your portafilter. The notches permit precise placement of the portafilter. This is essential for a consistent extraction.

In addition to allowing you to easily place your portafilter in, the group head is also responsible to maintain an even temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter to ensure that it is always at the correct temperature to extract. It is crucial to keep in mind that even a small difference can make the difference between a good and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps used in rotary espresso machines provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required for espresso extraction. This is different from manually operated piston machines that employ a lever. The pressure builds by drawing 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 machines, and tend to last longer, however both types of machines could degrade with overuse and insufficient cleaning. They also make mechanically complex which can result in a high price tag on even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines make use of steam pressure instead of a pump in order to brew espresso. This can result in over-extraction because the boiler that produces steam also heats the water to boil. The machines must also constantly rebuild their pressure in between cups. This requires energy and time.

A majority of espresso machines use the rotary or vibration pump, which is a vibration model that uses a vibrating disc that generates the pressure, and the rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both machines can produce excellent espresso, however rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break down.

espresso coffee machines is the component that heats water to the ideal temperature to extract. The steam that is created is then directed to the portafilter, which contains the espresso coffee grounds. It is then poured into the cup. During this process the steam creates enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This results in a layer of crema on top. This is a sign of a good espresso.

There are three distinct types of espresso machines, each with different pumps and the temperature of the brew. There are different ways in which the brew could be controlled, as well as the size of the cup the machine is capable of making.

The earliest espresso machines were steam types. The first espresso machines were steam types. This resulted in the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was created by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most well-known espresso machine is a semiautomatic with an electric pump. These are what people imagine when they think of an espresso maker. With a semi-automatic machine, you grind the beans and tamp them yourself but the pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanised quality.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually use filters that separate the grounds of coffee from hot water. The filter is also a vital component of the temperature control system, as it prevents the machine from overheating.

A filter also improves flavor, as it permits an extended flowering time. This allows the beans to let their nuances out, and improves extraction.

However it is crucial to keep in mind that even a good filter can result in a poor cup of coffee, since the quality of the beans and extraction is essential.

This is where the magic happens, it's what makes an espresso really taste good. The grouphead, also called the brew head, is where the portafilter (the thing you put the ground coffee in) sits when you're making espresso.

In an espresso machine that is driven by steam, hot water is heated in an airtight tank to produce steam, which then pushes the hot water through the grounds at high pressure. They are less expensive and easier for the user to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create the ideal conditions for brewing, as they operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, compressed-air-pump-driven espresso machines have become more popular. They utilize an air compressor to force hot water through grounds and are significantly more portable than steam-driven electric machines.