10 Quick Tips For Machine Espresso How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso is made using precise pressure, as well as a filtering system that is awe-inspiring to make the coffee you enjoy. How exactly does it work?

To make an espresso, hot water is forced 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 implies the group head is where you place your portafilter while brewing espresso. It disperses water into the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure of the extraction. There are a variety of group heads, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some are designed to provide stability of temperature while others are designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. Some include a mix of features, like the E61, which is considered the standard choice for many baristas for its ability to provide multiple benefits in one package.


As you can see in the photo above, the group head is fitted with a variety of notches. It is possible to place your portafilter into these notches and turn the head around to secure it. A gasket made of rubber is placed within the notches to create a seal as you insert your portafilter. The notches permit precise placement of your portafilter. This is crucial to ensure an efficient extraction.

In addition to allowing you to easily connect your portafilter, the group head is responsible for maintaining an even temperature. It does this by cycling hot water through the brew basket, and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the right temperature for extraction. espresso machines for home is vital, because even a small difference in temperature can make the difference between a good and excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps in espresso machines rotary provide nine atmospheric bar pressure needed to extract espresso. This differs from manual piston machines that rely on a lever. The pressure is built by pumping water through a heat-exchanger and then through the ground coffee.

Pumps tend to be cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines can degrade due to overuse and poor cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, and can add to the cost of even the most basic models.

Some espresso machines make use of steam pressure instead of a pump to brew espresso. The drawback is that the boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of the water to the point of boiling which could lead to over-extraction. In addition, these machines frequently have to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.

Many espresso machines use a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model makes use of the vibrating disk to create pressure, while a Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at high speed. Both machines can make great espresso, however rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break down.

The Boiler

The boiler is the part that heats water to the optimal temperature to extract. The steam produced gets to the portafilter which is the container that holds the espresso coffee grounds. It is then poured into the cup. In this process, the steam causes pressure to push through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a layer of crema that is then poured over. This is one of the main characteristics of a good espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso makers. They differ in the type of pump they use and the degree of heat that the brew is. There are also different ways in which the brew can be controlled as well as the size of the cup the machine can produce.

The earliest espresso machines were steam types. They had one boiler to create both brew and steam, however the pressure they were able to create was minimal - two bars of atmospheric pressure at most. This led to the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was designed by the Milanese makers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most well-known espresso machine is a semiautomatic one with an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they think of these machines. With a semi-automatic machine you must grind the beans and then tamp them yourself but the pump provides regulated water flow and pressure. This is a fantastic solution that combines human control with mechanised accuracy.

The Filter

Espresso machines typically have a filter that separates the grounds of the coffee from hot water. The filter is also an essential part of the temperature control system, as it keeps the machine from overheating.

It also improves flavor, as it allows for a longer bloom time. This allows beans to let their nuances out and provides an opportunity for a better extraction.

It is important to keep in mind that even the finest filter could result in a poor cup of coffee. The quality of the beans and the extraction, remain crucial.

This is where the magic happens, and it's what makes an espresso really taste good. The grouphead (also called the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter, which is the thingy which you put the coffee grounds in, when making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines use hot water that is heated inside an airtight container to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water through the grounds of coffee under high pressure. These kinds of machines are usually less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited in their ability to create the perfect conditions for brewing since they only operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent years, espresso machines powered by compressed air-pump have become increasingly popular. They use an air compressor to push the hot water through the grounds and are much more portable than electric steam-driven machines.