Solutions To The Problems Of Machine Espresso How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso is made using precision pressure, and filtering system that is awe-inspiring to make the coffee you love. What exactly is it that makes it work?

Espresso is created by forcing hot water at high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee but the difference is in the pressure.

The Head of the Group

As the name implies, the group head is where you place your portafilter while brewing espresso. It disperses the water into the portafilter, and regulates the pressure during the extraction. There are many different types of group heads each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some are focused on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. Some have a combination, such as the E61. This is a preferred choice for baristas due to the fact that it has multiple advantages in a single package.

As you can see in the photo above The group head features several notches to place your portafilter and then twist it with your hands to secure it. There is also a gasket made of rubber in the notches to help create an airtight seal after inserting your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit an exact position of the portafilter which is vital to ensure a consistent extraction.


Apart from allowing you easily connect your portafilter, the group head is also responsible for maintaining a consistent temperature. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew container and around the portafilter to ensure that it is always at the right temperature for extraction. This is important because just a few degrees could be the difference between a good and excellent espresso.

The Pump

The motorized pumps used in rotary espresso machines provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure required for espresso extraction. This differs from manually operated piston machines that employ levers. This pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior being shot through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps are generally less expensive than piston-driven machines and tend to last longer, however both types of machines can be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. They also make mechanically complex that can lead to costly prices for even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines do away with the pump entirely and employ steam pressure to create espresso. The downside is that the boiler that produces steam also raises the temperature of the 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, which is a vibration model using a rotating disc to create pressure, and a rotary model pushing hot water through the grounds under high speed. Both types of machine can make excellent espresso, but rotary machines are quieter and more durable than vibration pumps.

The Boiler

The boiler is the element that heats water to an ideal temperature for extraction. The resultant steam then reaches the portafilter which holds the ground espresso and is then funneled down into the cup. During this process, steam creates pressure and pushes through the grounds of the coffee. This results in a whipped-up top of the espresso. This is one of the main characteristics of a good espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso machines, each having distinct pumps and brew temperature. There are many ways to control the brew as well as the size of cup that can be made by the machine.

www.coffeee.uk were steam types. They had one boiler to create both brew and steam, however, the pressure they could create was minimal - two bars of atmospheric pressure maximum. This led to the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. This is why the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine.

The most well-known espresso maker is a semiautomatic machine that has 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 by yourself however the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanised accuracy.

The Filter

Typically, espresso machines have filters to separate the coffee grounds as they pass through the hot water. The filter is also an essential element of the machine's temperature control, since it helps to prevent overheating.

A filter can also help with flavor, as it permits a longer flowering phase. This allows the beans to release their flavors and provides the chance for better extraction.

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

It's in this area that the magic occurs. This is the reason why espresso tastes so delicious. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you place the portafilter - the thingy that you use to put the grounds of coffee into while making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water heated in an airtight container to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water into the grounds of the coffee under pressure. These machines are cheaper and easier for the owner to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited 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 times, espresso machines powered by a compressed air pump have become increasingly popular. They use an air compressor to push hot water across the ground, and are more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.