10 Reasons Why People Hate Machine Espresso Machine Espresso How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso utilizes precision pressure, and a filter technology that is awe-inspiring to make the coffee you enjoy. What exactly is it that makes it work?

To make espresso, hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. best portable espresso makers is similar to making drip coffee but the major difference is in the pressure.

The Group Head

The group head is the portafilter you insert when brewing espresso. It is responsible for dispersing the water into the portafilter, and controlling the pressure of the resulting extraction. There are a variety of types of group heads, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some are specifically designed for the stability of temperature while some are specifically designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. Some come with a range of features, like the E61 one, which is the standard choice for many baristas due to its capacity to offer multiple perks in a single package.

As you can see in the above image, the group head has numerous notches that you can put your portafilter, then twist it with your hands to secure it. A gasket of rubber is situated inside the notches to help create a seal while you insert your portafilter. The notches on the head permit an exact location of the portafilter which is essential to ensure a consistent extraction.

The group head is not just able to allow the portafilter to be inserted easily however, it also keeps the temperature at a constant level. It does this by circulating hot water through the brew pan and around the portafilter to ensure that it's always at the correct temperature for extraction. This is important, as even a few degrees can make the difference between a good and great espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to manual piston machines which use a lever to pressurize water, rotating espresso machines rely upon motorized pumps to supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure needed for espresso extraction. 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 generally less expensive than piston-driven models, and they tend to last longer, but both types of machines may be damaged by excessive use and inadequate cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems that can lead to the cost of even the most basic models.

Certain espresso machines remove the pump entirely and make use of steam pressure to make espresso. This can lead to over-extraction as the boiler that makes steam also causes the water to boil. The machines must also constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. This takes energy and time.

Many espresso machines make use of either a vibration or rotary pump. A vibration model utilizes a vibrating disk to generate pressure, while a rotary model pushes hot water through the ground at a fast speed. Both machines can produce excellent espresso but rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to fail.

The Boiler

The boiler is the one that is used to heat the water to the perfect temperature for extraction. The steam that is produced will eventually reach the portafilter, which is a container for espresso grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. During this process, the steam causes pressure to push through the coffee grounds. This results in a layer crema on top. This is a sign of a good espresso.

There are three types of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they employ and how hot the coffee is. There are also different ways that the brew can be controlled as well as the size of the cup that the machine is capable of making.

The first espresso machines were steam-types. They had one boiler to make both brew and steam, but the pressure they could create was minimal - two bars of atmospheric pressure maximum. This resulted in the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. This is why the Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni invented the modern espresso machine.

The most commonly used espresso maker is a semi-automatic machine with an electric pump. These are the images people have when they imagine an espresso machine. If you have a semi-automatic machine you have to grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. However, the pump is able to regulate the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human touch and the mechanized consistency.

The Filter

Espresso machines usually use a filter that separates the coffee grounds from the hot water. The filter is also a vital element of the temperature control system as it keeps the machine from overheating.

A filter also helps with flavor because it allows for an extended flowering time. This helps the beans to release their flavor and gives an opportunity for better extraction.

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

It's here that the magic happens. This is what makes espresso taste so delicious. The grouphead, often referred to as the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the thingy you put the ground coffee in) is placed when you're making espresso.


In a steam-driven espresso machine hot water is heated in an airtight tank to create steam, which then pushes the hot water through the grounds under high pressure. These machines are cheaper and easier for the owner to maintain than pumps-driven models. They are however limited for creating 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-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They utilize an air compressor to force hot water through the ground and are much more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.