14 Cartoons About Machine Espresso To Brighten Your Day How Does Machine Espresso Work?

The machine espresso makes use of precise pressure, as well as a filtering technology that is amazing to make the coffee you love. How exactly does it work?

Espresso is made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However the pressure is the major difference.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter you place in the espresso maker when making it. It disperses water into the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure of extraction. There are a variety of types of group heads each with its distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are specifically designed for stability of temperature while others are designed to handle pre-infusion. Others are made to control the lever. There are also some that come with a range of features, such as the E61, which is the standard choice for many baristas due to its ability to offer multiple benefits in one package.

As you can see from the photo above the group head has a number of notches. The portafilter is placed in these notches and then twist the head to secure it. There is also a gasket made of rubber that is a part of the notches and helps to create an airtight seal after inserting your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head permit a precise placement of the portafilter, which is crucial for an even extraction.

In addition to allowing you easily place your portafilter in, the group head is responsible for maintaining a consistent temperature. This is done by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew basin, ensuring that the temperature is at the right level for extraction. It is important to note that even a few degree variation can mean the difference between a decent and a excellent espresso.

The Pump

Motorized pumps in rotary espresso machines supply the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This is different from manual piston machines that rely on levers. The pressure builds by drawing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger before being shot through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps tend to be less expensive than piston-driven machines, and they tend to last longer, but both types of machines may become damaged due to excessive use and poor cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems which can result in a high price tag on even the simplest models.

Some espresso machines use steam pressure instead of a pump to make espresso. The drawback is that the same boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of the water to boiling which can cause over-extraction. These machines also have to constantly rebuild their pressure between cups. This requires energy and time.

A large majority of espresso machines employ a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model employs the vibrating disk to create pressure, while the Rotary model pushes hot coffee through the ground at a rapid speed. Both machines produce great espresso, however rotary machines are more stable, quieter and less likely to break.

The Boiler

The boiler is used to heat the water to a temperature that is ideal for extraction. The steam that is created is then directed to the portafilter, which holds the espresso grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. During this process, the steam creates pressure and pushes through the grounds of the coffee. This produces a layer of crema on top. This is a hallmark of a great espresso.

There are three kinds of espresso makers, and they differ in the type of pump they employ and how hot the espresso is. There are also different ways in which the brew could be controlled and the dimensions of the cup the machine is capable of making.

The earliest espresso machines were steam-based. The first espresso machines were steam-type machines. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese producers Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.

The most popular espresso maker is a semi-automatic device that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they picture these machines. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind and tamp the beans yourself while the pump controls the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent combination of human control and mechanized reliability.

The Filter

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

It also aids in flavor, as it allows for a longer bloom time. This lets the beans release their nuances, and improves extraction.

It is important to keep in mind that even the finest filter can produce a bad cup of coffee. The quality of the beans, and the extraction process, are still crucial.

It's in this area that the magic occurs. This is what makes espresso taste so delicious. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter, the thingy that you put the coffee grounds in, when making espresso.

coffeee -driven espresso machines use hot water that is heated in an airtight container to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water through the grounds of coffee under high pressure. These machines are cheaper 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, as they operate with 1-1.5 bar of pressure. The ideal shot requires 9-10 bars.


In recent years, espresso machines powered by compressed air-pump have become increasingly popular. They make use of an air compressor to force hot water into the ground, and are more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.