Ten Things You Learned In Kindergarden That Will Help You Get Machine Espresso How Does Machine Espresso Work?

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

In order to make espresso hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to making drip coffee. However the pressure is the primary difference.

The Head of the Group

The group head is the portafilter that you put in when making espresso. It disperses the water into the portafilter, and then regulates the pressure of extraction. There are many different types of group heads each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are focused on temperature stability, while others on pre-infusion capabilities, while others are designed to control the lever. There are also some that have a combination of features, such as the E61 one, which is the standard choice for many baristas for its ability to provide multiple benefits in a single package.

As you can see in the photo above the head of the group has a number of notches. You can place your portafilter into these notches and turn the head around to secure it. There is also a gasket made from rubber which is located inside the notches and helps to create the seal when you insert your portafilter into the machine. The notches permit an exact placement of the portafilter. This is vital for an efficient extraction.

Apart from allowing you easily insert your portafilter, the group head is also responsible to ensure that the temperature remains even. This is accomplished by cycling hot water around the portafilter, and through the brew-basket to ensure that the temperature is at the right level to extract the coffee. It is important to note that even a tiny differences can make the distinction between a great and a great espresso.

The Pump

In contrast to manual piston machines which use a lever to pressurize water, the rotary espresso machines use motorized pumps to supply the nine atmospheric bars of pressure required for espresso extraction. The pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior being pumped through the ground coffee in the group head.

Pumps are generally more affordable and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both types of machines can degrade due to excessive use and insufficient cleaning. Pumps are also more complex mechanically, which can raise the cost of even simplest models.

Some espresso machines use steam pressure instead of a pump for brewing espresso. The disadvantage of this is that the boiler that produces steam also increases the temperature of water until it reaches boiling, which can lead to excessive extraction. Additionally, these machines frequently have to rebuild their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.

Many espresso machines make use of the rotary or vibration pump, with a vibration model using a vibrating disc that generates the pressure and the 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 what makes the water warm to the right temperature to extract. The steam produced gets to the portafilter which contains the espresso coffee grounds. It is then pumped into the cup. During this process the steam is able to create enough pressure to push the grounds of coffee through. This results in a layer crema on top. This is a sign of a great espresso.

There are three types of espresso makers. They differ in the kind of pump they use and the degree of heat that the espresso is. There are different ways to control the brew and the size of cup that can be made by the machine.

The earliest espresso machines were steam types. They employed only one boiler to make both steam and brew, however the pressure they were able to create was minimal - two bars of atmospheric pressure at the most. The coffee tasted bitter and burnt. This is the reason Milanese manufacturers Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni created the modern espresso machine.

The most commonly used espresso maker is a semi-automatic device with an electric pump. This is what people envision when they think of an espresso machine. With a semi-automatic machine, you need to grind the beans and tamp them by hand. However, the pump is able to regulate the flow of water and pressure. This is an excellent compromise between human control and mechanised reliability.

The Filter

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

A filter can also help with flavor as it allows for the beans to flower for a longer period of time. This lets the beans let their nuances out, and improves extraction.

It is important to remember that even the finest filter could result in a poor cup of coffee. The quality of the beans as well as the extraction, are still very important.


This is where the magic happens, it's what makes espresso taste good. The grouphead (also known as the brewhead) is where you put the portafilter, the device that you use to put the coffee grounds into, when making espresso.

Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water that is heated inside an airtight vessel to create steam. The steam then pushes hot water through the grounds of coffee at high pressure. discount espresso machines of machines are usually less expensive and simpler to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are not as efficient in their ability to create the ideal brewing conditions, since they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. The perfect shot requires 9-10 bars.

In recent times, espresso machines powered by a compressed air compressor have become increasingly popular. They utilize an air compressor to push hot water across the ground. They are also more mobile than steam-driven electric espresso machines.