Important Parts of an Espresso Machine
A top espresso machine should give a rich and strong shot of coffee, with a full-bodied aroma and a strong flavor. This requires high temperature and pressure.
Pay attention to the crema. This golden-brown layer is what gives rich espressos their distinctive taste and color. There are four main kinds of espresso machines: manual, semi-automatic automated, super-automatic, and semi-automatic.
Water reservoir
The water reservoir is a container that houses filtered, cold water that is then fed into the espresso machine. It is usually removable and has lids that keep the water free of dust. It is a crucial component of the espresso machine and must be kept clean to prevent the clogging. Pour vinegar into the reservoir to wash it. Let it run for several minutes.
The espresso machine uses the water to pressurize the coffee grounds and extract the oils, flavors, and caffeine. It also creates the foam called crema. espresso coffee machine created the first espresso machines that used pistons and levers to create high-pressure brewing. Gaggia's spring-piston levers drove the water through the coffee and into the cup, and introduced new jargon for what was referred to by consumers as "coffee cream" (crema).
The pump is a device that uses electricity to push water through the heating element to warm it to ideal temperature for brewing of 195 degrees Fahrenheit. It is typically located at the bottom of the machine, and is connected to a tubing that runs up through the heating element. The tube is also connected to hot-water and cold-water tubes. It also passes beneath the heating element that resists heat, which is covered with white grease that helps keep the plate warm.
Pump
The pump is what makes an espresso machine work and there are many kinds. Some machines employ a vibratory pump or a vibration pump that uses an electromagnetic motor that moves back and forth in the form of a coil at 60 pushes per sec. The pump pumps water into the portafilter, and then out of the spouts. Other pumps employ an heating system, known as a thermoblock, or thermocoil to heat the water precisely to the temperature desired for making. These systems also permit control of pressure and water temperature, which are crucial for a high-quality extraction.
Pump-driven espresso machines can be equipped with a spring, piston design, or an electric pump, but they all require water to flow through the coffee grounds under high pressure. The higher the pressure, the better the extraction. The pump ensures that the coffee is evenly distributed and helps create a good crema.
Other kinds of espresso machines are steam-driven or piston-driven. In a steam driven machine, the water is pushed through the ground coffee by using steam pressure. This kind of machine is less expensive however it doesn't provide the same amount of pressure needed for extraction. There are also air-pump-driven machines that are lighter and smaller in size, but do not require a boiler and can be powered by a hand pump or a canister of compressed air (such as N2 or CO2). Air-pump espresso machines produce less espresso when compared to pumps-driven machines, but can be more convenient for certain people.
Steam Wand
The steam wand is the thin pipe made of metal that comes out of the espresso machine and shoots steam hot and pressurized into the milk to create foamy drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes. The steam wand can also be used to warm water for tea, cocoa or other hot drinks. The wand is usually made of several holes in the tip which you can switch off and on to control the amount of steam released. Some machines come with the traditional wand, whereas others use a Pannarello wand, which is more simple to operate, however it doesn't produce the same foam required for latte art.
If you're having difficulty making your milk foam, you might be having a problem with the anti-vacuum valve in your espresso machine. This device is designed to stop air from leaking into the steam wand when it is in use. You can test this by lowering the wand and listening for a sound that screams. If you hear this noise, it means that air is being sucked into the wand and you need to raise the wand just a little to let it submerge more completely.
You can also test the valve that controls the anti-vacuum by taking off the wand from the tank and cleaning it with warm water and a soft-bristled brush sponge. Cleaning the wand is vital to avoid clogs that can hinder your frothing. If you're unable fix the issue on your own, you can always talk to an expert technician or manufacturer for assistance.
Control panel
The control panel of an espresso machine allows the user to configure and alter settings. Included are the strength of the coffee and milk quantity. These settings are stored in memory and can be changed at any time. The display indicates when the machine must be descaled, as well as when the reservoir of water is full.
Most espresso machines have a hot-water dispenser, either close to one of the groups, or between them. It can be used to make tea or heat cups, in the event of need. It's also great for cleaning and rinsing. A lot of models come with pressure gauges which show the current boiler pressure.
A brew switch is available, which controls the brew process as well in the quantity of shots. This is crucial because espresso shot size is determined by the length of time the grounds are in contact with the water. The switch can be used to also start the steaming process, when desired.
The control system of this espresso machine is a bit old-fashioned, but it is user-friendly. It has a small LCD screen that appears like an LED. This makes it simple to navigate through the menus although there is some learning curve for people who aren't used to espresso machines. The stability of the temperature is impressive as well. The machine keeps a perfect water temperature between 194deg and 208deg F throughout the entire process of brewing. This guarantees perfect aroma extraction, and a high-quality cup every time.