Important Parts of an Espresso Machine
A high-quality espresso machine will produce a shot of coffee with a dense body that has a full flavor and an intense aroma. This requires a high level of temperature and pressure.
It is also important to be attentive to the crema, which is a golden-brown layer that gives the espresso its characteristic flavor and color. There are four main kinds of espresso machines: manual, semi-automatic automated, super-automatic and semi-automatic.
Water reservoir
The reservoir for water is the container that holds the water that is cold, filtered and that is fed to the espresso machine. It is usually movable, and has a lid that helps keep the water free of dust and dirt. It is an important part of an espresso machine and should be kept clean to prevent blocking. Pour vinegar into the reservoir to wash it. Allow it to run for several minutes.
The espresso machine uses water to pressurize coffee grounds and extract flavors, oils and caffeine. It also produces crema, the foam. Achille Gaggia designed the first espresso machines, which used pistons and levers to create high-pressure brewing. Gaggia's spring piston levers moved water through the coffee into the cup. This created a brand new term "coffee crème" (crema).
The pump is an electric device that pushes the water through the heating element to heat it up to the ideal brewing temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit. It is typically located at the bottom of the machine, and is connected to a tube that runs through the heating element. The tube connects at either end to the cold-water tube and the hot-water tube. It also runs under the resistive heating element, which is covered with white grease to keep the plate warm.
Pump
There are a variety of espresso machines. Some machines employ a vibratory pump or a vibration pump that uses an electromagnetic motor that moves between the sides of an arc at 60 pushes per sec. buy espresso machines forces water through the portafilter, and out of the spouts. Other pumps use the thermoblock or thermocoil heating system that is able to precisely heat the water to the desired temperature for making. These systems also allow for control of pressure as well as water temperature, which is essential to a quality extraction.
Pump-driven espresso machines can employ a piston, spring or electric pump. They all require that water be pumped through the grounds of the coffee with high pressure. The greater the pressure, the more delicious the extraction. The pump ensures that the coffee is evenly distributed and helps to create a good crema.
Other types of espresso machines include piston-driven or steam-driven. In a steam-driven machine the water is pushed through the ground coffee by using steam pressure. This kind of espresso machine is less expensive but does not generate as much pressure for extraction. There are also air-pump-driven machines which are smaller and lighter, but do not require a boiler and can be powered by hand pumps or a canister of compressed air (such as N2 or CO2). Air-pump espresso machines produce less espresso when compared to pumps-driven machines, however they may be more convenient for some people.
Steam tool
The steam wand is the thin metal pipe that is inserted out of the espresso maker and releases steam hot and pressurized into the milk to create foamy drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. The wand is used to heat cocoa, tea or any other hot drinks. The wand typically has a few holes in the tip which you can switch off and on to regulate the amount of steam released. Some machines come with an old-fashioned wand, while others use a Pannarello which is more simple to use but does not create foam suitable for latte arts.
If you're having problems frothing milk, it could be that your espresso maker is having issues with its anti-vacuum device. The valve was designed in order to prevent air from being absorbed by the steam wand when it is in operation. You can test it by dropping the steam wand down while watching for a whirring sound. If you hear a hissing sound this indicates that air is being drawn into. You must raise the wand a little to make sure it is submerged.
You can also test the anti-vacuum method by removing the wand, then washing it in warm water using a soft bristled sponge or brush. Cleaning the wand is essential to prevent clogs that could impact the foaming. 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. These include the strength of the coffee and milk volume. These settings are stored in memory and can be altered at any time. The display also informs you when the machine must be descaled and shows whether the water tank is full.
The majority of espresso machines come with hot-water dispensers, which are usually in one of the groups, or between them. It can be used to make hot tea or heat cups when needed. It is also useful for cleaning and rinsing. A lot of models have gauges for pressure on the front of the machine, indicating the current pressure in the boiler.
A brew switch is available, that controls the brew cycle as as the amount of shots. This is crucial as the size of espresso shots is determined by how long the grounds are in direct contact with the water. The switch can also be used to begin the steaming process, when desired.
The control system of this espresso machine is a little outdated, but it offers easy-to-use functionality. It features a narrow LCD screen that appears like an LED. It is easy to navigate through the menus. However there is a slight learning curve for those new to espresso machine use. The machine's temperature stability is impressive as well. It maintains an ideal temperature of 194deg - the 208 degree F throughout the entire making process. This guarantees perfect aroma extraction and a top-quality cup each time.