Important Parts of an Espresso Machine
A good espresso machine should deliver a strong and thick-bodied shot of coffee with a full aroma and a strong flavor. This requires a high pressure and temperature.
You should also pay attention to the crema, a golden-brown layer that gives an incredibly rich 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 houses the water that is cold, filtered and that is supplied to the espresso machine. It is usually removable and has a lid to keep the water fresh and free of dust. It is an essential component of an espresso maker and should be kept clean in order to prevent the clogging. Pour vinegar into the reservoir in order to clean it. Let it run for a few minutes.
The espresso machine uses the water to pressurize the coffee grounds, and extract flavors, oils and caffeine. It also produces crema, which is the foam. The first espresso machines were invented by Achille Gaggia. They employed pistons connected to levers to create high-pressure brewing. Gaggia's spring-piston levers drove the water through the coffee and into the cup, introducing new terms for what consumers called "coffee cream" (crema).
The pump is a device that uses electricity to push water through the heating element to heat it up to the ideal temperature for brewing of 195 degrees Fahrenheit. It is typically located at the bottom of the machine and is connected to a tube that goes up through the heating element. The tube is also connected at the other end to hot-water and cold-water tubes. It also passes beneath the resistive heating element which is covered in 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 use a vibratory pump, also known as a vibe pump, that makes use of an electromagnetic motor that moves between the sides of a coil at 60 pushes per second. The pump then pumps 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 temperature that is desired for making. These systems also allow control of pressure as well as water temperature, which is crucial to a quality extraction.
Pump-driven espresso machines can employ a spring, piston or electric pump. They all require that water be pumped through the coffee grounds at high pressure. The higher the pressure, more delicious the extraction. The pump makes sure that the ground coffee is evenly dispersed, which helps produce a good crema.
The piston-driven and steam-driven espresso machines are also available. Steam pressure is used to push water through the coffee grounds in a steam-driven espresso machine. This kind of machine is less expensive however it does not provide the same amount of pressure for extraction. There are also air-driven espresso machines that are smaller, lighter and do not require a steam boiler. They can be powered by a hand pump or canister filled with compressed air (such N2 or CO2). Air-pump-driven espresso makers have less pressure than espresso machines that are driven by pumps however, they are more practical for certain people.
Steam Wand
The steam wand is the thin pipe made of metal that comes out of the espresso maker and shoots steam that is hot and pressurized into your milk, resulting in foamy drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. The wand can 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 turn on and off to control the amount of steam released. Certain machines come with traditional wands, while others feature a Pannarello that is simpler to use but does not produce foam suitable for latte art.
If you're having problems condensing milk, it could be that your espresso machine has a problem with its anti-vacuum device. The valve is designed to prevent air from sucking into the steam wand during operation. You can test this by lowering the wand, and listening for read more a sound that screams. If you hear a hissing sound, this means air is being drawn into. You need to raise the wand a little to make sure it is submerged.
You can also test the anti-vacuum method by removing the wand, and cleaning it with warm water using a soft bristled brush or sponge. It is vital to clean the wand to avoid clogs which could affect your foaming. If you're not able to fix it on your own, seek help from a technician or the manufacturer.
Control panel
The control panel allows users to modify and configure settings. These include the strength of the coffee and volume of milk. These settings are saved in memory and can be changed anytime. The display shows when the machine should be descaled and also if the water reservoir is full.
Most espresso machines come with a hot water dispenser. This is usually located in between or next to the groups. This can be used for coffee or to heat cups in the event of need. It is also ideal for cleaning and rinsing. There are many models with pressure gauges on the front of the machine, indicating the current boiler pressure.
There is also a brew switch that controls the brew cycle and the number of shots. This is crucial, since 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 start the steaming process should you wish.
The control system of this espresso machine is somewhat outdated however, it provides easy-to use functions. It has a small LCD which feels more like a simple LED. It is simple to navigate through the menus. However, there is a slight learning curve for those who are unfamiliar with the use of espresso machines. The machine's temperature stability is also impressive. It ensures a perfect water temperature between 194deg - the 208 degree F throughout the entire the brewing process. This guarantees perfect aroma extraction, and a high-quality cup every time.