Espresso coffee machines: what they are, how they work and how to choose the right one

Espresso coffee machines can be called one of the most popular devices for making coffee at home. In the design of the equipment is a heating element, a flask for water, a holder, a removable coffee filter, control mechanisms. Let's consider how espresso coffee machines work, and a few tips on the choice.

How espresso coffee machines work

To brew coffee in a machine with a filter, follow these steps:

• Water is poured into the reservoir of the coffee machine.
• The holder is removed from the body of the machine. Ground coffee beans are poured into the filter. It is placed in the holder that holds it. It is important that there are no coffee residues on the walls of this container, otherwise they will get into the drink. The holder is placed back into the machine.
• The coffee machine presses the coffee in the filter into a tablet. Hot water under high pressure is pumped through it. This is how the drink is brewed and filtered at the same time.

Espresso coffee machines differ in design and how the water is delivered. In steam coffee machines, the liquid boils in a closed compartment with high pressure. When it reaches 4-6 bar, the valve opens. Steam passes through the coffee tablet in the holder. It condenses in another container.

Pompe coffee makers heat the liquid to 95° and deliver it under pressure through a cone with ground coffee. The work of the coffee maker is provided by a pump - a water pump built into the system.

How to choose espresso coffee machine

Pay attention to the characteristics of the machine:

• The capacity of the equipment is chosen according to how many people will use it. If you need espresso coffee machine for one or two people, it will be enough tank from 0.5 to 1 liter. Family models are equipped with a capacity of 1.5 liters, and professional equipment holds 2 or more liters of water.
• What is the pressure in the apparatus. The drink is saturated if the water passes under a pressure of 8-9 bar. In a steam coffee machine, the pressure will reach a maximum of 6 bar. To make a classic thick espresso, choose a machine with a pump. It will have enough pressure to make this type of drink. In professional espresso coffee machines the pressure reaches 15-19 bar.
• Type of pump. For home use, a vibrating pump will be enough. The equipment in the process of preparing the drink there are pressure fluctuations, however, this has a slight effect on the flavor of the drink. A coffee machine with a vibrating pump is the most compact. Rotary pumps make the coffee maker more massive and expensive. In lever coffee machines, the constant water pressure is manually controlled. Experience is required to operate this kind of equipment.
• The heater comes in several types. Thermoblock delivers hot water steadily and, it does not need to be reheated during the process of preparing several servings. However, the stable temperature is kept worse. A small boiler holds a set temperature in a small volume of water. However, it will need to be heated before each drink is prepared. If a heat exchanger is installed, the first portion of water will be too hot and will need to be drained into the tray.
• The 58 mm diameter of the holder will be universal for preparing different types of drinks.
• Holders come in single or double. If two watering cans are installed, you will be able to prepare two drinks at the same time.

Espresso coffee machines reveal the aroma and taste of coffee in a more voluminous way. There will be absolutely no sediment at the bottom of the mug. The beverage is prepared quickly in just 1.5-2 minutes, without the need to control the process.