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Archive for the 'Espresso Machines' Category
First of all, what is this beverage called espresso? The word espresso itself is derived from the Italian word meaning express. This is because espresso is ordered by and delivered quickly to the customer. A good espresso must taste sweet with a strong aroma whose flavor is like freshly ground coffee.
The wonders of science have made it possible for people to make their own espresso using espresso machines at home – instead of having to visit commercial coffee houses for it. Before, coffee houses employed professional baristas to brew each and every cup of coffee for their customers. Now, people can just buy an espresso machine to enjoy their own coffee at their convenience.
How does one select the best espresso machine for their purposes? Ideally, consumers should test-run each espresso machine and judge every one based on taste, build-quality, features, and ease of use. However, since this is not practical, consumers can rely on testimonials from their friends or turn to the reviews published by reputable coffee
afficionado magazines. They can also go around the stores and window-shop, asking pertinent questions from the salespeople in order to make the best buy.
How does an espresso machine work? An espresso machine shoots out water that is 90 degrees Centigrade hot (or at a temperature equal to 195 degrees Fahrenheit) using 9 bar of pressure into a puck of freshly ground coffee. The oils in the finely ground coffee are thus extracted and emulsified to create a rich, nearly syrupy liquid.
Ideally, a machine can churn out a double shot of espresso within 20 to 25 seconds from when its pump is initially switched on. The amount of time necessary can be adjusted by putting in coffee that is either of a finer or coarser blend. Or you can change the tamping pressure.
Certain espresso machines are combination machines that rely on a steam wand to create milk-based espresso beverages like the latte and cappucino. The machine steams and froths milk to produce these drinks.
The different kinds of espresso machines are called the pump-driven espresso machine, piston-driven espresso machine, steam espresso machine, stovetop espresso machine, automatic espresso maker and lastly the super automatic espresso maker.
The key to good espresso is using an excellent espresso blend. Coffees must be specially blended to produce the smoothness, aromatics and sweetness inherent in good espresso. However, the blend should be freshly ground and brewed within four days from roasting.
Another element of good espresso making is that the espresso must be roasted light so that its sugars and aroma will not be lost. Darkly-roasted espresso produces a bitter liquid that tastes like charcoal.
You must filter water used for brewing since if the water tastes weird it can affect the final outcome of brewing.
Make sure that the espresso machine you choose can maintain water temperature between 92 to 96 degrees Centigrade to assure a consistent espresso.
Many machines are made to be as easy to clean up as a standard coffee machine.
So there’s no reason to feel intimidated about buying your own espresso machine. Clearly, the benefits do outweigh the difficulties.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Poon |
Here is a great article we came across explaining the variations of espresso machines.
It takes a good espresso machine 
to make a good respectable espresso, one that is properly concentrated with the right flavors and quality and one which is topped with a red-brown foamy froth called crema, which is its distinctive trait. Of course, there are several types to choose from, ranging from the steam-driven one which was the first type of invented during the early part of the twentieth century; to the piston-driven type which was the type that first produced espresso with a crema; to the pump-driven machine which is basically a better and more developed version of the piston-driven machine.
What can make it seemingly more complicated is that there are even more variations of the espresso machine. They all have additional sensors, valves, pumps, and grinders. They generally vary in their additional parts and subsequently, their overall efficacy in terms of automaticity.
The first variation is the semi-automatic machine. With this one, water is brought into the machine using a pump, with the pressure of the brewing mechanism being dissipated using a 3-way valve.
The next variation is the automatic espresso machine. With this variation, there is an addition of a flow meter which lined along with the group head. With this, when a certain amount of water, which has been pre-set, flows through the flow meter, the pump of the machine switches off automatically and consequently, the pressure of the brewing mechanism is also dissipated over a 3-way solenoid type of valve.
Still another variation of the espresso machine would be the super-automatic variation. It works by automatically subjecting the coffee to a process involving grinding, tamping and extracting. It’s very convenient in that the operator only has to fill up the bean hopper with coffee beans and either pour water into the reservoir or connect the espresso machine to a water line. What’s more, certain models of this variation of espresso machine also have a device that automatically tops the espresso off with a frothy milk later and even an implement for dispensing.
Other such types include the air-pressure driven type and the stove top type. The first one, the air-pressure driven espresso machine, is hand-held and as such, can be used to make excellent crema-topped espresso.
Lastly, there is the stove top machine which makes espresso whose extraction ratio nearly equals that of a conventional machine
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katya_Coen |
Variations
Semi-automatic, automatic, and super automatic
There are primarily three variations of Espresso machines, Semi-automatic, Automatic and Super Automatic. Here we will provide a brief description of each.
Machines which contain the addition of pumps, sensors, valves, and grinders to automate the brewing process generally are referred to as automatic.
- Semi-automatic machines are automatic in the sense water is delivered by a pump, rather than manual force and remaining brew pressure in the basket is dissipated with a three way valve.
- Automaticmachines add a flowmeter inline with the grouphead. When the programmed amount of water has flowed through the flowmeter, the pump is automatically turned off and brew pressure released through a three way solenoid valve.
- Super-automatic machines operate by automatically grinding the coffee, tamping it, and extracting; all an operator needs to do is fill the bean hopper, and if the machine is not connected to a water line, add water to a reservoir. Additionally, models contain an automated milk frothing and dispensing device.
Compliments of Wikipedia
Steam-driven Espresso Machines
A steam-driven unit operates by forcing water through the coffee by using steam or steam pressure. The first espresso machines were steam types, produced when a common boiler was piped to four group heads so that multiple types of coffee could be made at the same time. The design is still used today in low-cost consumer machines, as it does not need to contain moving parts.
Compliments os Wikipedia
Our next few posts will focus on the various types of Espresso Machines, their primary functiion and differences.
Since their invention in 1901, multiple machine designs have been created to produce espresso. They generally share some common elements. The portafilter(or group handle) contains a metal filter-basket and holds the ground coffee. It is locked under the group head’s diffusion block.
An ideal double shot of espresso should take 20-25 seconds to arrive, timed from when the machine’s pump is first turned on. Varying the fineness of the grind, the amount of pressure used to tamp the grinds, or the pump pressure itself can be used to bring the extraction time into this ideal zone. Most baristas prefer to pull espresso shots directly right into a pre-heated demitasse cup or shot glass, to maintain the ideal temperature of the espresso.
An espresso machine may also have a steam wand which is used to steam and froth milk for beverages such as the cappuccino and latte.
Compliments of Wikipedia
DOMUS DUE– full size metal body thermo block espresso machine with automatic espresso flow. Non-stop steaming feature, 18 bar pump pressure, soft touch controls, cup warmer, removable tray/stainless steel drip tray, patented “Crema Master” filter for consistent genuine crema PLUS easy to read gauge gives accurate pump pressure.
The new Briel DOMUS DUE is a full size thermo block espresso machine with AEF automatic espresso flow. This design combines all the great features from Briel’s existing range (plenty of pump pressure, patented “Crema Master” filter for consistent genuine crema, stainless steel housing, and chrome front panel), with innovative new developments which are guaranteed to make the production of espresso and cappuccino at home easier than ever before.
ESE adaptable for use with ground coffee or coffee servings (pods)
Highlights:
• Backlit Touch Ring Control Panel
• Digital LCD Screen
• Stainless Steel Front Panel
• Rapid Steam Boiler System
Gaggia’s focus on innovation emphasizes simplicity, ease of use, and the quality of the beverage-and results in the Gaggia Platinum Swing Up espresso machine. Its stainless steel boiler uses Rapid Steam Technology to assure easy brewing and steaming, while its innovative backlit touch ring control panel and digital LCD screen make notifications, programming, and adjustments simple. All of these details combine in a design that Gaggia terms “simplicity and straight lines”
With the Pannarello frothing attachment, foaming and steaming milk is easy for a beginner, while the Espresso Plus system gives you complete control over the intensity of your beverage, even while it’s brewing. Using the LCD screen, you can program the active cup warmer, language, aroma strength, temperature, pre-infusion, coffee dosage (Opti-dose system) clock settings, and more. For those who crave choice in everything, the by-pass doser for the pre-ground coffee means you can offer decaf or regular beverages without emptying the bean hopper.
Your espresso machine may have an automatic light that signals when it needs cleaning, or you might just notice that your espresso tastes a little funky. Either way, routinely cleaning the machine is necessary to keep your morning java tasting fresh and delicious.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Brush
- Screwdriver
- Damp cloth
- espresso machine cleaner
- pin or paper clip
- pipe cleaner
Step1 Turn the machine off and unplug it before getting started.
Step2 Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions that came with your espresso machine.
Step3 Wipe off the outside of the machine with a damp cloth.
Step4 Backflush the machine as often as is recommended by the manufacturer. This should be done anywhere from once a week to once every other month, depending on volume of use and hardness of water. (More for heavily used machines)
Step5 Unscrew the group head using a screwdriver. Remove it.
Step6 Scrub the parts of the group head, including the screen and the brass dispersion plate, with a brush and plain water until everything is clean. You may have to soak these parts overnight in water mixed with an espresso machine cleaner.
Step7 Clean the milk wand with a damp cloth, or remove it and soak in warm water to remove milk residue. If needed, use a pipe cleaner to remove residue inside the wand, and a pin or paper clip to unclog the steam hole.
Step8 To decalcify the interior, use a espresso machine cleaner such as Cafiza by Urinex, this can be used to back-flush your machine or to soak heavily calcified parts. Following this, run plain water through the machine two or three times to flush remaining cleaner or sediment.
Step9 Reassemble the machine.
Tips & Warnings
• Depending on what type of machine you have, you can also use either a tablet or a powder formulated especially to clean espresso makers. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• It is suggested that you clean your machine at least twice a week or daily if you are producing a large volume of coffee.
• There are special brushes made to clean the group heads of espresso machines.
• Never put soap in your espresso machine.
By eHow Home & Garden Editor
What would morning be like without freshly ground, freshly brewed coffee or espresso? With a Bosch espresso machine, it’s a question that you may never have to answer. You’ll always be able to relax and enjoy a freshly brewed cup just the way you like it. These stylish and compact espresso machines have convenient, easy-to-use functions and features, making them the perfect addition to any kitchen.
At just the touch of a button, the Benvenuto Gourmet coffee machine grinds the beans and brews the coffee within seconds. The unique AROMASWIRLTM high-pressure brewing system immerses the freshly ground coffee in the ideal water temperature for optimal extraction and maximum flavor release. A frothing attachment for cappuccino, instant hot water for tea or hot chocolate adds to this amazing machine’s capabilities. To top it all off, the Benvenuto automatically cleans itself when needed. Fresh, flavorful coffee, cappuccino or espresso just like they make in the Italian cafes
La Pavoni Spa was founded in Milan in 1905 thanks to Desiderio Pavoni in a little workshop at Via Parini. His first invention was patented by Luigi Bezzera, on 1st September 1902, duly registered at the Milan State office on 19th September 1903, and gave life to the first espresso machine for coffee bars called “Ideale”.
It was a vertical machine, with a boiler kept at a constant pressure by a gas-ring which it rested on, or by means of electricity, with side brewing groups (from 1 to 4) supported by inside hooks and had a filter for ground coffee.
By opening a knob, at a pressure of 1,5 bar, water first and then steam passed through the ground coffee in the filter, enabling the brewing of the espresso, which – in one minute – was ready in the cup; the machine was also fitted with some knobs to get hot water or steam to prepare hot drinks.
Being the first machine of it’s kind to be marketed, this model spread the fashion of drinking Italian style “espresso” coffee at the bar, in Europe, first, and then around the whole world.