An espresso machine is an electronic device that brews coffee by forcing pressurized water nearing its boiling point via ground coffee and a filter in order to produce a thick, concentrated coffee called espresso.
Espresso machines use froth liquids such as milk. The end cups are usually coffee drinks that translate to either cappuccino or caffè latte. An espresso machine can either be pump-driven, steam-driven, or piston-driven.
The first espresso machine was built in 1884 by Angelo Moriondo of Turin, Italy. A better version of the espresso machine was designed in April, 1903. It was designed by Luigi Bezzera. Espresso machines were first commercially produced in Milan. They were produced on a small-scale. The first-ever automatic espresso machine was invented by Francesco Illy. It was in 1933. This espresso machine replaced pressurized water with steam.
Various espresso machines have the same elements such as the portafilter. The goal of an espresso machine is to minimize and eliminate manipulations that degrade the coffee any more than necessary.
An espresso machine comes in handy in the following ways
Flexibility
An espresso machine accommodates one’s lifestyle. One may have all the time he/she needs to grind coffee beans or maybe you’re in a rush. The espresso machine comes in handy as it accommodates such fluctuations in one’s lifestyle. Being an individual or a crowd isn’t an issue. The espresso machine fends for a huge number of people with ease.
An espresso machine also provides the user with an option of adjusting the dosage. This enables one to acquire the desired amount of coffee with ease.
Relevant and Easy-To-Use Controls
Easily finding the options you need without straining is relaxing. Automated options allow you to easily move about without worry of burned coffee. These controls on the espresso machine enables one to obtain his/her choice. The end cup can either be carafe regular, hot or extra hot.
Pumps, sensors and grinders are fitted in the espresso machine thus making the process of brewing coffee more efficient. The espresso machine also comes in handy when fitted with a lever. This affects pumping of pressurized hot water via the coffee grounds. This ensures a quality and effective end cup.
The espresso machine also has controls that are of a desired effect. The controls also come in a preferred fitted design thus easy to use.
Some espresso machines also come with fitted-in grinders. They tend to integrate every aspect of making coffee into a few simple steps. This reduces the time required to make the coffee. The grinders also enable one to grind different bean dosages.
Some espresso machines also come with a blade grinder and pressurized portafilters. This enables one to grind either complex or simple beans. Some espresso machines are also fitted with boilers which are adequate. This ensures the end cup meets the desired cut.
Filtering
Purity of water always determines the end cup of coffee. The aspect of flavor-altering impurities arises. The water filter found in the espresso machine will sort out this issue. Some espresso machines are equipped with a charcoal water filter. A permanent gold-tone coffee filter is an added advantage. All this ensures the flavor and quality of the end cup is upheld.
Filters come with various shapes and models thus allowing you to take your pick. This provides one with an array of preferred design.
Speed
On hectic days, people usually don’t have time to wait for the brewing process of coffee. An espresso machine therefore comes in handy. An espresso machine makes coffee faster than other methods. It suits anyone and everyone who has the need of acquiring the coffee with ease.
Temperature
Temperature is an aspect that every coffee lover takes into account. However, heating beyond the boiling point may result to one severely burning the coffee.
There also needs to be enough water. This would facilitate the extraction of coffee from the ground beans effectively.
Temperature also plays a key role in the taste of the coffee. The espresso machine brews the coffee at the appropriate temperature. This ensures quality taste in the end cup. A pre-heated demitasse cup is maintained at a very high temperature by the espresso machine.
Pressure
An espresso machine limits the amount of pressure one has to use in making coffee. Different amounts of pressure tend to have an effect on the end cup. This results in different tastes.
Cleaning
The cleaning process of espresso machines has become effective. Once the paper containers are already pre-measured, then you just have to let water flow through them. Thus, this has good filtering also for one’s grounds.
Design
Espresso machines come in various preferred designs. Any person has the choice of which design suits him/her best. This caters for the brewing of coffee to one’s liking. Hand grinders fitted in espresso machines tend to provide you with the same flavors of coffee. Thus, the desired taste of one’s coffee is maintained.
An espresso machine also gives the user the ability to upgrade. One can, therefore, upgrade various parts of the machine so as to achieve the desired type and taste in the end cup.
Taste
An espresso machine has a huge impact on the taste of the end cup. The temperature setting on the espresso machine will determine the output taste of the end cup. The relevant and accurate temperature needs to be set so as to ensure maximum taste is achieved.