Important Parts of an Espresso Machine A good espresso machine should provide a robust and rich-bodied shot of coffee with a full-bodied aroma and a strong flavor. This requires a high temperatures and pressure. Pay focus on the crema. This golden-brown layer gives rich espressos their distinctive flavor and color. There are four types of espresso machines: semi-automatic, manual automated, super-automatic and semi-automatic. Water reservoir The water reservoir is the container that holds the water that is cold, filtered and that is fed to the espresso machine. It is usually movable and comes with an lid that keeps the water clean and free of dust. It is an important part of the espresso machine and must be kept clean to prevent clogging. Pour vinegar into the reservoir to cleanse it. Allow it to run for several minutes. The espresso machine uses the water to pressurize coffee grounds and extract the flavors, oils, and caffeine. It also produces crema, the foam. Achille Gaggia designed the first espresso machines that used pistons and levers to produce high-pressure coffee brewing. Gaggia's spring-piston levers moved the water through the coffee and into the cup, introducing new jargon for what consumers called "coffee cream" (crema). The pump makes use of electricity to push water through the heating element to warm it up to ideal brewing temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit. It is usually located at the bottom of the machine and connected to a tube that runs up through the heating element. The tube connects on both ends to the cold-water tube as well as the hot-water tube. It also goes under the heating elements with resistivity which are coated with white grease to keep the plate warm. Pump The pump is what makes an espresso machines work and there are many types. Certain machines utilize a vibratory pump or a vibration pump which makes use of an electromagnetic motor to move between the sides of a coil at 60 pushes per second. The pump pushes water into the portafilter, and then out of the spouts. Some pumps utilize an energy source known as thermoblock, also known as thermocoil, to warm the water precisely to the temperature desired for making. These systems permit the control of temperature and pressure, both of which are crucial for a good extraction. Pump-driven espresso machines can include a spring or piston design, or an electric pump, but they all require water to flow through the coffee grounds at high pressure. The higher the pressure, the more efficient the extraction. The pump helps ensure that the ground coffee is evenly distributed, which helps to create a nice crema. Steam-driven and piston-driven espresso machines are also available. Steam pressure is used to push water through the coffee grounds in a steam-driven espresso machine. This type of machine is cheaper however it does not provide the same amount of pressure required for extraction. There are air pump-driven espresso machines that are lighter, smaller and do not require steam boilers. They can be powered with a hand pump or a canister with compressed air (such N2 or CO2). Air-pump espresso machines produce less pressured espresso than pumps, but they can be more convenient for some people. Steam tool The steam wand is the thin metal pipe that comes from the espresso machine and releases steam that is hot and pressurized into your milk, resulting in foamy drinks like cappuccinos or lattes. You can also use the wand to create hot coffee or cocoa. The wand generally has several holes at the tip, which you can switch off and on to regulate the amount of steam released. Some machines have traditional wands, while others use a Pannarello, which is easier to use, but doesn't produce foam suitable for latte arts. If you're experiencing difficulty with the frothing of your milk, it may be experiencing an issue with the valve that prevents vacuum in your espresso machine. This valve is designed to prevent air from sucking into the steam wand when it is in use. You can test this by lowering the wand, and hearing a whirring sound. If you hear a sound that is hissing this indicates that air is being drawn in. You must raise the wand to allow it to sink completely. You can also test the valve for anti-vacuum by removing the wand from the tank and cleaning it with warm water and a soft-bristled or soft-bristled sponge. Cleaning the wand is crucial to prevent clogs that could hinder your frothing. If you're unable to fix it on your own, seek help from a technician or the manufacturer. Control panel The control panel of an espresso machine permits the user to set up and modify settings. These include coffee strength and milk volume. These settings are stored in memory and can be modified at any time. The display also informs you the time when the machine has to be descaled and shows whether the tank is full. Most espresso machines have a hot-water dispenser, either close to one of the groups or in between them. This can be used for hot tea or to heat cups in the event of need. It is also useful for cleaning and rinsing. Many models have pressure gauges that display the current boiler pressure. There is also a brew switch, which regulates the brew process and the amount of shots. This is crucial as the size of the espresso shot is determined by how long the grounds are in direct contact with the water. If you wish the switch can be used to initiate the steaming process. The control system on this espresso machine may be a bit old-fashioned, but it offers easy-to-use functionality. It has a small LCD screen that looks more like an LED. It is simple to navigate through the menus. However there is a little learning curve for those who are new to the use of espresso machines. The stability of the temperature is impressive as well. The machine maintains a perfect water temperature between 194deg and 208deg F during the entire brewing procedure. This guarantees a perfect aroma extraction and a superior cup every time.