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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 level of temperature and pressure. You must also pay attention to the crema, which is a golden brown layer that gives an intense espresso its characteristic color and taste. There are four main kinds of espresso machines: manual, semi-automatic, automatic and super-automatic. Water reservoir The water reservoir is a container that holds filtered, cold water that is fed to the espresso machine. It is usually removable and has a lid that keeps the water clean and free of dust. It is an important part of an espresso machine and should be kept clean to avoid getting blocked. To clean it, you can put vinegar in the reservoir and let it run for about a minute. The espresso machine uses the water to pressurize coffee grounds and extract the flavors, oils and caffeine. It also produces the foam that is called crema. Achille Gaggia invented the first espresso machines, which utilized pistons and levers to create high-pressure making. Gaggia's spring pistons pushed water through the coffee into the cup. This created a brand new jargon “coffee crème” (crema). The pump is an electrical device that moves the water through the heating element to warm it to the ideal brewing temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit. The pump is usually located at the bottom of the machine. It is connected to a tube which runs up through the heating elements. The tube is also connected at the other end to hot-water and cold-water tubes. It also connects to the resistive heating elements that are coated with white grease to keep the plate warm. Pump The pump is what makes espresso machines work and there are a variety of types. For example, some machines use vibration or a vibe pump that makes use of an electromagnetic motor that moves between the sides of an electric coil, generating 60 pushes per second. The pump pumps water into the portafilter and then out of the spouts. Other pumps employ the heating system known as thermoblock, also known as thermocoil, which heats the water precisely at the temperature needed for making. These systems also permit control of pressure and water temperature, which is important to ensure a good extraction. Pump-driven espresso machines may use a piston, spring or electric pump. However, they all require that water be moved through the grounds of the coffee with high pressure. The higher the pressure, the more efficient the extraction. The pump makes sure that the coffee is evenly distributed and helps to make good crema. Espresso machines that are piston-driven or steam-driven are also available. In a steam-driven machine the water is forced through the ground coffee by using steam pressure. This kind of machine is less expensive however it doesn't provide the same amount of pressure needed for extraction. There are also air pump-driven espresso machines that are lighter, smaller and do not require steam boilers. They can be powered either via a hand-pump or canister using compressed air (such CO2 or N2). Air-pump espresso makers produce less pressurized espresso than pumps-driven machines, but can be more suitable for certain people. Steam tool The steam wand is the thin pipe made of metal that comes out of the espresso maker and releases steam hot and pressurized into your milk to make foamy drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes. The wand can be used heat water for cocoa, tea or any other hot drinks. The wand generally has several holes on its tip, which you can switch off and on to regulate how much steam is released. Some machines come with a traditional wand and others have a Pannarello which is more simple to use but does not produce foam suitable for latte arts. If you're experiencing problems with frothing milk, it could be because your espresso machine has a problem with its anti-vacuum device. The valve is designed to prevent air from sucking into the steam wand while in operation. You can test this by lowering the wand, and listening for a hissing sound. If espresso coffee machine hear a hissing sound this indicates that air is being drawn in. You must raise the wand to let it submerge completely. You can also test the anti-vacuum method by removing the wand, and cleaning it in warm water using a soft bristled sponge or brush. Cleaning the wand is essential to avoid clogs which could hinder the foaming. If you are unable to resolve the issue on your own, then you can always talk to a professional technician or the manufacturer for assistance. Control panel The control panel of an espresso machine allows users to set up and alter settings. These include coffee strength and milk volume. These settings can be changed at any time. The display also indicates the time when the machine has to be descaled, and also indicates the amount of water in the tank. full. The majority of espresso machines have a hot water dispenser. This is usually placed next to or between the groups. This can be used for hot tea or to heat cups when needed. It can also be used for cleaning and rinsing. Many models feature pressure gauges which show the current pressure of the boiler. A brew switch is available, which controls the brew cycle as well as the number of shots. This is crucial, since 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 could be used to start the steaming process. The control system for this espresso machine is a bit old-fashioned, but it offers easy-to use features. It has a small LCD that is more like a simple LED. This makes it simple to navigate the menus though there is a bit of a learning curve for people who aren't familiar with espresso machines. The machine's temperature stability is also impressive. It maintains a consistent temperature of 194deg to 208deg F during the entire brewing procedure. This ensures a perfect extraction of aroma, and a high-quality cup every time.