Espresso Coffee Machines: Different Versions And Types
Espresso makers became overly popular in the 20th century thanks to specialized coffee shops who left people wanting to experience those same great Italian drinks at home without the cost. What many don't realize is just how long these machines have been around.
All the way back in 1901 the world was introduced to the first espresso coffee machine. Through the years several models have come and went. Common to almost all models, however, is the portafilter system. The portafilter is a small wire basket that holds the coffee grounds you are using. Also popularly found on espresso makers are steam wands which are used to steam milk and then froth it for specific coffee beverages.
The four main systems of espresso machines are discussed briefly in the article. These brief descriptions should give you a fairly accurate idea of the good and bad about each one. Preference is usually based upon application with these types of machines.
Piston: The famous espresso machine manufacturer Gaggia has roots in the creation of the piston driven coffee maker. Founder Achille Gaggia invented his creation in Italy in 1945. His machine is easy to use and employs a lever mechanism to force hot tap water through the coffee grounds. This maker is the basis of the popular term "pulling a shot" because of the repeated pulling action of the handle that is required. The piston driven espresso coffee machine comes in two main forms, the manual and the spring driven version. A manual espresso coffee maker simply requires the hot water to be forced through the grounds by means of pulling the lever. The spring driven alternative requires tension to be put on a spring which builds the proper pressure that is needed.
Pump: The pump style espresso coffee maker works by way of a motorized pump that builds the energy needed to brew the drink for you. These are the most common style of coffee maker found in coffee shops. Commercial grade pump coffee makers attach directly to the plumbing in a building while cheaper home versions come with a built in hold reservoir. Commercial level espresso coffee machines are generally much quicker at fully creating the drinks then the home use versions.
Steam: A steam espresso coffee maker is pretty straight forward in the way it works. Steam pressure is used to push the water through the grounds. This style of machine was the mechanism used on the first ones created. The system works well too because this type is still used today. They are cheap to produce and require no moving parts making them ideal to market in the industry.
Air Pressure: Air pressure espresso coffee machines are more commonly known as Handpresso coffee makers. This name comes from the creater, Nielsen Innovation, who invented the product in 2006. It met fame in 2007 when it was first introduced in stores.
If you are looking to add an espresso coffee maker to your home or business you can see that you have a lot of options. The setting and frequency in which you will be using the maker should be a big factor in your purchase decision. The price range on espresso coffee makers are vast and brand and ability play a huge role in the sticker price. All will give you the same result in the end, great espresso drinks.
All the way back in 1901 the world was introduced to the first espresso coffee machine. Through the years several models have come and went. Common to almost all models, however, is the portafilter system. The portafilter is a small wire basket that holds the coffee grounds you are using. Also popularly found on espresso makers are steam wands which are used to steam milk and then froth it for specific coffee beverages.
The four main systems of espresso machines are discussed briefly in the article. These brief descriptions should give you a fairly accurate idea of the good and bad about each one. Preference is usually based upon application with these types of machines.
Piston: The famous espresso machine manufacturer Gaggia has roots in the creation of the piston driven coffee maker. Founder Achille Gaggia invented his creation in Italy in 1945. His machine is easy to use and employs a lever mechanism to force hot tap water through the coffee grounds. This maker is the basis of the popular term "pulling a shot" because of the repeated pulling action of the handle that is required. The piston driven espresso coffee machine comes in two main forms, the manual and the spring driven version. A manual espresso coffee maker simply requires the hot water to be forced through the grounds by means of pulling the lever. The spring driven alternative requires tension to be put on a spring which builds the proper pressure that is needed.
Pump: The pump style espresso coffee maker works by way of a motorized pump that builds the energy needed to brew the drink for you. These are the most common style of coffee maker found in coffee shops. Commercial grade pump coffee makers attach directly to the plumbing in a building while cheaper home versions come with a built in hold reservoir. Commercial level espresso coffee machines are generally much quicker at fully creating the drinks then the home use versions.
Steam: A steam espresso coffee maker is pretty straight forward in the way it works. Steam pressure is used to push the water through the grounds. This style of machine was the mechanism used on the first ones created. The system works well too because this type is still used today. They are cheap to produce and require no moving parts making them ideal to market in the industry.
Air Pressure: Air pressure espresso coffee machines are more commonly known as Handpresso coffee makers. This name comes from the creater, Nielsen Innovation, who invented the product in 2006. It met fame in 2007 when it was first introduced in stores.
If you are looking to add an espresso coffee maker to your home or business you can see that you have a lot of options. The setting and frequency in which you will be using the maker should be a big factor in your purchase decision. The price range on espresso coffee makers are vast and brand and ability play a huge role in the sticker price. All will give you the same result in the end, great espresso drinks.
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Before buying an Italian espresso maker, it is vital to do some research and testing if possible. Italian espresso makers can vary greatly in price and quality.