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Important Parts of an Espresso Machine A top espresso machine should provide a robust and rich-bodied shot of coffee, with a full aroma and a strong flavor. This requires high temperature and pressure. Pay close attention to the crema. This golden-brown layer gives rich espressos their distinctive taste and color. There are four types of espresso machines, which include semi-automatic, manual and automatic. Water reservoir The water reservoir is the container that houses the water that is cold, filtered and that is supplied to the espresso maker. It is usually removable and has a lid that keeps the water free of dust. It is an essential component of an espresso machine and should be kept clean to avoid blocking. Pour vinegar into the reservoir to wash it. Let it run for several minutes. The espresso machine makes use of water to pressurize coffee grounds to extract flavors oils, caffeine and flavors. It also creates the foam called crema. coffee espresso machines invented the first espresso machines, which utilized pistons and levers to produce high-pressure coffee brewing. Gaggia's spring piston levers pushed water through the coffee and into the cup, and introduced new jargon for what consumers referred to as “coffee cream” (crema). The pump utilizes electricity to push water through the heating element in order to warm it up to ideal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit. It is typically located at the bottom of the machine and connected to a tubing that runs through the heating element. The tube is also connected at the other end to hot-water and cold-water tubes. It also passes underneath the resistive heating elements which are covered with white grease to keep the plate warm. Pump The pump is what makes an espresso machine work, and there are several types. Some machines use a vibratory pump or a vibration pump which uses an electromagnetic motor that moves between the sides of a coil at 60 pushes per sec. The pump then forces water through the portafilter and out of the spouts. Other pumps employ an heating system, known as the thermoblock, or thermocoil, to warm the water precisely to the temperature required for brewing. These systems also allow control of pressure as well as water temperature, which is important for a high-quality extraction. Pump-driven espresso machines can have a piston or spring 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 ensures that the coffee is evenly distributed and helps produce a great crema. Other kinds of espresso machines are piston-driven or steam-driven. Steam pressure is used to push water through the coffee grounds in a steam-driven espresso machine. This kind of espresso machine is less expensive but doesn't produce enough pressure for extraction. There are also air pump-driven espresso machines that are lighter and smaller in size, but do not require a boiler and can be powered by a hand pump or a canister filled with compressed air (such as CO2 or N2). Pump-driven espresso makers use less pressure than espresso machines that are driven by pumps but may be more convenient for some people. Steam wand The steam wand is the thin metal pipe that is inserted out of the espresso machine and shoots steam hot and pressurized into your milk to make foamy drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes. The wand is used to heat water for cocoa, tea or any other hot drinks. The wand is usually made of several holes on the tip, which you can switch on and off to regulate the amount of steam released. Certain machines come with the traditional wand while others come with a Pannarello that is simpler to use, but doesn't make foam suitable for latte arts. If you're experiencing problems with in frothing milk, it might be that your espresso machine has a problem with its anti-vacuum device. This valve is designed in order to prevent air from getting absorbed into the steam wand when it is in operation. You can test this by lowering the wand and listening for a hissing sound. If you hear this noise it is an indication that air is being sucked into the wand. You should raise the wand slightly to let it submerge more completely. You can also check the valve that controls the anti-vacuum by taking off the wand, then cleaning it with warm water and a soft-bristled brush sponge. Cleaning the wand is essential to avoid clogs which could cause problems with your frothing. If you are unable to resolve the problem yourself, you can always talk to an expert technician or the manufacturer for assistance. Control panel The control panel permits the user to change and configure settings. Included are the coffee strength and the quantity of milk. These settings are stored in memory and can be changed at any time. The display indicates when the machine is descaled and when the reservoir of water is full. The majority of espresso machines have hot water dispensers. This is usually located close to or between groups. It can be used to make hot tea or to heat cups if needed. It can also be used to clean and rinse. A lot of models come with pressure gauges that indicate the current pressure of the boiler. A brew switch is available, which controls both the brew process as well as the number of shots. This is important since espresso shot size is determined by the amount of time the grounds are in contact with water. The switch can be used to also start the steaming process, when desired. The control system of this espresso machine is a little old-fashioned, but it provides easy-to-use functions. It has a slim LCD screen that looks more like an LED. It is simple to navigate through the menus. However there is a slight learning curve for those who are new to espresso machine use. The machine's ability to maintain a constant temperature is impressive. The machine maintains a perfect temperature of 194deg to 208deg F throughout the entire brewing process. This ensures a perfect extraction of aroma and ensures an even, high-quality, consistent cup every time.