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Important Parts of an Espresso Machine A quality espresso machine will produce a shot of coffee with a dense body that has a full flavor and an strong aroma. This requires a high level of temperature and pressure. Also, be attentive to the crema, a golden brown layer that gives the espresso its distinctive flavor and color. There are four kinds of espresso machines: semi-automatic, manual automatic, super-automatic and semi-automatic. Water reservoir The water reservoir is a container that houses cold, filtered water that is pumped into the espresso machine. It is usually removable, and has a lid that helps keep 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, add vinegar to the reservoir and let it run for about a minute. The espresso machine uses water to pressurize the coffee grounds, and extract flavors, oils and caffeine. It also produces the foam that is known as crema. Achille Gaggia created the first espresso machines that used pistons and levers to produce high-pressure coffee. Gaggia's spring-piston levers pushed the water through the coffee and into the cup, and introduced new terms for what consumers referred to as “coffee cream” (crema). The pump is a device that makes use of electricity to push water through the heating element in order to heat it to the ideal brewing temperatures of 195 degrees Fahrenheit. see is typically located at the bottom of the machine and attached to a tube which runs up through the heating element. It also connects on either end to the cold-water tube as well as the hot-water tube. It also goes under the heating elements of resistance, which are covered with white grease to keep the plate warm. Pump There are different types of espresso machines. Certain machines utilize a vibratory pump or vibe pump which uses an electromagnetic motor to move back and forth in an arc at 60 pushes per sec. The pump then forces water through the portafilter and out of the spouts. Some pumps employ thermoblocks or thermocoils as a heating system, which heats the water precisely to the temperature that is desired for the 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 could have a piston or spring design or an electric pump, however they all require water to pass through the coffee grounds at high pressure. The higher the pressure, the better the extraction. The pump will also ensure that the ground coffee is evenly distributed, which helps to create a nice crema. The piston-driven and steam-driven espresso machines are also available. Steam pressure is used to force water through the grounds of the coffee beans in a steam driven espresso machine. This model is more affordable however it doesn't provide the same amount of pressure to extract. There are also air pump-driven espresso machines that are lighter and smaller, but do not require a boiler. They can be powered by a hand pump or a canister filled with compressed air (such as CO2 or N2). The espresso makers that are driven by air have lower pressure than pump-driven espresso machines, but they may be more suitable for some. Steam Wand The steam tool is a thin metal pipe that shoots hot, steam into your milk to make foamy drinks like Lattes and cappuccinos. You can also make hot water for tea or cocoa. The wand is equipped with several holes that can be turned on and off to regulate the amount of steam released. Certain machines come with the traditional wand while others come with a Pannarello which is more simple to use, but doesn't create foam suitable for latte art. If you're having difficulty making your milk foam, you might be having a problem with the anti-vacuum valve of your espresso machine. The valve is designed to prevent air from sucking into the steam wand during operation. You can test it by dropping the steam wand down while listening for a sound that makes a hiss. If you hear a hissing sound it means that air is being drawn in. You should raise the wand to let it submerge completely. You can also test the valve for anti-vacuum by removing the wand, then cleaning it using warm water and a soft-bristled brush sponge. It is important to clean the wand regularly to avoid clogging which can affect your foaming. If you are unable fix it yourself, you can call a professional or the manufacturer. Control panel The control panel of an espresso machine permits the user to set up and modify settings. Included are the strength of the coffee and the quantity of milk. These settings are saved in memory and can be changed at any time. The display also shows when the machine must be descaled, and also indicates if the water tank is full. The majority of espresso machines have a hot water dispenser. This is usually placed near or between the groups. This can be used for hot tea or to heat cups in the event of need. It can also be used for cleaning and rinsing. There are many models with pressure gauges on the front of the machine that indicate the current pressure in the boiler. There is also a brew switch which controls the brew time and the number of shots. This is important because espresso shot size is determined by the amount of time the grounds are in contact with water. If you wish, the switch can be used to initiate the steaming process. The control system for this espresso machine is a bit old-fashioned however it has easy-to utilize features. It has a small LCD screen that looks more like an LED. This makes it easy to navigate the menus however there is some learning curve for people who aren't familiar with espresso machines. The machine's ability to keep an even temperature is impressive. It maintains an ideal temperature of 194deg – 208deg F throughout the entire drinking process. This allows for perfect aroma extraction and guarantees the same high-quality cup each time.