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Important Parts of an Espresso Machine A quality espresso machine will produce a shot of coffee with a dense body with a rich taste and an strong aroma. This requires a high level of pressure and temperature. It is also important to pay attention to the crema, which is a golden-brown layer that gives an incredibly rich espresso its characteristic flavor and color. There are four types of espresso machines, including manual, semi-automatic and automatic. Water reservoir The reservoir for water is the container that stores the water that is cold, filtered and that is supplied to the espresso machine. It is usually removable and has a lid to keep the water free of dust and dirt. It is an essential component of an espresso machine and must be kept clean to prevent blocking. To clean it, you can put vinegar in the reservoir and let it run for about a minute. The espresso machine uses water to pressurize coffee grounds to extract flavors, oils and caffeine. It also produces the foam known as crema. The first espresso machines were developed by Achille Gaggia. They used pistons attached to levers to produce high-pressure coffee. Gaggia's spring piston levers were used to push water through the coffee into the cup. This created a brand new terminology “coffee crème” (crema). The pump is an electrical device that pushes the water through the heating element to bring it up to the ideal temperature for brewing of 195 degrees Fahrenheit. The pump is usually located at the bottom of the machine. It is connected to a tube which runs through the heating elements. The tube is also connected at either end to the cold-water tube and the hot-water tube. It also goes under the heating element resistive, which is coated with white grease, which helps keep the plate warm. Pump There are a variety of espresso machines. For example certain machines employ vibratory or vibe pumps which is an electric motor that goes between the sides of the coil to generate 60 pushes per second. The pump then pushes water through the portafilter and out of the spouts. Some pumps utilize an energy source known as a thermoblock or thermocoil, to warm the water precisely to the temperature needed for the brewing. These systems also allow for control of pressure and water temperature, which is essential for a high-quality extraction. Pump-driven espresso machines can employ a piston, spring or electric pump. They all require that water be pumped through the grounds of the coffee with high pressure. The greater the pressure, the more flavorful the extraction. The pump will also ensure that the ground coffee is evenly dispersed, which helps create a great crema. Other types of espresso machines include piston-driven or steam-driven. Steam pressure is used to force water through the grounds of coffee in a steam-driven espresso machine. This kind of machine is less expensive however it doesn't provide the same amount of pressure to extract. There are also air pump-driven espresso machines that are smaller, lighter and do not require steam boilers. They can be powered either via a hand-pump or canister with compressed air (such CO2 or N2). The espresso makers that are driven by air have lower pressure than espresso machines that are driven by pumps however, they are more convenient for some people. Steam wand The steam wand is the thin metal pipe that is inserted from the espresso machine and releases steam that is hot and pressurized into your milk to make foamy drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes. You can also make hot water for tea or cocoa. The wand comes with several holes that you can turn on or off to regulate the amount of steam released. Some machines use the traditional wand, whereas others have a Pannarello wand, which is simpler to operate but doesn't produce the same foam that is required for lattes. If you're having problems frothing milk, it could be that your espresso machine is having issues with its anti-vacuum device. This device is designed to prevent air from sucking into the steam wand during operation. You can test it by taking the steam wand off and looking for a loud sound. If you hear a sound that is hissing it is a sign that air is being drawn in. You need to raise the wand to let it submerge completely. You can also test the valve for anti-vacuum by removing the wand and washing it using warm water along with a soft-bristled toothbrush or sponge. Cleaning the wand is essential to avoid clogs that may hinder your foaming. If you're unable to fix the issue on your own, then you can always call 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. Included are the strength of coffee and the quantity of milk. These settings are saved in memory and can be changed at any time. The display shows when the machine is descaled and also whether the reservoir of water is full. The majority of espresso machines have hot water dispensers. This is usually located in between or next to the groups. It can be used to make hot cups or tea, in the event of need. It can also be used to clean and rinse. Many models have pressure gauges on the front of the machine, indicating the current pressure in the boiler. A brew switch is available, which controls both the brew procedure as well in the quantity of shots. This is important because espresso shot size is determined by the amount of time that the grounds are in contact with the water. If desired the switch can be used to begin the steaming process. The control system of this espresso machine is a bit outdated however it does provide easy to use functions. It features a narrow LCD screen that appears like an LED. It is easy to navigate through the menus. However, there is a slight learning curve for those who are new to espresso machine use. The stability of the temperature is also impressive. The machine can maintain a perfect temperature of 194deg to 208deg F throughout the entire brewing process. This guarantees a perfect aroma extraction and a superior cup every time.