Espresso coffee 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 makers 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 machines are steam wands which are used to steam milk and then froth it for specific coffee beverages.
There are four common styles of the espresso maker. Each of these will be briefly discussed in the text following. Each one has it's own unique aspects.
Piston: The famous espresso machine manufacturer Gaggia has roots in the creation of the piston driven machine. 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 coffee machine 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 machine comes in two main forms, the manual and the spring driven version. A manual espresso machine 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 machine 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 makers attach directly to the plumbing in a building while cheaper home versions come with a built in hold reservoir. Commercial level espresso coffee makers are generally much quicker at fully creating the drinks then the home use versions.
Steam: A steam espresso maker is pretty straight forward in the way it works. Steam pressure is used to push the water through the grounds. This style of coffee maker 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 machines. 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.
As you can see, when shopping for espresso machines, you have many options to choose from. What you choose is mainly based on the application for which you will be using the product since some types work better in a business setting and others are targeted for home use. Prices vary greatly for each type and are dependent upon the brand and other factors. All create a great tasting cup of coffee though.
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 machines are steam wands which are used to steam milk and then froth it for specific coffee beverages.
There are four common styles of the espresso maker. Each of these will be briefly discussed in the text following. Each one has it's own unique aspects.
Piston: The famous espresso machine manufacturer Gaggia has roots in the creation of the piston driven machine. 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 coffee machine 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 machine comes in two main forms, the manual and the spring driven version. A manual espresso machine 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 machine 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 makers attach directly to the plumbing in a building while cheaper home versions come with a built in hold reservoir. Commercial level espresso coffee makers are generally much quicker at fully creating the drinks then the home use versions.
Steam: A steam espresso maker is pretty straight forward in the way it works. Steam pressure is used to push the water through the grounds. This style of coffee maker 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 machines. 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.
As you can see, when shopping for espresso machines, you have many options to choose from. What you choose is mainly based on the application for which you will be using the product since some types work better in a business setting and others are targeted for home use. Prices vary greatly for each type and are dependent upon the brand and other factors. All create a great tasting cup of coffee though.
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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.
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