Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The Joy of Espressos and Espresso Machines

By William A. Hall


It is strange but yet true that there was a time wherein somebody asked you 'Coffee', you knew exactly what you are going to receive. However, nowadays there are so many variations of coffee that it makes us wonder what more can be made out of the magical coffee beans. The Italian Coffee is called the Espresso which is popular throughout the world and there is a unique machine which can brew out this amazing beverage which is called the Espresso Machine.

Creating the fine quality espresso is a master's art and is believed to be a craft and the person who operates the espresso machine is called the Barista. The manner in which an espresso is made is actually referred to as 'pulling a shot' since the old-style espresso machines came with a long handle which was required to make the espresso.

Espresso is actually not a modern-day drink and the espresso machine was originally made way back in 1901. From there, followed a series of espresso machines, each one finer and better than the previous one in its qualities and features. Several factors influence the taste of an espresso. These are the fineness of the ground beans, the pressure inserted to the ground beans or even the pressure as a single factor can change the flavor and taste of an espresso.

Certain baristas can make the espresso shots directly on to the cup or shot glass and this in turn helps to keep the temperature of the espresso at a higher temperature. Many of the espresso machines also have the Steam Wand attached to them which have the main use of steaming or adding froth to the beverages with milk such as cappuccinos and lattes.

It is fascinating to realize that there are several kinds of espresso machines prepared with the only concern of satisfying the demands of the many types of customers. One of the primitive forms of espresso machines is the Steam-driven espresso machine wherein water is used to push into the coffee and this is achieved by the force of steam or steam pressure.

Piston-driven espresso machines are a standard one and are quite similar to the recent types of espresso makers. This machine initiated the use of crema which was not utilized before and was thrown off as an inedible item. Crema greatly enhanced the taste of espresso and helped to produce a fine shot of espresso.

Then we have the Stovetop espresso makers which are widely used in Italy, Spain and Portugal and are also known as the Moka pots. They generate a dark coffee with the ratio of extraction similar to the normal espresso machines. However, Moka pots are not very much preferred due to the fact that they produce inferior quality espressos due to extreme heat and deficient pressure.

The contemporary models of espresso machines were fitted with retrofits or PID controllers which helped to maintain a balance to the rising temperature and in turn helped to brew high quality espresso with an extraction consistency. Even though the PID controllers were discovered in 1950s, their use in the espresso machines happened many years later, starting from the 2000s.

The bliss of being able to prepare a fine shot of espresso and to be able to enjoy the same in your very house has only been possible with the wonderful discovery of espresso machines.




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