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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-bodied flavor and intense aroma. This requires high levels of pressure and temperature. You must also be aware of the crema, a golden-brown layer that gives an incredibly rich espresso its characteristic color and taste. There are four kinds of espresso machines: semi-automatic, manual automated, super-automatic and semi-automatic. Water reservoir The reservoir for water is the container that stores the cold, filtered water that is supplied to the espresso machine. It is usually movable, and has a lid to keep the water clean and free of dust. It is an essential component of an espresso machine, and should be kept clean to prevent clogging. To clean it, put vinegar in the reservoir and let it run for about a minute. The espresso machine uses the water to pressurize the coffee grounds to extract the flavors, oils and caffeine. It also produces crema, which is the foam. Achille Gaggia designed the first espresso machines, which utilized levers and pistons to create high-pressure coffee brewing. Gaggia's spring piston levers moved water through the coffee into the cup. This created a brand new term “coffee crème” (crema). The pump is an electric device that moves the water through the heating element to raise it to the ideal brewing temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit. It is typically located at the bottom of the machine and connected to a tube which runs up to the heating element. The tube is connected at both ends to hot-water and cold-water tubes. It also runs under the heating elements that resist heat which are covered with white grease to keep the plate warm. Pump The pump is what makes an espresso machines work, and there are several kinds. Some machines employ a vibration pump or a vibratory pump that uses an electromagnetic motor that moves back and forth in the form of a coil at 60 pushes per second. The pump then pushes water through the portafilter, and out of the spouts. Other pumps use a thermoblock or thermocoil heating system that can precisely heat water to the desired temperature for making. These systems also permit control of pressure as well as water temperature, which is crucial to a successful extraction. Pump-driven espresso machines could include a spring or piston design, or an electric pump, but they all require water to pass through the coffee grounds under high pressure. The higher the pressure, the better the extraction. The pump ensures that the coffee is evenly distributed and helps create a good crema. Steam-driven and piston-driven espresso machines are also available. In a steam driven machine, the water is pushed through the coffee using steam pressure. This kind of espresso machine is more affordable, but does not generate as much pressure for the extraction. There are also air pump-driven espresso machines that are lighter, smaller and do not require steam boilers. They can be powered either with a hand pump or a canister filled with compressed air (such N2 or CO2). Pump-driven espresso makers use less pressure than espresso machines driven by pumps however, they are more convenient for some people. Steam wand The steam wand is a thin metal pipe that is inserted from the espresso machine and shoots steam that is hot and pressurized into the milk to create foamy drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes. You can also make hot water for cocoa or tea. The wand usually has several holes on its tip, that you can turn on and off to regulate the amount of steam released. Certain machines come with a traditional wand and others come with a Pannarello that is simpler to use, but doesn't produce foam suitable for latte arts. If you're experiencing difficulty making your milk foam, you might be having a problem with your espresso machine's anti-vacuum valve. This valve is designed in order to stop air from leaking into the steam wand while in operation. You can test this by lowering the wand, and watching for a hissing sound. If you hear a hissing sound it is a sign that air is being drawn in. You must raise the wand a little to let it submerge completely. You can also check the valve for anti-vacuum by removing the wand from the tank and cleaning it with warm water along with a soft-bristled toothbrush or sponge. It is essential to keep the wand clean to avoid clogging that could impact your foaming. If you are unable fix it on your own, consult a technician or a manufacturer. Control panel The control panel of an espresso machine permits the user to set up and alter settings. The settings include the strength of the coffee and the quantity of milk. These settings can be adjusted at anytime. The display indicates when the machine needs to be descaled and when the reservoir for water is full. The majority of espresso machines come with hot-water dispensers, which are usually close to one of the groups, or between them. It can be used to prepare coffee or to heat cups when needed. espresso machine coffee is also great 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 regulates the brew process and the number of shots. This is important as espresso shot size is determined by the length of time the grounds are in contact with water. If you wish the switch could be used to begin the steaming process. The control system on this espresso machine is a bit dated, but it still provides easy-to-use functions. It has a small LCD which feels more like a simple LED. This makes it easy to navigate the menus, however there's some learning curve for users that are new to espresso machines. The machine's temperature stability is also impressive. It ensures a perfect temperature of 194deg to 208deg F throughout the entire the brewing process. This ensures a perfect extraction of aroma and a premium cup each time.