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Important Parts of an Espresso Machine A good espresso machine will make a shot of coffee with a thick body with a rich flavor, as well as an intense aroma. This requires high pressure and temperature. Also, pay attention to the crema, a golden brown layer that gives an incredibly rich espresso its distinctive color and taste. There are four kinds of espresso machines, which include semi-automatic, manual and automatic. Water reservoir The reservoir for water is the container that stores the cold, filtered water that is fed to the espresso machine. It is usually movable and has a lid that keeps the water clean and free of dust. It is a vital component of an espresso machine and should be kept clean to avoid the clogging. To clean it, pour vinegar into the reservoir and let it run for about a minute. The espresso machine uses water to pressurize coffee grounds and extract flavors, oils and caffeine. It also produces crema, which is the foam. The first espresso machines were designed by Achille Gaggia and used pistons attached to levers to create high-pressure brewing. Gaggia's spring-piston levers moved the water through the coffee and into the cup, and introduced new jargon for what was referred to by consumers as “coffee cream” (crema). The pump is an electrical 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 is connected to a tube which runs through the heating element. The tube connects on either end to the cold-water tube as well as the hot-water tube. It also runs under the heating elements that resist heat which are covered with white grease to keep the plate warm. Pump There are a variety of espresso machines. For instance some machines utilize a vibratory or vibe pump, which uses an electric motor that goes back and forth within an electric coil, generating 60 pushes per second. The pump pushes water into the portafilter, and then out of the spouts. Some pumps employ the thermoblock or thermocoil heating system that is able to precisely heat the water to the desired temperature for the brewing. These systems also allow for the control of water pressure and temperature, which are crucial for a high-quality extraction. Pump-driven espresso machines might 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 greater the pressure, the more flavorful the extraction. The pump ensures that the coffee is evenly distributed and helps produce a great crema. Steam-driven and piston-driven espresso machines are also available. In a steam-driven machine the water is forced through the ground coffee by using steam pressure. This type of machine is cheaper but does not produce the same amount of pressure required for extraction. There are also air pump-driven espresso machines that are smaller and lighter and do not require steam boilers. They can be powered by a hand-pump or a canister with compressed air (such N2 or CO2). Air-pump espresso makers yield less pressured espresso than pumps-driven machines, however they may be more convenient for some people. Steam Wand The steam wad is a small metal pipe that shoots hot steam into your milk to make foamy drinks such as cappuccinos and Lattes. The steam wand can also be used to heat cocoa, tea or other hot drinks. The wand is equipped with several holes that you can turn on or off to regulate the amount of steam released. Certain machines come with traditional wands, while others feature a Pannarello, which is easier to use but does not make foam that is suitable for latte art. If you're having difficulty making your milk foam, you might be having a problem with your espresso machine's anti-vacuum valve. This device is designed to stop air from being absorbed by the steam wand while it is operating. You can test it by lowering the steam wand while looking for a loud sound. If you hear a sound that is hissing it means that air is being drawn in. It is recommended to raise the wand a little to allow it to sink completely. You can also test the anti-vacuum by taking off the wand, and cleaning it with warm water using a soft bristled sponge or brush. It is vital to clean the wand to avoid clogs which could cause problems with your foaming. If you're unable to fix the issue on your own, then you can always call a professional technician or manufacturer for assistance. Control panel The control panel permits users to modify and configure settings. Included are the strength of the coffee and the quantity of milk. espresso coffee machines can be modified at anytime. The display will indicate when the machine should be descaled and whether the reservoir of water is full. Most espresso machines have hot water dispensers, either close to one of the groups or between them. It can be used to make hot tea or heat cups when needed. It can also be used to clean and rinse. A lot of models have gauges for pressure on the front of the machine that indicate the current pressure of the boiler. There is also a brew switch which regulates the brew process and the amount of shots. This is important as espresso shot size is determined by the amount of time the grounds are in contact with the water. The switch can be used to also start the steaming process in the event that you want to. The control system on this espresso machine is somewhat outdated however, it provides easy-to use functionality. It has a narrow LCD which feels more like a simple LED. It is easy to navigate through the menus. However there is a slight learning curve for those new to espresso machine use. The machine's ability to maintain a constant temperature is impressive. The machine maintains a perfect temperature of 194deg to 208deg F during the entire process of brewing. This guarantees perfect aroma extraction, and a high-quality cup every time.