A traditional espresso coffee machine does not serve from bean to cup and is also not fully automatic. It consists of a group handle with a filter into which ground beans are poured, and the group handle is inserted into group head. The machine then filters pressurised boiled water through the grounds.
The working of a traditional espresso maker is in similitude with that of a drip machine. The only difference is between their temperature control and pressure. There are also many signs by which one can tell whether a traditional espresso brewer is good or not. Let’s have a look at the telltale sign of good traditional coffee machines:
Temperature Control: Brewing temperature of a traditional coffee maker is one of its vital essentials. A good machine would control the temperature every single time. It can rise within a boiler when the brewer has not been used for quite sometime. It may also drop rapidly when too much water has been dispensed. This would alter the brewing temperature and ultimately change the espresso flavor.
Volume of Water: The quantity of water filtered through the grounds of coffee is also an important aspect. Only that much water should be poured in as much coffee is required. If the machine fails to filter all of the water and leaves some of it behind, the cup of java would not taste as expected to.
Steam Wand: Traditional coffee makers may also come with steam wand, which is generally meant to be used for steaming and frothing milk. It is important to make sure that pressure for steam is not more than 1 bar. The best thing to do is synchronise the pressure in the steam wand with the temperature inside the boiler.
Cup Warmer: When a machine is being purchased, care should be taken to notice that it has a shelf space near its top where cups can be placed. This shelf space generally heats the cups and prepares them prior to receiving coffee.
