Espresso is the art of extracting flavor from ground coffee with intense pressure and extreme heat. While it might not seem like a difficult process at first, the nuance in different espresso machines can make all the difference. This is especially true for those who are new to Italian baristas’ art of espresso-making.
To understand the differences between Italian espresso machines, it helps to know their origins—and the differences between them.
Espresso machines first came to prominence in Italy during the mid-1800s. Specifically, they were developed in the northern region of the country known as the ‘’Lavazza zone’’. Today, there are still many machines bearing the stamp of this zone. It’s important to understand the region where your machine is created.
Italian Espresso Origin: The ‘’Lavazza Zone’’
What is an Italian espresso machine?
Italian espresso is made from 100% Arabica beans. The beans are ground in a batch machine and then extracted with hot water. A consistent ratio of 30% to 70% of the ground beans needs to be extracted to produce a single espresso shot.
An espresso shot is made up of two essential components: the crema (the shiny layer at the top of the drink) and the espresso itself. The espresso is the ground, extracted liquid that’s left behind after the crema is extracted, while the crema is the thick layer of oil at the top of the drink that’s distinct from the espresso itself.
Espresso Varietals
Espresso Varieties
There are five main varieties of espresso: Americano, Cappuccino, Espresso, Lungo, and Macchiato. Each is named after the country that most popularized it.
- Americano – The Americano variety is generally slightly weaker than regular espresso due to its tea-like qualities. It’s often used as a substitute for regular coffee in the Italian-American community.
- Cappuccino – A strong, sweet espresso made with the same proportions of grounds and water as the latte.
- Espresso – An espresso is made by extracting the fullest flavors from the beans. It’s characterized by a smooth body and a strong, rich flavor.
- Lungo – A long espresso that has been diluted with water to drink more quickly.
- Macchiato – A macchiato is a “shaded” espresso, which is simply an espresso that has been mixed with milk.
- decaffeinated beans can be used to create an Americano.
How to Make Espresso
There are three main components to making espresso. The first is the coffee beans, the second is the brewing water, and the third is the machine.
Ground beans are placed inside the portafilter, which is a metal filter that extracts the coffee. Once the portafilter is full, it is placed inside the grouphead. The grouphead then heats up the water and pumps it through the ground coffee. A grouphead is the main component of a Moka pot.
The Different Types of Espresso Machines
The first espresso machine was invented in 1933 by Luigi Bezzera, a chemist and inventor who was inspired by the fact that boiling water caused coffee beans to release flavor.
Coffee Spoons
In the past, espresso spoons were made of silver or gold. These spoons that were used to scoop and pour coffee were usually around 5-6 grams in weight and had a beautiful design on the handle.
Silver spoons have also been used to create a lighter espresso. By using a spoon to scoop the coffee, you can use less than a full coffee spoon of beans and still create an espresso with a darker, richer flavor.
Espresso Machines from the ‘’Lavazza Zone’’
Lavazza Espresso Machines
Lavazza has been at the forefront of espresso since 1932. The company has used the same equipment since the 1930s. Lavazza produces espresso machines that are similar in style to the Moka pots that Bezzera invented in the 1920s.
Conclusion
Espresso is a complex process that requires expertise from the roaster and barista. And while every machine will extract some of the same flavors from the beans, different espresso machines can produce very different results. Understanding the origins of your espresso machine will help you make better coffee.
The best espresso machines are the ones that are designed specifically for making espresso, but they can be hard to find. That’s why we’ve created this guide. We’ll cover everything you need to know when buying an espresso machine, from types of machines to espresso varietals to how to make espresso.
