Understanding how your espresso machine operates, and the technology it uses, allows you to work with your machine to create consistently brilliant coffee. If you own a heat exchange machine, this video is for you! It’s a short demonstration of some things you can do to ensure an ideal brewing temperature every time you pull a shot.
Heat exchange machines are one of the best technologies on the market for home espresso machines. They work by heating a boiler (for steaming) to around 120 degrees. A pipe runs from the water reservoir, through the boiler, and the energy from the boiler heats the water to the required brewing temperature for espresso. This allows you to brew and steam simultaneously.
This technology has been the most common in the home espresso market since 1961, when Faema developed it. Unless you can afford a Synesso and until domestic dual boiler systems improve and come down in price, heat exchange machines will continue to dominate.
Watch out for the dual boiler Expobar Minore over the next few years — we think it’s going to take over the market. The two boilers (one for steaming and one for brewing) guarantee better temperature stability and as they improve the aesthetics, ergonomics and user friendliness, it’ll become the ‘must have’ domestic machine.
Not sure what kind of technology your machine uses? This might help!
Heat Exchange Machines (this video is for you)
Isomac (La Mondiale, Alba, Millenium, Tea)
ECM
Rocket Giotto
Bezzera Domus and B707
La Cimbali Jr
Wega Mini Nova
VBM Domobar
Single Boiler Machines (you must switch from steam to brew and wait for the machine to adjust its temp)
Rancilio Silvia
Gaggia
Most of the manual machines (not super-automatic) you find in a large retail store like Myer (eg Breville, De Longhi, Saeco)
Thermoblock Machine
Sunbeam Café Series
Dual Boiler Machines
Synesso 1 group Hydra
La Marzocco GS3
Rocket R58
Expobar Minore IV
Tips For Your Home Espresso Machine from Five Senses Coffee on Vimeo.
