Temperature is one of the most important factors on which a good shot of espresso depends. Among all the requirements needed for successful espresso brewing is also what EspressoWorks attempted to ensure by enslaving the machine to the same temperature in the process of grinding and extraction to brewing. It doesn’t matter if you are an amateur or pro; EspressoWorks machines are so designed that they bring the precision and consistency of a barista in making espresso to an all-time high.
Why Temperature is Important to Make Espresso
The ideal temperature to roast coffee while the espresso brewing process can be done is about 199°F. If this temperature is exceeded, coffee becomes scorched, and nobody wants that; some notes become bitter. However, if it is lower than this, the coffee will under-extract and be sour. Therefore, a uniform degree is required, and this is one area where the EspressoWorks thermoblock system stands out.
What Is a Thermoblock?
EspressoWorks can be fitted with a thermoblock, the most visible system for efficient heating and maintaining the water’s temperature at its optimal brewing point. A thermoblock consists of a metal block interlaced with heating elements and a cylindrical water pipe. As soon as water passes through that pipe, the block heats it, and within minutes, the optimal temperature for extracting the espresso has been achieved.
What makes the thermoblock heating system different from others is that it heats fast and does not delay. In this regard, one can be guaranteed water availability within a very short time. This is because the water only has contact with the metal for a short duration, avoiding overheating. What does that mean? Water is heated just to the right temperature. This is crucial in getting the best espresso and perfecting milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
Conventional Espresso Machine Heating Methods
The above analysis has already revealed the primary reasons why the thermoblock system is efficient, as explaining this will require relating it to the conventional heating methods used in the other designs of espresso machines.
Boilers
In the past, Espresso machines relied upon open-flame-heated steel boilers. However, electric boilers became widely used over time, mainly after Giovanni Achille Gaggia invented the lever espresso machine in the 1920s. Some specimens of contemporary espresso makers have some cooking appliances situated outside in the form of a kettle. Still, these are a bother and take considerably longer to heat up.
Heat Exchangers
Heat exchangers evolved in response to the limitation posed by the singularity of single boilers. Water used in brewing would be heated within a system of heat exchangers by being passed through the copper coil found in the walls of a steam boiler—but not as a direct process itself. Although this is a good double boiler system in case you need to produce both steam and espresso simultaneously, it doesn’t hold the same exact speed as a thermoblock.
Double Boilers
It is usual to use two such appliances, one for espresso brewing and one for milk frothing, for such machines. This helps to achieve accurate timing of both processes; however, the disadvantages relate to weight, expense, and unwieldiness due to the need to have two boilers with different temperatures.
Using the Thermoblock Technology with EspressoWorks
EspressoWorks machines use thermoblock, hence giving espresso lovers the best of both worlds with a promise of precision and efficiency at the same time. Let’s see how the thermoblock system of EspressoWorks machines differs:
- Heat Up is Fast: The machine waits for only thirty or forty-five seconds, after which it is already at a brewing temperature. This is faster than boiling systems. You can switch on the machine and pour out a shot of espresso within less than a minute.
- Temperature Stability: The two times the thermoblock throws out water, it is already warm to the ideal temperature the user requires, so there is no need to control it again, thus wasting more time that would have been used in estimating the hems.
- Power Saving: Thermoblock systems utilize less power because water is only heated whenever needed instead of in a heated container like in double boilers.
- Sleek Construction: Some machines with thermoblock systems are also favorable in size and weight, so they can be used in kitchens with limited space.
Taking Good Care of Your EspressoWorks Machine
Regular maintenance is the key; one may want to keep their EspressoWorks machine in a good state. Here are only a few of the most basic things to ensure your machine remains able to produce top-quality espresso shots:
- Descale Every Few Weeks: Scale is notorious as the arch-enemy of espresso machines because it undermines efficiency and changes the water flow, causing the appliance to get out of order. However, if you use only filtered water, then over time, scale will still form. To maintain the machine’s performance and lifetime, consider descaling it every few months.
- Leaky Questions and Answers: Seals and gaskets may wear out over time due to wear and tear and cause leakages. Often, check these panels; if worn out, replace them to ensure water doesn’t leak out, thus affecting your machine in any way.
- Steam Wand Maintenance: If you are a milk drinker, you’ll want to pay close attention to the steam wand since it needs to be cleaned every time. If it’s allowed to build up dried milk residues, the passageways could be clogged, meaning the steam wand can’t froth milk anymore.
EspressoWorks All-in-One Espresso Machine Set: A Unique, Very Small and Easily Portable Option
The EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine Set is a great starter for any espresso novice. The kit includes an electric coffee grinder, a portafilter featuring a single- and double-shot basket, two double-wall glasses, a milk frothing pitcher, and numerous other items that make it the perfect kit for preparing espresso drinks at home. However, even with all this equipment, the machine itself is relatively compact and takes up little counter space.
Ease of Use
However, what makes the difference with EspressoWorks is that the gadget is straightforward to use. There are no complex features and no sophisticated programming to learn—just a knob to turn, and the gadget will do its job. The fast start stresses that even inexperienced users can brew good espresso immediately.
Quick and Consistent Brewing
The machine and the system are thermo-blocked, ensuring the right temperature is used to brew each shot in under 45 seconds. This system also saves time while ensuring the right amount of crema is achieved, as it employs a 15-bar pressure system. Making hot milk for lattes and cappuccinos becomes child’s play because of the frothing wand.
EspressoWorks machines blend balanced performance with the time factor for the novice or experienced home barista. The thermo block system enables easy attainment of copycat barista-level espresso drinks at home. Also, you don’t have to break the bank on fancy equipment because the whole machine set will fit you like a glove, even if you just begin to make espressos.
A simple machine like this one, well maintained – and passion for making espresso – collects great cappuccinos or just simple espressos for many years to come.
