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7.1.5 Steam appliances, semi-automatic, fully-automatic and pad machines
Numerous different systems for “coffee and espresso machines“ are available on the market. The
different methods of making coffee applied by the steam appliances and the semi-automatic, fully-
automatic and pad machines are described below.
Steam appliances
Water is heated up in a water tank for this standard type of espresso machine. Pressure builds up
when the water begins to boil. This pressure forces hot water through a sieve filled with espresso
powder. Disadvantage: the water that makes contact with the espresso power is very hot. This
releases bitter substances into the espresso, making it bitter and unenjoyable.
Portafilters /semi-automatic machines
With so-called semi-automatic machines or portafilter appliances a lot is automated, but not
everything. Espresso powder must be filled into the portafilter of the machine. Only then is the sieve
put into the machine. Water is automatically portioned with a pump at a temperature of more than
98°C, heated up and forced through the espresso powder at high pressure. Semi-automatic machines
need to be cleaned manually every time they are used, as oils contained in the espresso powder will
otherwise be deposited in the machine. They will become rancid with time and spoil the taste of
espresso.
Fully-automatic machine
Everything happens quite automatically here at the press of a button! Coffee powder is automatically
ground, apportioned and filled into the sieve (brewing chamber). The hot water is then forced
through the sieve and the coffee or espresso will be ready. The sieve will clean itself.
Pad machines
So-called pad machines are coffee machines that make coffee in cup-size portions. Coffee powder is
put into the machine as pre-filled pads. The advantage of this type of machine: no portioning is
required, since the pad that is put into the machine has already been filled with the right quantity of
powder. Disadvantage: the ground coffee in the pre-filled pads loses its aroma quickly if it is stored
for any length of time.
Training manual Section 7 – Page 8
Coffee machines