Types of Espresso Machine Groupheads

March 1, 2024

In the realm of espresso machines, certain components play a crucial role in delivering that perfect shot of espresso. One such component is the grouphead. Often referred to but rarely explained, the grouphead is an essential part of espresso machine anatomy. In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of the grouphead, exploring its types and functionalities to demystify this fundamental element of espresso brewing.

What is a Grouphead?

At its core, the grouphead is the gateway through which water is forced at high pressure through finely ground coffee, extracting the rich flavors and aromas that define espresso. It's the point of contact between the espresso machine and the coffee grounds, where the magic happens.

Types of Groupheads

Lets take a closer look at the different types of groupheads available in modern espresso machines. Keep in mind you may sometimes find espresso machines equipped with a combination of grouphead types. Some common examples would be an electrically heated saturated grouphead and a lever-operated E61 grouphead.

Electrically Heated Groupheads

Electrically heated groupheads feature an electric heating element embedded within the grouphead. This design ensures precise temperature control, crucial for consistency in espresso extraction.

Conventional Groupheads

Conventional groupheads rely on the boiler's heat to maintain brewing temperature. While simpler in design, they may lack the precise temperature control offered by electrically heated groupheads.

Lever Groupheads

Lever groupheads, also known as manual groupheads, are operated by a lever mechanism. Baristas manually control the pressure and duration of the extraction, allowing for a more hands-on brewing experience.

E61 Groupheads

E61 groupheads are a popular choice in many espresso machines. Named after the model of the first machine to feature this design, E61 groupheads are known for their thermosiphon system, which maintains temperature stability during extraction.

Saturated Groupheads

Saturated groupheads feature a design where the grouphead is directly connected to the boiler, ensuring consistent water temperature throughout the brewing process. This design minimizes temperature fluctuations and enhances espresso quality.

Conclusion

The grouphead is the beating heart of every espresso machine, dictating the quality and consistency of each shot pulled. Understanding its types and functionalities is essential for both aspiring baristas and seasoned coffee professionals alike. Whether you prefer the precision of electrically heated groupheads or the hands-on approach of lever groupheads, choosing the right grouphead for your espresso machine is crucial in crafting that perfect cup of espresso. So, the next time you're pulling shots at your favorite coffee shop or brewing espresso at home, take a moment to appreciate the role of the humble grouphead in delivering that rich and flavorful experience.

Solid piece and great service!

A great buy for beginners, a solid machine. Great service from Nick and super fast shipping! We’ll definitely come back here for an upgrade later on.

Outstanding Machine (But Takes Practice)

This is my first manual espresso machine after starting with a cheap full auto and later upgrading to a semi-auto BES870XL. I love the sheer amount of control that I have over my shots, from the pressure the machine brews at to the amount of water that goes into the shot (more so with a double), pre-infusion time, and flow of the steam coming out of the wand. It takes a lot of time getting dialed in right to produce a good shot, and I am still working on my technique, though it has improved greatly in the past few weeks that I've had this machine.

Out of the box:
I'll start with the most disappointing thing for anyone who reads this: The tamper this machine comes with is a cheap, flimsy, plastic 48mm disc that doesn't even cover the surface area of your 49mm portafilter. If you don't have one already, save yourself the extra wait and get yourself a nice, heavy 49mm tamper when you buy this (I got a solid stainless tamper by Silmur and it's perfect) and throw the plastic one into the trash upon arrival.
Now for the good: Everything was well-packaged in molded styrofoam to minimize the chance of impact damage. Everything came out looking shiny and beautiful with no damage. Assembly was pretty straightforward, and the owner's manual gives you just enough information to get started. Disclaimer: the manual does not tell the user how to adjust the pressurestat if you find that your machine is not in the right zone out of the box, or if you really want to fine-tune your extraction. But fear not: simple but tedious pressurestat adjustments are a quick Google/YouTube search away (butter knife and small ratchet with phillips and flat head bits to get the job done not included).

Brewing with this bad boy requires a ton of patience. If you're new to manuals, do not expect to pull amazing shots right away. Even semi-autos have their nuances, though not nearly as many. First, make sure that you can see the meniscus (that bottom line at the top of your water) in the sight glass. This will ensure that your boiler is neither under nor overfilled. It doesn't take long to heat up and get to pressure. Once it's ready to go, the rest is up to you (take lots of notes; it helps!). After a few weeks of active use, I've just about gotten it down (until I get different beans, that is). The steam wand is another well-designed piece of this machine, and produces the silkiest microfoam I have ever made. You control the output, and it is immediate steam on demand. Do let some out to get the wand up to temp and avoid it shooting straight hot water into your pitcher before frothing it up. Back to brewing: It does seem to run a bit hot, and I've read that the general consensus is that the ideal brewing temperature is right when it gets up to pressure, and then after that the user should to apply a cold cloth to the groupset to keep temperatures down and avoid burnt shots. I'll start following that advice and see how my extraction improves.

I've been having a ton of fun with this machine, and don't think I could ever go back to anything short of a manual espresso machine after this experience. It's definitely one of my favorite additions to my coffee-making collection, and I'll probably love it even more when I finally do pull that perfect shot.

Single dosing blow up

Comiso Coffee is my go to for me espresso machine and Eureka grinder. Fast delivery and free shipping.