The Science of Coffee

4) Espresso Technology

Jan 3, 2023
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ANECDOTE

The Awful First Espresso Machine

  • Angelo Moriondo built a steam-driven boiler machine to serve coffee faster in the 1880s.
  • The machine made many cups in advance and produced stale, filter-like coffee rather than true espresso.
INSIGHT

Portafilters Improved Freshness But Brought Risk

  • Early commercial machines (like La Pavoni) introduced portafilters so coffee could be brewed fresh to order.
  • These designs solved freshness but were dangerous and used steam, producing burnt, crema-less coffee.
ANECDOTE

Lever Machines Gave Us Crema

  • The Gaggia lever machine (late 1940s) produced crema by using hot water at 93°C and high pressure via a lever.
  • Lever operation allowed finer grind and higher extraction, creating the rich espresso we recognize today.
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