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Manual Espresso Machines are operated by a lever which controls the flow of water through manual pressure thru the portafilter. These are often piston driven instead of having an electric pump.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are controlled by a simple on and off button or switch, which engages the pump and water to flow thru the grouphead. The barista is responsible for turning off the flow of water at the end of the extraction.
Automatic espresso machines while similar to a semi automatic machine, these can be identified by the various, programmable buttons that calibrate the amount of water that is dispersed thru the espresso grounds, thus shutting off automatically.
Super Automatic Espresso Machines come in a few variations. Some have built-in milk dispensers while others require baristas to pour and portion as well as steam milk when ordered. Regardless, a super auto machine will grind and extract espresso internally with the push of a button.
The Heart of Your Retail Operation
Getting down to it, the espresso machine is the centerpiece of many cafes, the true heart of the operation. This lesson will cover the basic elements associated with the operation of a commercial espresso machine
The Portafilter
The portafilter, short for Portable Filter, is the handle for the coffee brewing basket and what holds the basket in place. The portafilter should always remain in the grouphead to retain heat and be gently locked into place. The portafilter will come with several options including; spouts (single, double) or bottomless, as well as different baskets; single, double, triple or blind.