How an Espresso Machine Works

An espresso is a beverage made by forcing water heated to just below the boiling point through a filter of tamped, finely ground coffee beans. A single serving of espresso is a 1.25 to 1.5 ounce coffee concentrate topped with a thin layer of foam (referred to as the crema). Valued for its rich body and aromatic flavor, the espresso's bittersweet taste lingers on the palette after each sip, resulting in flavor satisfaction for coffee lovers.

While possible to construct a crude brewing method by forcing boiling water through coffee grounds using the force of steam, a specialized machine is needed to brew the ideal shot of espresso. An espresso machine heats the water to the recommended temperature, controls the water's pressure, and may even offer a steam wand attachment to heat and froth milk to add to the beverage.

The typical home espresso machine has a reservoir where cold water is poured. There is also a removable handle connected to a filter (called a porta-filter), which is just above the platform where the espresso cup is placed. When the machine is turned on, the water from the reservoir is pumped into a heating element. Once this element heats the water to the desired temperature (around 190 degrees Fahrenheit), an indicator light informs the user the brewing process is ready to begin.

Before brewing, the user fills the porta-filter with ground coffee and tamps the grounds. The porta-filter is then put into the machine and locked in place. A switch is flipped by the brewer that signals the machine's pump to pressurize the heating chamber to around 220 psi, forcing the hot water out of the heating element, through the coffee grounds, and out the spout on the bottom of the porta-filter. Once the cup is filled, the espresso machine is switched off and a fresh cup of espresso is ready to be enjoyed.

Although most espresso machines use this basic process to brew espresso, prices can range from fifty dollars to thousands. Some of the added features found in the more expensive units are the ability to moisten the grounds before the infusion process begins, higher grade pumps able to produce greater sustained pressures, beefed up heating systems, integrated water filters, and frothing wands.

Achieving a good cup of espresso from a home machine does not have to cost thousands of dollars, though. Simple procedures can add to the flavor of the espresso even in lower end machines. Filling the reservoir with filtered water will keep unwanted chemicals out of the brewing process. The type of coffee bean and fineness of the grind has a direct impact on the overall flavor and should be experimented with to discover the perfect blend. Also, adjusting the compactness of the grounds in the porta-filter affects the emulsion process, the results of which are visible in the crema. Perhaps the most important quality of a good espresso is freshness. Using fresh grounds will ensure the full taste of the coffee comes through. The espresso should also be consumed within a couple of minutes of brewing to experience its full flavor.

With a little experimentation, the same quality ordered at a cafe can be enjoyed at home using a home espresso brewer. The satisfaction of having perfectly brewed your own espresso, however, will never be found on a Starbuck's menu.

Corporate Hospitality Events - Beverage Machines For Refreshments

Beverage machines are ideal for corporate hospitality where groups are to be entertained. Often it's the little details that make a difference so if you are hosting a training event or a conference make it count. Ensure that delegates are kept happy and alert with a range of beverage machines to include a coffee dispenser, tea drink dispenser, air pot or water jugs. Beverage machines catering supplies should be also be added to your list.  Buy beverage machines at http://www.caterfor.co.uk/

The Saeco AromaSS Espresso Machine

The stainless steel Saeco Aroma is a traditional pump-driven espresso machine built for simplicity and durability. Its pressurized style portafilter makes the Aroma a great starter machine that reduces the amount of control the user needs to have over the grind setting and tamp pressure. In addition, its 5 ounce boiler ensures lasting steam power that is dispensed through Saeco's signature Pannarello wand to take the guesswork out of frothing and steaming. The neatly wrapped Aroma in a classic stainless steel housing is both stylish and resilient, has a one warranty, but will provide café quality espresso for years.
 
There are two types of portafilters; one is the pressurized style and the other is the commercial style. The Aroma uses the pressurized style, which is easier to use than the commercial as it is more forgiving. The portafilter is made up of three parts, the handle, the filter holder, and the filter basket. Under the filter basket is a small spring-loaded valve that will not open until the pressure in the portafilter has built up. A few seconds after the pump is turned on, the 15 Bar pressure in the portafilter is great enough to push open the valve and release the coffee. For an even better shot you can upgrade the portafilter to a non-pressurized version. When you use the commercial style, it requires the correct texture of the coffee grounds and the right pressure used to pack them. That is, the right grind and tampered grounds makes a huge difference in the quality of espresso produced.

Not Your Mother's Coffee Makers: New Ideas and Styles

If the words space saving, thermoflask and programmable sound like something of the space shuttle, you likely haven't been looking at the variety of coffee devices now on the market. Gone are the days when the coffee maker was a large, rather bulky piece of kitchen equipment taking up most of the counter area by the sink. Modern styles are designed to be sleek, trendy and highly practical, even including other kitchen appliances into their overall design.
Programmable coffee machines aren't completely new to the market but the varieties of features offered really have come a long way. Modern options offer a digital readout for timer features as well as twenty four hour clocks that are large and easy to read anywhere in the kitchen. These small kitchen appliances are also energy saving, ensuring that you can maintain a green kitchen while still staying right in style.
Stainless steel coffee makers are also a great addition to any modern kitchen. Since stainless steel or brushed steel appliances such as refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers have all made their way onto the scene it isn't surprising that coffee machines would follow. Stainless steel blends in with any type of décor and is very easy to clean and maintain. They can be easily wiped with a warm, soapy cloth followed by a clean cloth, leaving a polished but not highly reflective surface.
If you aren't into stainless, a variety of companies offer everything from orange to lime green, deep red to midnight blue and of course traditional black and white models. Carafes are designed to match with the coffee appliance and can have matching colored handles, tops and even rings around the burner plate. Carafes themselves can be thermos types or can also be the clear glass most traditionally used. The thermoflask models offer the benefit of not having a burner, so the coffee doesn't continue to cook while in the carafe. People that don't like the somewhat bitter taste coffee gets in a traditional machine should really sample some of the coffee from these machines. Of course the thermoflask is easy to transport, perfect for serving on the patio or at the table enjoying the morning paper.
Space saving appliances offer the perfect option for smaller kitchens. These models can mount up under the kitchen cupboards, leaving you all your counter space. A water reservoir window and even an extra plug-in can all be extra features on these smaller sized units. The bracket for mounting the coffee machine is sold with the carafe and all other necessary equipment. These are perfect for apartments or smaller kitchens with heavy coffee drinkers or for people that don't drink a lot of coffee. Surprisingly the carafes can hold up to 12 cups of coffee, great for any type of entertaining or enjoying.  There are also options that have additional kitchen appliances all in one such as a griddle pan and toaster oven, all which have separate controls for easy use of just what you need.  
Some of the new models of coffee makers also combine features of a cappuccino and espresso maker. These very handy dual use models can be of the single coffee pod variety, which makes one perfect cup of coffee at a time, or they can be the carafe variety with the cappuccino and espresso machine included. Available in several different sizes, styles and price ranges these all in one types are a great gift idea for anyone, including yourself.

Factors to accede in a Super Automatic Expresso Machine

Owning a super automatic espresso machine will really save you big bucks over the one's you purchase from your favorite barista. The biggest issue with the variety of products available these days is figuring out which is the best for your buck. Finding the ideal machine for you can be difficult, given the overwhelming number of brands, features, and costs, especially for those who are operating with tight budgets. Many of these espresso makers can cost a thousand dollars or even more; who can afford these overpriced machines?
When shopping for a super automatic espresso machine there are some features that you need to keep an eye out for. Think about how much coffee you consume, are you the only on drinking it? Do you want just one option for hot beverages? For instance, if you choose the dual dispensers feature, it will make two cups of espresso at the same time so you and your spouse can enjoy a cup together in the morning. The super automatic espresso machine has a larger water container.
What exactly makes a super automatic espresso machine so special? It should do everything automatically, shouldn't it? After an easy and quick programming of the control center, and enabled, you should receive a top notch cup each and every time. Changing your mind should be a piece of cake, and overriding the options will not require you to reprogram the unit over and over. The super automatic espresso machine can be set to make regular coffee as well as espresso, cappuccino and lattes. If you choose one that makes an excellent cup of cappuccino, it definitely should have a built-in frothing capability as well.
A large, easy to fill water reservoir is an important feature with a super automatic espresso machine. If fresh ground coffee appeals to you, then a bur grinder should also be included, with a bypass chute just in case there are some special coffee grounds you want to experiment with. Make sure that the machine has a device to warm your cup and that it is simple to clean up afterwards. You can get models that have a built-in self-clean mechanism, a practical and user-friendly amenity. There needs to be an internal filtration system so you'll have a great tasting cup of coffee no matter what quality your water is in. You should not consider buying any espresso machine that does not offer a warranty. The quality and endurance of the product is directly proportional to the length of the warranty.
Many websites can show you the many features of the super automatic espresso machines. They display the top brands, despite these not necessarily being the highest in popularity. This will inform you of all the available features of the products, and how much they cost. Many reviews from real people who have purchased and used this specific machine are available. They don't include shipping costs.

Selecting a High Quality Espresso machine

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The Best of the Best – Delonghi Espresso Makers

Delonghi is a name that is known for quality and innovation. Delonghi was founded in 1955 to make heating elements and long been known for its kitchen appliances. Delonghi espresso makers are one of their newest kitchen appliances, following on the heels of coffee makers, percolators and automatic drip coffee makers.

Why is Innova Espresso Machine a Wonderful Option?

It is noticed that lots of individuals think about experiencing existence in their own way and this will be the cause they want to stay refreshing all of the time. You must have 
noticed that lots of men and women attempt to eat caffeine for staying healthy as it can maintain you new for long. You'll find distinctive factors for individuals to consume 
espresso. In case you might have by no means been a espresso addict, you need to understand that now espresso isn't restricted to a regular taste. You may buy the Innova 
espresso machines so you may take pleasure in distinctive blend of coffee in your every day lifestyle.

How to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Whichever blend of coffee you prefer or whatever type of equipment you are using to prepare the coffee the objective is the same. To release the coffee oils and soluble coffee compounds into solution in the final beverage.





Not all the soluble compounds are desirable particularly tannin so it is important to brew the coffee is just the right manner to produce the perfect cup.





Although it is possible to extract as much as a third of the mass of coffee from the grounds the optimum amount is about 20%





There are six important factors to consider when making fresh coffee.





1/ The coffee grind - By this we mean the particle size of the coffee grounds. This varies typically from largest to smallest thus: coarse, medium, fine and espresso (or very fine)





Over-extraction can occur if the grind size is too small for the method and equipment used resulting in a coffee being bitter and too strong. If the size is too large then under-extraction will occur resulting in a weak wishy-washy coffee.





Typically one would use a coarse grind for a coffee pot, medium grind for a cafetiere (French Press), medium to fine for a typical filter drip machine and espresso grind for an espresso machine.





2/ Freshness and quantity of coffee - Coffee beans should be stored in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight and ideally kept in an airtight container. The coffee should be ground to order as ground coffee will lose some of its subtle flavours and aromas if is left exposed to the atmosphere for very long.





It is vital to use the recommended dosage of coffee depending on the equipment being used. Increasing the brewing time, but using less coffee will not work very well but produce an over-extracted beverage. Using more coffee than recommended but a quicker infusion time will result in an under-extracted coffee.





3/ Temperature and water quality of the water - Always use fresh cold water to start off the brewing process. Ideally the water should be filtered to remove unwanted taints and odours and be very slightly hard.





Ideally water that is between 94 and 98 degrees Celcius should be used - not boiling water. If the water is too hot the coffee grounds can be scolded imparing the flavour.





4/ The infusion time - The length of time that the hot water is in direct contact with the coffee grounds is crucial in producing the perfect cup. In reality this is determined by the equipment being used to brew it, so always follow the manufacturers guidelines.





As a rough guide however consider the following.





10-30 seconds for espresso grind 3-6 minutes for fine grind 6-8 minutes for medium grind 8-10 minutes for coarse grind





5/ Brewing method employed - Basically there are three different methods employed to make coffee. These are steep & strain, filter infusion and pressure infusion.





Steep and strain simply involves putting hot water in contact with coffee grounds in a pot or container until under extraction has occurred. The resulting brew is strained to isolate the coffee liquor.





Filter infusion is common in many applications and uses a filter basket filled with coffee grounds that has hot water added from above. The infusion time is relatively short as the water infuses briefly with the coffee until the liquor passes thought the basket into a flask or container below.





Pressure infusion - Hot water is forced under high pressure though a small tablet of compacted grounds to produce an individual serving of coffee. This is the standard method of producing espresso.





Again it is imperative to use the right method with the correct type and grind of coffee.





6/ Cleanliness - Coffee contains oils that will leave a tarry residue on equipment that can contaminate and spoil the taste of subsequent brews. Daily washing and cleaning of equipment is an absolutely vital part in producing the perfect cup.





Have fun - producing a great tasting cup of your favourite coffee should be an easy and enjoyable task.

Ground Espresso or Espresso Pods?

Depending on the type of espresso maker you have, there are 2 methods of feeding coffee into an espresso machine; ground espresso and pre-packaged espresso pods. There are machines that will only accept one or the other, as well as machines that give you the option to choose.
Obviously if freshly ground espresso is what you crave, then it's necessary to have a bean grinder. Some machines have this built-in and are referred to as automatic machines, but it's also possible to have a separate grinder to grind the beans and just add the ground coffee to your espresso machine. If you're willing to forgo the freshness of grinding your own espresso, then you have the option of using what is called an espresso pod. These are compressed pucks of coffee that are packaged and wrapped in a filter.
One of the benefits of opting for grinding your own coffee is the control you have over the end product. You can essentially ‘tune' the espresso during the creation stage by adjusting the amount of coffee used and increasing the strength of the shot, perhaps at the expense of a bit of ground coffee spilling onto the counter. Another benefit to grinding your own is price. Raw coffee beans will be cheaper than their pod counterpart.
Pods offer a few benefits of their own, and while the espresso elitist may turn their nose at the pre-packaged option, the pods can offer quite a bit of convenience. Since the coffee isn't loose, its much cleaner. Once the espresso is made, you can just throw away the remaining packaging, without having to worry about grounds. The pods are also a time-saver as they are the perfect volume for an espresso shot. You do pay for this convenience, however, as the pods tend to be more expensive than grinding coffee for your espresso machine.

5 Great Reasons to Buy a Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Imagine how great it would be to have a fully automatic espresso machine in your own kitchen. Lots of people have not only considered it, but tons of people are taking that step and tossing out the old drip coffee maker. Why do the "drip" if you don't have to?
Let's look at 5 reasons why you should have your own personal fully automatic espresso machine, and then you can decide if you should join the crowd of true espresso lovers and take actions towards purchasing your own:
First, drip coffee is "blah" compared to an espresso drink that is created with a shot of freshly extracted espresso. Really, there's no comparison. Ok, I will accept your objection that a fully automatic espresso machine is considerably more expensive than a Mr. Coffee coffee maker, like maybe 28 times more costly. But you should consider this: an espresso drink, like a cappuccino, or latte, that's a g-zillion times better, much more complex, more robust, and richer than drip coffee, is worth paying 28 times more for the machine that can make it. Besides, you should keep in mind that if you're having to pay $5 or more for the daily cup of deliciousness at Starbucks that at the end of the year you have spent close to $1,500, or more, for your espresso. That hurts!
Second, producing a latte or cappuccino at home is just as simple as making a cup of drip coffee when you have a fully automatic espresso machine. The primary reason for that would be that today's high-tech, fully automatic espresso machine does practically everything for you, from grinding the beans all the way to disposing of the used coffee grounds after the brewing process is complete. It doesn't get much simpler than that. It is probably easier to make an espresso than it is to make a cup of coffee with a drip coffee maker.
Third, you are able to make a wide assortment of espresso beverages, not only a plain cup of coffee. With the frothing wand that comes with all fully automatic espresso machines you are able to steam milk for lattes, and foam milk for cappuccinos. You can even get creative and make your own beverages.
Fourth, you are able to drink all the espressos, lattes and cappuccinos that you would like, without busting the budget! For mere pennies you are able to make an espresso drink, every bit as good as you can buy at Starbucks, where you'd pay $5 or more.
And Fifth, and perhaps most important (tongue in cheek), is that you will impress the heck out of all your buddies and family the next time you have them over for "coffee", and set a stunning, foamy-capped, nutmeg-sprinkled cappuccino in front of them.
After you consider these compelling factors and carefully evaluate them, I expect you'll probably have to admit that a very great case can be made for purchasing your own fully automatic espresso machine for your kitchen.
Just think it over. In all seriousness, if you really adore espresso, and millions of Americans do, you really should have your own fully automatic espresso machine. The cost may make it seem like a selfish indulgence, but in the long run you'll really be saving a ton of cash, and you will be much happier when you don't have to slog through a line to obtain your morning espresso. We only live once, so we should drink lots of great coffee drinks, right?

Gaggia Platinum Vogue Espresso Coffee Machine Review

And on top of its beauty and excellence this item will also give you the best tasting espresso that you will ever have in your life. Having all of these within reach is really something that will not just give you a great morning but a great day as well. Waking up with this kind of luxury waiting for you is something that you never thought would happen. And upon purchase you can not help but place it somewhere that is visible for everybody to see. You will definitely be very proud of this purchase and you would also love showing this off to your friends. These days buying stuff means a lot. With the financial crisis that the whole world is facing, buying something that is a bit pricey really need a lot of consideration.

La Pavoni Napolitana espresso maker for a bigger coffee

Intended for that strong espresso enthusiast, it can consider serious researching to locate the appliance which will make the hearty, rich espresso true espresso connoisseurs desire. The La Pavoni Napolitana Chrome steel Automated Espresso Equipment ends the long search for the perfect machine. You are able to not uncover a equipment that could make a tastier espresso.
The La Pavoni Napolitana is the correct gear for both the beginning espresso drinker to the experienced espresso aficionado. The La Pavoni heats up swiftly, so it is wonderful whenever you require a caffeine pick-me-up prior to heading out the door within the morning. The brass boiler, brass head, and filter holder retain the La Pavoni Napolitana ready for use. The steam function makes it possible for for a rich froth for delicious cappuccinos.
Some complaints on the La Pavoni Napolitana incorporate the noise from the grinder, which might be loud and bothersome, which is not the case with the La Pavoni Europiccola. The grinder may possibly also be messy, in the event you don't preserve the filter tipped backwards; the reservoir can also be just slightly tight to refill. Even so, these complaints are greatly outweighed most users' agreement that the La Pavoni makes the most authentic espresso of any device, same agreement comes for the La Pavoni Professional Espresso Maker.
Capabilities: stainless-steel baskets; built-in conical bur grinder and espresso press for ease in operation; 16 bars of pressure for that richest tasting espresso; 100 oz water reservoir will enable you to make just a bit or a great deal; detachable drip trays for straightforward cleaning,; marine brass boiler for an authentic espresso taste.
Sit this unique compact beauty on your countertop top and observe it transform the style of one's kitchen. A stainless steel external goes with everything, although black drip trays not only consider loads of extra but blend utilizing the rest of the equipment faultlessly. Get that skilled, clean look with your new toy.
Make a couple of servings of espresso in twenty-five seconds, which implies spouses can consider turns acquiring espresso prepared for each other just about every morning. Your Napolitana warms up in just three minutes. That genuinely ought to give you sufficient time to get out mugs, cream and sugar. Even set 1 certain up for espresso time at the office and show your employees how a lot you care even though losing less time from them. They can line-up at work as an alternative to down the block with the rest of town.
Your semi-automatic equipment only requires that you control the start and quit of espresso flow by pressing a button. Set a course for steamed milk in 120 seconds. Use your own pressurized steam wish to put the froth on a cappuccino. Espressos emerge wealthy and creamy, just the way everybody like them.
With a constructed in conical burr grinder you save funds too. As an choice to two appliances you just need to have 1. The espresso grinder included in your espresso machine works at low RPMs to quit burning although grinding to personal specifications each and every and every single time. Just set your style of grind and smell that fantastic smell.
Water heats to a commercial temperature, an crucial element from the top quality of one's cappuccino. Your equipment characteristics a heat shield to stop burns. Consider pleasure in ample power and tension for brewing and steaming top good quality. Since this offering was made in Italy, you'll feel like a barista your self after employing it just a few times.
Color LED display forms 1 of several bonus attributes. Others contain a 100 ounce water reservoir which receives added water for minimum waste. You also get the comfort of stainless steel outside and stainless-steel baskets. Know what clean seriously means; taste it inside absence of rust or other particulates with this cafe-worthy espresso equipment.

Why You'll appetite to Choose a Saeco Italia Espresso Maker

Today the Saeco Italia espresso maker is now considered to be 1 of the best espresso machines that you simply could maybe want to buy. Although they're high priced in 
comparison to a lot of in the far more well recognized manufacturers that are so easily readily available, they actually are value for funds.

What you Need To Know About Coffee Espresso Machines

Like any avid, high strung coffee lover, I am always looking to enjoy my coffee with a kick by putting it through an espresso machine. Because there are so many choices, it can quickly become overwhelming when it comes time to purchase one. Here are the basics of choosing and purchasing an espresso machine.

Using a Cappuccino Mix

Cappuccino mix has become very popular with those who make their own espresso drinks at home. Not everyone has a machine that can pull espresso shots and, to that end, there need to be alternatives for those who don't want to pay $5 or more for their morning coffee. A mix allows you to simply add hot water and enjoy your beverage. This is not the same as instant coffee, however. These mixes usually contain a variety of flavors and don't have the characteristically harsh flavor of instant coffee. You can make these mixes or buy them.

Top 5 Best Coffee Roasters in Portland

We all know Portland is no stranger to delicious coffee.  As pioneers of many great local products, it only seems fitting that some of the world's best roasted coffee is made right here in this fantastic city of ours.  As a purveyor and distributor of these fine coffee products let me introduce to you the best coffee you can find, not called Stumptown, in Portland, OR.

Nossa Familia Coffee - www.familyroast.com
Clearly one of the best coffees roasted in Portland.  Nossa Familia gets all of their green coffee beans from their family farm in Brazil.  They've been growing coffee in the rich fertile lands of Brazil for over 100 years and the taste can't be matched.  With superb roasting skills to bring out the best of the coffee bean flavor, you simply can't help but love their coffee.
Where to find them?
2 N. Killingsworth, Portland, 97217 (Ethos Builiding) 
What makes them great?
Single origin coffees can be hit or miss, but when they hit they're out of this world.  Nossa Familia has perfected the art of consistency and quality.  You haven't lived till you've had an Ernesto's latte or a Teodoro's French press.

Cellar Door - www.cellardoorcoffee.com
This is one of our favorite little roasters.  Jeremy and Andrea have been working hard to produce one of the finest coffees you've ever tasted.  That would be good enough for most companies, but not for them.  They strive for perfection from roasting, packaging, and brewing.  Using 100% renewable energy to power their shop and their roaster they're dedicated to helping our environment.
Where to find them?
What makes them great?
Their café has that neighborhood feel that just oozes charm.  From the moment you walk in you can smell the waft of fresh roasted coffee as it seeps up from the cellar.  All of their coffee is hand roasted in small batches ensuring the finest quality.  From drip to espresso, there isn't anything they can't do.

Heart Coffee www.heartroasters.com
Heart Coffee is a new comer to the coffee scene but has made a grand entrance.  Small hand crafted artisan coffee that truly warms the heart.  Highly skilled baristas and great pastries to boot this place is surely a repeat visit.
Where to find them?
2211 E Burnside, Portland, 97214
What makes them great?
You mean besides the expertly pulled shots or the fantastic home baked goods?  The moment you walk into Heart you know you're in for a treat.  With a state of the art roaster located right in the heart of the café and a beautiful espresso machine to match, the ambience can't be topped.  This place is hip- Trendy hip.


Ristretto Roasters - www.ristrettoroasters.com
Ristretto Roasters has been around for a little more than a half a decade.  Time has really favored them as they have perfect their craft.  Artisan crafted coffee that is hand roasted in small batches.  As fine a coffee as I have ever tasted.
Where to find them?
3520 Northeast 42nd Ave, Portland, 97213 
3808 N Williams Ave, Portland, 97227

What makes them great?
Have you ever bought a bag of whole bean coffee that is still warm from the roasting process?  You can at Ristretto.

Blue Kangaroo Coffee Roasters - www.bluekangaroocoffee.com
Considered an Old World craftsmanship coffee Blue Kangaroo stands out with their roasting process.  Using no formulas or automated recipe cards they simply roast by sight, sound, and smell.  Their process starts with the search for the finest green coffee beans and then roasting those to make the finest black coffee you can drink.

Where to find them?
7901 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR.

"Heat Exchangers Explained"

Heat exchangers are basically used to transfer heat. Examples where these are used include air-conditioning, car radiators, and fridges. So, what types of heat exchangers are there?
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
As the name suggests, this kind is composed of two types of tube or tube bundles. The first set is filled with the liquid that needs to be either heated up or cooled down. The second set runs next to the first and either heats this set up or cools it down. The shell is the section that surrounds the tube bundles. In general, shell and tube heat exchangers are used in high-pressure and high-temperature operations. Applications include power plants and steam engine locomotives.
Brazed Heat Exchangers
These heat exchangers are a form of plate heat exchanger. They're composed of a number of plates placed parallel to each other with a slight space in between each. Holes in the plates allow fluid to flow between them, and so heat can be transferred. With the more recent introduction of brazing, achieved with a vacuum furnace, heat exchange has become more effective. Also, because this design is smaller than shell and tube exchangers, it can be more effective in certain applications.
Plate Fin Heat Exchangers
In this design, heat is moved between fluids through finned chambers and plates. It's composed of a number of corrugated sheets, each of which is separated by smooth, metal plates. This results in finned chambers. Both hot and cold fluids flow through different layers. The heat transfer occurs through the fins, which also strengthen the structure of these heat exchangers. The fins can come in a number of types: plain, perforated, serrated, and herringbone. Basically, heat moves via a fin to a plate through to the next fin and then onto the subsequent flowing fluid. A main drawback in this design is that it's hard to clean.
Pillow Plate Heat Exchangers
These exchangers are used for cooling purposes. One main example is for cooling milk in the diary industry. A pillow plate is made by spot welding together a thick sheet of metal with a thinner sheet. It gets its name from the bulging appearance it has, which allows the liquids to move. Its design is created due to the fact that the sheets are welded either in a dotted or serpentine pattern. Then, when this enclosed space is put under high pressure, the thinner metal bulges out.
Fluid Heat Exchangers
This involves a shower of liquid through which a gas is pumped. The fluid is then transferred to another area, where it's cooled. The main function of such an exchanger is to cool down gases, but simultaneously, it also removes any contaminants. One application is in espresso machines.
The main role of heat exchangers can be found in their name: They transfer heat. There are a number of types available, each of which has its own benefits and advantages within certain fields and applications.

No Need to Go to a Coffeehouse Anymore! Easy Homemade Cappuccino!

Europeans are so fond of cappuccinos that their love of this drink has been passed on internationally. I'm sure that you also love your dose of cappuccino. Cappuccinos have been associated with coffee shops, coffee bars and other gourmet establishments but this coffee drink is now readily available in the comforts of your own home. Find out how you can achieve this by reading on.

Espresso Makers

Espresso Makers create the best coffee that can really wake you up in the morning. Shot of espresso has a more concentrated amount of caffeine than your normal black coffee. Espresso is made by forcing 1.5 ounces of hot water through finely ground and extremely tightly packed espresso coffee.