Single Boiler Design

The heat exchangers are in the boiler at the back of the espresso machine. The heat exchangers are responsible for allowing the brew water to absorb the heat required for espresso extraction from the hot water / steam boiler.

The brew heads are located on a bulkhead at the front of the espresso machine. The brew water is routed to the brew head for infusion through the ground coffee becoming espresso in the process. The heated water must pass through substantial plumbing in order to reach the brew head.

Problem:

1) very difficult to maintain consistent brew head temperature as it is mounted too far from the heat exchangers; hence, variable coffee quality.

2) hot brew water cools substantially on its way to the brew head; the molecular contraction of the cooling water causes any metals present to precipitate on internal plumbing; hence, likely premature maintenance required for water valves, etc.

Solution: Choose an espresso machine that has a close coupled heat exchanger and brew head, see example right:

This will assure that temperature variations are kept to a minimum which will result in:

• consistent espresso flavour and quality.

• minimized internal maintenance.

CONTI Espresso Machines use this method of design.
Please inform us if you are aware of other manufacturers that offer a similar design.