The Heart of a Coffee Machine: Understanding the Brewing Unit

When it comes to coffee machines, they are more than mere kitchen appliances. They breathe life into our mornings and lend us the strength to power through our days. A key player in this process, aiding the transformation of coffee beans to a delicious cup of coffee, is the brewing unit, or as known in German, the 'Brühgruppe.'

What is a Brewing Unit?

The brewing unit plays a pivotal role in the coffee preparation process. It houses the entire brewing process, the transformation of water and coffee into the beverage we love. Depending on the manufacturer and model, the brewing unit can be mainly composed of plastic or might be crafted from metal.

The first detachable brewing unit, introduced in 1985 byeco, revolutionized the industry. Holding the centrality of importance, especially in coffee machines and espresso machines, the brewing unit is rightly known as the heart of coffee machines.

How Do We Clean a Brewing Unit?

With the brewing unit acting as the protagonist in coffee preparation, it’s also a magnet for fine coffee dust and oily residues. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent these residues from influencing the taste and interfering with the machine's mechanical operations. Negligence may lead to the formation of potentially health-damaging mold.

To avoid these, it’s crucial to clean the brewing unit under lukewarm water at least once a week. Before re-installing, it should be meticulously dried.

For coffee machines put under heavy use, we recommend daily cleaning. If the brewing unit is soiled, soaking it in lukewarm water with a slight addition of dish soap may be necessary. However, don't opt for machine washing. On occasions, where the brewing unit is fixed, resort to a special cleaning solution for regular cleaning.

Operation of a Brewing Unit

The brewing unit, serves as a conduit, channeling the water from the boiler to the coffee ground. Fundamentally, it includes a rising tube in the boiler, a solenoid valve, and a brewing head complemented with a sprayer.

Brewing units can be distinguished by how they generate the necessary brewing pressure. Almost all coffee machines harbor a central pump for that purpose. Basic models usually contain a vibration pump. Still, there are lever machines too, where a spring-backed piston forces the brewing water through the coffee ground with the help of manual operation. In a hydraulic brewing unit, a cylinder builds the necessary line pressure to attain the brewing pressure.

In conclusion, the perfect cup of coffee is more than just brewing and drinking. It's about understanding the science behind, tweaking with precision, and appreciating the intricate processes involved, with the brewing unit standing at the helm. We believe this knowledge empowers us to appreciate our cups of coffee a little more each day and explore the world of coffee with a new perspective.