Brim 19 Bar Espresso Machine: Mastering the Art of Espresso at Home

My love affair with coffee began, as many do, with a simple drip machine. But as my palate evolved, so did my desire for something more. I craved the rich, complex flavors and the velvety texture of a perfectly pulled espresso shot – the kind I’d only ever experienced in high-end cafes. My quest for the perfect at-home espresso led me down a rabbit hole of online forums, barista blogs, and, ultimately, a deeper understanding of the science behind this seemingly simple beverage. I learned that achieving cafe-quality espresso at home wasn’t just about buying an expensive machine; it was about understanding the intricate interplay of pressure, temperature, and technique.

The Science of the Perfect Shot

Espresso, at its core, is a concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure. This process extracts a complex mixture of oils, solids, and aromatic compounds, resulting in a small, potent shot topped with a layer of crema – the hallmark of a well-extracted espresso. But achieving that perfect shot is a delicate balancing act, requiring precise control over several key variables.

The Pressure Principle: Why 9 Bars?

The widely accepted standard for espresso extraction is around 9 bars of pressure. A “bar” is a unit of pressure, and 9 bars is roughly nine times the atmospheric pressure at sea level. Why this specific pressure? It’s all about fluid dynamics. At 9 bars, water is forced through the coffee grounds at an optimal rate, extracting the desired compounds without over-extracting undesirable ones. Too little pressure, and the water will flow too quickly, resulting in a weak, under-extracted shot. Too much pressure, and the water can force its way through the coffee too aggressively, extracting bitter and astringent compounds. This can also lead to “channeling,” where water finds the path of least resistance, bypassing some of the grounds and creating an uneven extraction.

Temperature’s Tango: The Delicate Dance between Heat and Flavor

Temperature is another critical factor. The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is generally considered to be between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Within this range, the desired aromatic compounds and oils are efficiently extracted, while undesirable compounds, which contribute to bitterness, are left behind. If the water is too cool, the espresso will be sour and under-extracted. If it’s too hot, the espresso will be bitter and burnt. Maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process is just as important as hitting the right temperature range. Fluctuations can lead to uneven extraction and inconsistent flavor.

The Pre-Infusion Pause: Gently Awakening the Grounds for Optimal Extraction

Pre-infusion is a subtle but powerful technique used in many high-end espresso machines. It involves gently saturating the coffee grounds with low-pressure water for a few seconds before applying the full 9 bars of pressure. This pre-wetting allows the coffee to “bloom,” releasing trapped carbon dioxide gas (a byproduct of roasting). This blooming process helps to create a more even and consistent extraction by ensuring that all of the coffee grounds are properly saturated before the main brewing process begins.

Meet the Brim 19 Bar Espresso Machine

The Brim 19 Bar Espresso Machine, specifically model 50019, is designed with these scientific principles in mind. It’s not just a collection of fancy features; it’s a system engineered to provide the control and consistency needed to pull exceptional espresso shots at home.

The 19 Bar Pump: More Than Meets the Eye

The Brim boasts a 19-bar Italian pump. While 9 bars is the target extraction pressure, the higher capacity pump serves several crucial purposes. First, it provides ample power for consistent pre-infusion. Second, it helps to compensate for variations in grind size and tamping pressure. Even if your grind isn’t perfectly dialed in or your tamp isn’t perfectly even, the 19-bar pump has the headroom to still deliver the necessary pressure for a good extraction. Think of it as having a powerful engine in a car – you might not always use all the horsepower, but it’s there when you need it, ensuring a smoother and more responsive ride. The built in pressure guage allows user to see this in action.

Thermal Coil Heating: Precision Temperature Control

The Brim 50019 utilizes a thermal coil heating system. Unlike some espresso machines that use a thermoblock (which heats water on demand), the thermal coil system heats a larger volume of water and maintains it at a precise temperature. This provides greater temperature stability throughout the brewing process, minimizing fluctuations that can negatively impact the flavor of your espresso. The thermal coil wraps around the water reservoir, ensuring even heating and rapid recovery time between shots. This means you can pull multiple shots in succession without experiencing a drop in temperature, a common issue with lower-end machines.

Pressurized and Non-Pressurized Portafilters: Catering to Different Skill Levels and Coffee Grinds

The Brim 19 Bar Espresso Machine includes both pressurized and non-pressurized portafilters (and corresponding filter baskets). This is a fantastic feature that caters to both beginners and experienced home baristas.

• Pressurized Portafilters: These have a double-wall construction with a single, small hole at the bottom. This creates artificial pressure, even if your grind size isn’t perfect or your tamping technique is still developing. They’re more forgiving and are ideal for pre-ground coffee or if you don’t have a high-quality burr grinder.

• Non-Pressurized Portafilters: These have a single-wall construction with many small holes at the bottom. They require a precise, fine grind and consistent, even tamping. The pressure is generated entirely by the resistance of the coffee puck itself. This gives you more control over the extraction process and allows you to fine-tune your shots for optimal flavor, but it also requires more skill and practice.

The inclusion of both types of portafilters makes the Brim 50019 a versatile machine that can grow with your espresso skills.

360-Degree Swivel Steam Wand: Creating Velvety Microfoam

Beyond espresso, the Brim 50019 also excels at producing milk-based coffee drinks. The commercial-style steam wand is a key component. Its 360-degree swivel action provides flexibility and control, allowing you to position the frothing pitcher at the optimal angle. The wand delivers “dry” steam, meaning it has a low water content, which is crucial for creating microfoam – the tiny, tightly-packed bubbles that give steamed milk its velvety texture and sweetness. Wet steam, on the other hand, will dilute the milk and create large, soapy bubbles. The dedicated hot water dispenser is a convenient addition for making Americanos or a quick cup of tea.

Other Features: Designed with detail

The Brim 50019 has additional design features that are useful and practical. It has a large, 71-ounce removable water tank, so refilling less often. The drip tray is also removable, and it includes a “FULL” indicator to prevent spills. The heated die-cast top plate serves as a cup warmer, pre-heating your cups to help maintain the espresso’s temperature.

Brewing Like a Barista (with the Brim):

Now that we’ve explored the science and the machine, let’s walk through the steps of pulling a shot with the Brim 19 Bar Espresso Machine:

Grind Size Matters: Finding the Sweet Spot

The grind size is arguably the most critical variable in espresso extraction. For a non-pressurized portafilter, you’ll need a very fine, consistent grind – almost like powdered sugar. For a pressurized portafilter, you can use a slightly coarser grind. A burr grinder is essential for achieving a consistent grind; blade grinders produce uneven particles, leading to inconsistent extraction.

Tamping Techniques: Achieving Even Distribution and Consistent Pressure

Tamping involves compressing the ground coffee into a firm, even puck within the portafilter. This creates resistance to the flow of water, ensuring proper extraction. Aim for around 30 pounds of pressure, applied evenly. Uneven tamping can lead to channeling, where water finds the path of least resistance, bypassing some of the grounds and resulting in a weak, under-extracted shot. The included tamper is well built and weighted.

Dialing In Your Shot: Adjusting Variables for Optimal Flavor

Once you’ve ground and tamped your coffee, lock the portafilter into the brew head. The Brim 50019 has programmable single and double shot buttons. You can initially use the pre-programmed settings, but you can also adjust the shot volume to your preference. Observe the extraction: the espresso should flow slowly and steadily, like warm honey, with a rich, dark color and a thick layer of crema. If the flow is too fast (gushing), your grind is likely too coarse or your tamp is too light. If the flow is too slow (dripping), your grind is likely too fine or your tamp is too hard. Make small adjustments to your grind size and tamping pressure until you achieve the desired flow rate and flavor.

Beyond Espresso:

The Brim 50019’s steam wand opens up a world of possibilities beyond straight espresso. With a little practice, you can create beautifully textured milk for lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more. The key is to introduce air into the milk while simultaneously heating it, creating those tiny microbubbles that give the milk its creamy texture.

Maintaining Your Machine:

Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your espresso machine. After each use, rinse the portafilter and filter baskets thoroughly. Wipe down the steam wand and purge it with steam to remove any milk residue. The drip tray and water tank should also be cleaned regularly. Periodically, you’ll need to descale the machine to remove mineral buildup, which can affect the taste of your coffee and damage the machine’s internal components. The Brim’s instruction manual provides detailed instructions on cleaning and descaling.

A Deeper Dive into Coffee:

This article has focused primarily on the science of espresso extraction and the features of the Brim 19 Bar Espresso Machine. However, the world of coffee is vast and fascinating. The type of coffee bean, the roast level, and even the water you use can all significantly impact the flavor of your espresso. Exploring different coffee origins, experimenting with different roast profiles, and learning about coffee processing methods can further enhance your appreciation for this complex and rewarding beverage.

Conclusion

The Brim 19 Bar Espresso Machine is more than just an appliance; it is a tool that lets coffee lover, extract coffee house level espresso at home. By understanding the science behind the perfect shot, and mastering the basics, anyone can enjoy the complex and rewarding flavors with espresso.