Grouphead
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A grouphead is a fixed component of an espresso machine. It is the receiver for the removable portafilter (or group handle). A typical consumer espresso machine normally has only one grouphead, while popular professional machines, such as those used at commercial coffee shops, can contain anywhere from one to seven.
During the process of extracting a shot of espresso, hot water is forced through the grouphead under pressure. The grouphead contains many holes that attempt to distribute the pressurised water evenly over the surface of the grinds in the portafilter basket and thereby achieve an even cross sectional flow.
