Coffee machine and coffee extraction method using such coffee machine

Abstract

A coffee extraction method with a coffee machine (10) comprising a brewing circuit comprising at least, in sequence, a tank (14) or a connection to a water source, a supply pump (17), an electric heater (18) and a brewing unit (11) having a brewing chamber (12) in which a dose of coffee powder can be placed, the coffee extraction method envisaging that the machine stores a plurality of selectable extraction cycles, each comprising in sequence a step of thermal conditioning of the brewing circuit, a step of introduction of said dose into said brewing chamber (12) and a step of extraction of coffee having an initial coffee extraction temperature value (Ti), and after acquisition of a selection of a coffee extraction cycle, it detects the value (T) of the temperature along the brewing circuit, compares it with the initial extraction temperature value (Ti) of the selected extraction cycle and performs the thermal conditioning step by activating the supply pump (17) to generate a flow of thermally conditioned water until the detected temperature value (T) reaches the initial extraction temperature value (Ti) of the selected extraction cycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a coffee machine and to a method for extracting coffee using such a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Automatic coffee machines are known to be capable of producing both espresso beverages with cream formation obtained under high pressure and "drip" or Americano beverages without cream formation obtained under low pressure.

[0003] Generally speaking, this type of coffee machine is equipped with a brewing circuit, which has a cascaded water tank or connection to the water source, a water supply pump, a brewer, and a brewing unit, in which a certain amount of coffee powder is placed.

[0004] Water drawn from the tank or main water pipe by the pump is heated by the boiler and supplied to the brewing unit, where the water extracts aromatic substances from the coffee powder.

[0005] For an espresso beverage to be prepared over the entire brewing time, a certain amount of coffee is forced into the brewing chamber of the brewing unit, and the coffee beverage leaving the brewer passes through a cream frother valve, the purpose of which is to increase the outlet pressure of the coffee beverage to generate turbulence in the flow, resulting in the formation of bubbles and foam.

[0006] For "drip" coffee beverages to be prepared throughout the brewing time, a certain amount of coffee is not forced into the brewing chamber of the brewing unit, and the coffee beverage leaving the brewer bypasses the cream frother valve.

[0007] In the coffee industry, consumers are increasingly showing a preference for other types of coffee beverages, including so-called "cold brew" coffee.

[0008] "Cold brew" coffee is a type of beverage that requires consumers to add ice cubes to the product served in a cup until the desired result is achieved.

[0009] The sensory characteristics of "cold brew" coffee depend primarily on the extraction temperature.

[0010] Typically, coffee machines currently on the market for preparing "cold brew" coffee cannot control process variables, resulting in a deterioration of the sensory characteristics of the product in the cup.

[0011] Furthermore, coffee machines currently on the market for preparing "cold brew" coffee exhibit a lack of versatility in use because they cannot be customized for specific applications. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The technical objective of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings complained about by the prior art.

[0013] As part of this technical task, one object of the present invention is to provide a coffee extraction method and a coffee machine by means of which a variety of coffee recipes can be made while always ensuring the desired sensory characteristics of the product in the cup.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a coffee extraction method and a coffee machine by means of which espresso, drip coffee and cold brew coffee can be prepared.

[0015] This technical task, objective, and other objectives are achieved by the present invention, which discloses a coffee extraction method using a coffee machine. The coffee machine includes a brewing circuit comprising at least a water tank or connection to a water source, a supply pump, an electric heater, and a brewing unit having a brewing chamber connected in sequence. A certain amount of coffee powder can be placed in the brewing chamber. The machine is characterized in that it stores multiple selectable extraction cycles, each selectable extraction cycle sequentially including a brewing circuit thermal conditioning step, a step of introducing the powder into the brewing chamber, and a step of extracting coffee with an initial coffee extraction temperature value. Furthermore, after selecting a coffee extraction cycle, the coffee machine detects a temperature value along the brewing circuit, compares the detected temperature value with the initial extraction temperature value of the selected extraction cycle, and performs a thermal conditioning step by activating the supply pump to generate a thermally conditioned water flow until the detected temperature value reaches the initial extraction temperature value of the selected extraction cycle.

[0016] Preferably, an instant cooker is used as the electric heater.

[0017] Preferably, the coffee machine delivers the heated water flow at least sequentially through the electric heater and the brewing unit.

[0018] Preferably, the coffee machine detects the temperature value at the inlet or outlet of the electric heater.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the coffee machine performs the heat conditioning step by activating the electric heater to heat the heat-conditioning water flow only when the detected temperature value is lower than the initial coffee extraction temperature of the selected coffee extraction cycle.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one coffee extraction cycle is envisioned to activate the electric heater throughout the extraction step to maintain the initial extraction value during the extraction step.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one coffee extraction cycle is designed to deactivate the electric heater throughout the extraction process.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one extraction cycle is assumed to have an initial extraction temperature value equal to room temperature.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one extraction cycle is designed with an initial extraction temperature value between 50°C and 60°C.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one extraction cycle is designed with an initial extraction temperature value between 90°C and 95°C.

[0025] The present invention also discloses a coffee machine comprising an electronic controller, a brewing circuit, and a temperature sensor device along the brewing circuit, wherein the brewing circuit includes a water tank or connection to a water source, a supply pump, an electric heater, and a brewing unit having a brewing chamber in sequence, wherein a certain amount of coffee powder can be placed in the brewing chamber; characterized in that the electronic controller has a plurality of selectable coffee extraction cycles in its memory, each selectable coffee extraction cycle sequentially including a brewing circuit heat conditioning step, a step of introducing the dose into the brewing chamber, and a coffee extraction step having an initial coffee extraction temperature value; and wherein the electronic controller is configured to:

[0026] - Get the option to select the coffee extraction cycle;

[0027] - Obtain the temperature value detected by the sensor device;

[0028] - Compare the detected temperature value with the initial extraction temperature value of the selected extraction cycle; and

[0029] - The heat conditioning step is performed by activating the supply pump to generate a heat-conditioned water flow until the detected temperature value reaches the initial extraction temperature value of the selected extraction cycle.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the brewing circuit further includes a coffee brewing distribution pipe, a first connecting pipe between the delivery section of the supply pump and the inlet of the electric heater, a second connecting pipe between the outlet of the electric heater and the inlet of the brewing unit, a valve unit, and a third connecting pipe between the outlet of the brewing unit and the inlet of the valve unit. The valve unit is configured to provide a first outlet path under high pressure including a back pressure device and a second outlet path under low pressure including a bypass device, the bypass device being selectively activated by an electronic controller to bypass the operation of the back pressure device and allow the beverage to enter the second outlet path.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the first connecting pipe, the electric heater, the second connecting pipe, the brewing unit, the third connecting pipe, and the valve unit are connected so that the heat-regulated water flow passes through them in sequence.

[0032] According to the present invention, “cold brew” coffee can be extracted at a desired temperature because preliminary control and regulation of the temperature of the components of the brewing circuit are added to the control and regulation of the temperature of the brewing water through heat exchange due to the thermoregulating water flow.

[0033] In a preferred solution, the heat-conditioned water flow is treated through a discharge pipe, but it is not excluded that it can be treated through a brewing distribution pipe to ensure a substantially uniform temperature along the entire hydraulic circuit before performing the extraction step.

[0034] In this regard, it should also be noted that using an instantaneous cooker as an electric heater (or "flow heater") greatly facilitates obtaining the initial extraction temperature with an appropriate amount of heat-conditioned water. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The invention will be better illustrated by referring to the following figures, through a description of preferred embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example:

[0036] - Figure 1 A diagram of the hydraulic circuit of the coffee machine is shown; and

[0037] - Figure 2 The time-controlled logic for temperature in various coffee extraction cycles is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the automatic coffee machine 10 includes an electronic controller 100 and a brewing circuit, which includes: a water source 14 (in certain cases, a water tank) or a connection to a water source, such as a connection to a main water pipe; a supply pump 17; an electric heater 18, particularly an instantaneous brewer provided with one or more resistors 19; a first connecting pipe 120 between the delivery section of the supply pump 17 and the inlet of the electric heater 18; a brewing unit 11 provided with a brewing chamber 12 suitable for containing a certain amount of coffee powder to be brewed, wherein the brewing chamber 12 has an inlet opening 22 and an outlet opening 23; a second connecting pipe 13 between the outlet of the electric heater 18 and the inlet 22 of the brewing unit 11; a valve unit 35 provided with an inlet 31a and an outlet 31b; and a third connecting pipe 15 between the outlet opening 23 of the brewing chamber 12 and the inlet 31a of the valve unit 35.

[0039] The inlet opening 22 and the outlet opening 23 of the brewing chamber 12 are preferably made as one on the fixed body 24 and the other on the movable piston 25.

[0040] The brewing circuit also includes a distribution valve 26 located upstream of the inlet opening 22 of the brewing chamber 12, which is configured to keep the inlet opening 22 of the brewing chamber 12 closed until the supplied water exceeds a certain pressure value, and to open the inlet opening when the pressure value is exceeded.

[0041] By way of example, the distribution valve 26 may be configured to counteract a maximum pressure of approximately 3 bar, preferably between 1 bar and 3 bar.

[0042] The distribution valve 26 can also be configured as a one-way valve to prevent backflow from the brewing chamber 12.

[0043] The valve unit 35 downstream of the brewing chamber 12 is configured to define a first outlet path 27 under high pressure and a second outlet path 28 under low pressure.

[0044] The inlet 31a of the valve unit 35 is connected to the outlet opening 23 of the brewing chamber 12, and the outlet 31b of the valve unit 35 is connected to the beverage dispensing pipe 32, which in turn is connected to the dispensing nozzle 16, through which the coffee brew can be dispensed into the container 110.

[0045] The valve unit 35 includes a back pressure device 33 adapted to provide a certain back pressure and a bypass device 34 that can be selectively activated to bypass the operation of the back pressure device 33.

[0046] In the solution illustrated by way of example, path 27 under high pressure and path 28 under low pressure are defined by a first branch 29 and a second branch 30, respectively, which are different from each other and extend between inlet 31a and outlet 31b.

[0047] According to such an implementation, the back pressure device includes a cream frother valve 33, which is arranged along the first branch 29 and configured to allow beverage to pass through the cream frother valve only when the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0048] By way of example, the cream frother valve 33 may be configured to counteract a maximum pressure of approximately 3 bar, preferably between 1 bar and 3 bar.

[0049] The bypass device may include a shut-off valve 34 arranged along the second branch 30, which can be selectively controlled to open or close the channel pipe and allow or prevent beverage from passing through it.

[0050] The shut-off valve 34 can be, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0051] The coffee machine 10 also has a special temperature sensor device 21 along the brewing circuit, preferably placed upstream of the electric heater 18 or downstream as shown in the figure, and specifically placed between the electric heater 18 and the brewing unit 11.

[0052] The flow meter 20 can also be installed along the brewing circuit, preferably upstream of the supply pump 17.

[0053] Machine 10 may also include a self-triggering valve 38 arranged along a pipe 39 placed downstream of pump 17 and derived from a first connecting pipe 120.

[0054] The self-triggered valve 38 can be manufactured as a sleeve valve or a "clamping" valve.

[0055] Finally, machine 10 also includes a drain pipe 36 for residual water originating from used coffee powder.

[0056] The discharge pipe 36 may be derived from the distribution pipe 32 and is kept normally closed by means of a discharge solenoid valve 37 arranged along the discharge pipe.

[0057] The coffee extraction method is as follows.

[0058] The electronic controller 100 has multiple coffee recipes in its memory and an association with each recipe with a corresponding coffee extraction cycle that can be executed from the coffee machine.

[0059] Each coffee extraction cycle advantageously includes, in sequence, a step of heat conditioning the brewing circuit, a step of introducing a certain amount of coffee powder into the brewing chamber 12, and a step of extracting coffee with an initial coffee extraction temperature value Ti (where i = 1, 2, 3...).

[0060] After the consumer has obtained a selection of the formula, for example, through a machine / user interface, the electronic controller 100 executes the extraction cycle associated with that formula.

[0061] In practice, the electronic controller 100 acquires the temperature value T detected by the sensor device 21, compares the detected temperature value T with the initial extraction temperature value Ti of the selected extraction cycle, and performs a heat conditioning step by activating the supply pump 17 to generate a heat conditioning water flow until the detected temperature value T reaches the initial extraction temperature value Ti of the selected extraction cycle.

[0062] The heated water flows through at least the main components of the brewing circuit, particularly the electric heater 18 and the brewing unit 11.

[0063] Preferably, as shown in the figure, the first connecting pipe 120, the electric heater 18, the second connecting pipe 13, the brewing unit 11, the third connecting pipe 15, and the valve unit 35 are connected so that the water flow can be regulated by heat and pass through them in sequence.

[0064] In the solution shown, the heat-conditioned water flow can be discharged through the discharge pipe 36, but it is not excluded that it can be discharged through the distribution pipe 32 to achieve greater temperature uniformity along the brewing circuit before the extraction step begins.

[0065] In order to perform the thermal conditioning step, if the obtained temperature value T is lower than the initial extraction temperature value Ti, the electronic controller 100 activates the electric heater 18 to heat the thermal conditioning water flow.

[0066] The electronic controller 100 can adjust the settings of the pump 17 and / or the electric heater 18 so that the thermally regulated water flow can quickly bring the temperature value T detected by the sensor device 21 to the initial extraction temperature value Ti.

[0067] When the temperature value T detected by the sensor device 21 reaches the initial extraction temperature value Ti as a result of heat exchange between the heat-regulated water flow and the components of the brewing circuit, the heat regulation step ends, and the electronic controller 100 can control the execution of the step of introducing a certain amount of coffee powder into the brewing chamber 12 and then the execution of the extraction step.

[0068] Advantageously, the various optional formulations and their associated extraction cycles can also be programmable.

[0069] Depending on the formulation, in addition to the initial extraction temperature value Ti, the extraction cycle may also differ in terms of the temporal trend of temperature during the extraction step and / or the trend of pressure along the brewing circuit during the extraction step.

[0070] The following shows some extraction cycles associated with a recipe that can be performed by a coffee machine.

[0071] Case 1

[0072] The heat conditioning step depends on the initial extraction cycle temperature T1, which in turn depends on the formulation.

[0073] The initial extraction cycle temperature T1 was set to 25°C, i.e., room temperature.

[0074] The brewing unit 11 empties the brewing chamber 12, as the used coffee powder has already been discharged.

[0075] Then, the brewing chamber 12 connects the second connecting pipe 13 to the third connecting pipe 15.

[0076] When the recipe is obtained and the associated extraction cycle is identified, the electronic controller 100 opens the shut-off valve 34 to allow bypassing the cream frother valve 33 and opens the discharge solenoid valve 37 to allow water to be discharged.

[0077] The electronic controller 100 acquires the temperature value T detected by the temperature sensor device 21, and if the acquired value T is higher than the initial extraction cycle value T1, the electronic controller keeps the electric heater 18 off, but the electronic controller activates the pump 17, which draws water at room temperature from the water tank 14 or from the water network to generate a thermoconditioned water flow that flows through the brewing circuit and cools the brewing circuit.

[0078] When the electronic controller 100 acquires a temperature value T equal to the initial extraction cycle temperature value T1, the electronic controller stops the pump 17 to interrupt the thermal conditioning water flow.

[0079] At this point, the thermal conditioning step is complete.

[0080] The electronic controller 100 does not interfere with the open shut-off valve 34, but instead controls the closing of the discharge solenoid valve 37 to connect the brewing unit 11 to the dispensing pipe 32.

[0081] The electronic controller 100 sequentially controls the opening of the brewing chamber 12, the loading of a certain amount of coffee powder, and the closing of the brewing chamber 12 without compressing the amount of coffee powder.

[0082] At this point, the extraction process begins.

[0083] The electronic controller 100 controls the activation of the pump 17 and keeps the electric heater 18 off.

[0084] Brewing is performed by keeping the shut-off valve 34 open and the discharge solenoid valve 37 closed.

[0085] Pump 17 can be controlled continuously or by pulses depending on the type of aroma to be obtained, ensuring a pressure of approximately 1 bar in any case.

[0086] Based on the recipe selected via the machine / user interface, it is recommended to add a certain amount of ice to the product in the cup.

[0087] In this way, you can get a typical type of "cold brew" coffee.

[0088] The extraction cycle is in Figure 2 The letter A is used to represent the x-axis, which represents time, and the y-axis represents the temperature detected by the sensor device 21, where t0 indicates the time when the temperature adjustment step ends and the extraction step begins.

[0089] Case 2

[0090] The difference between Case 2 and Case 1 is that the initial extraction cycle temperature T2 is set between 50°C and 60°C.

[0091] The brewing unit 11 empties the brewing chamber 12, as the used coffee powder has already been discharged.

[0092] Then, the brewing chamber 12 connects the second connecting pipe 13 to the third connecting pipe 15.

[0093] When the recipe is obtained and the associated extraction cycle is identified, the electronic controller 100 opens the shut-off valve 34 to allow bypassing the cream frother valve 33 and opens the discharge solenoid valve 37 to allow water to be discharged.

[0094] The electronic controller 100 acquires the temperature value T detected by the temperature sensor device 21, and if the acquired value T is lower than the initial extraction cycle value T2, it controls the activation of the electric heater 18 and the pump 17, which draws water at room temperature from the water tank 14 or from the main water pipe to generate a thermoconditioned water flow, which flows through the brewing circuit after being heated by the electric heater 18 and heats the brewing circuit.

[0095] When the electronic controller 100 acquires a temperature value T equal to the initial extraction cycle temperature value T2, the electronic controller stops pump 17 and electric heater 18.

[0096] At this point, the thermal conditioning step is complete.

[0097] The electronic controller 100 does not interfere with the open shut-off valve 34, but instead controls the closing of the discharge solenoid valve 37 to connect the brewing unit 11 to the dispensing pipe 32.

[0098] The electronic controller 100 sequentially controls the opening of the brewing chamber 12, the loading of a certain amount of coffee powder, and the closing of the brewing chamber 12 without compressing the amount of coffee powder.

[0099] At this point, the extraction process begins.

[0100] The electronic controller 100 activates the pump 17 and the electric heater 18.

[0101] Brewing is performed by keeping the shut-off valve 34 open and the discharge solenoid valve 37 closed.

[0102] Pump 17 can be continuously or pulsed by electronic controller 100 depending on the type of aroma to be obtained, in any case maintaining a pressure of approximately 1 bar. Electric heater 18 is controlled by electronic controller 100 so that the temperature detected by sensor device 21 is maintained substantially at value T2 throughout the extraction process.

[0103] Based on the recipe selected via the machine / user interface, it is recommended to add a certain amount of ice to the product in the cup.

[0104] In this way, another type of "cold brew" coffee can be obtained.

[0105] The extraction cycle is in Figure 2 The letter B is used to represent this, where t0 still indicates the moment when the thermal conditioning step ends and the extraction step begins.

[0106] Case 3

[0107] The difference between Case 3 and Case 2 is that the initial extraction cycle temperature T3 is set between 90°C and 95°C.

[0108] The brewing unit 11 empties the brewing chamber 12, as the used coffee powder has already been discharged.

[0109] Then, the brewing chamber 12 connects the second connecting pipe 13 to the third connecting pipe 15.

[0110] When the recipe is obtained and the associated extraction cycle is identified, the electronic controller 100 opens the shut-off valve 34 to allow bypassing the cream frother valve 33 and opens the discharge solenoid valve 37 to allow water to be discharged.

[0111] The electronic controller 100 acquires the temperature value T detected by the temperature sensor device 21, and if the acquired value T is lower than the initial extraction cycle value T3, it controls the activation of the electric heater 18 and the pump 17, which draws water at room temperature from the water tank 14 or from the main water pipe to generate a thermoconditioned water flow, which flows through the brewing circuit after being heated by the electric heater 18 and heats the brewing circuit.

[0112] When the electronic controller 100 acquires a temperature value T equal to the initial extraction cycle temperature value T3, the electronic controller stops pump 17 and electric heater 18.

[0113] At this point, the thermal conditioning step is complete.

[0114] The electronic controller 100 does not interfere with the open shut-off valve 34, but instead controls the closing of the discharge solenoid valve 37 to connect the brewing unit 11 to the dispensing pipe 32.

[0115] The electronic controller 100 sequentially controls the opening of the brewing chamber 12, the loading of a certain amount of coffee powder, and the closing of the brewing chamber 12 without compressing the amount of coffee powder.

[0116] At this point, the extraction process begins.

[0117] The electronic controller 100 activates pump 17 but keeps electric heater 18 off.

[0118] Brewing is performed by keeping the shut-off valve 34 open and the discharge solenoid valve 37 closed.

[0119] Pump 17 can be continuously or pulsed by electronic controller 100 depending on the type of aroma to be obtained, in any case maintaining a pressure of approximately 1 bar. Since electric heater 18 is deactivated, the detected temperature T will gradually move towards room temperature during delivery.

[0120] Based on the recipe selected via the machine / user interface, it is recommended to add a certain amount of ice to the product in the cup.

[0121] In this way, another type of "cold brew" coffee can be obtained.

[0122] The extraction cycle is in Figure 2 The letter C is used to represent this, where t0 still indicates the moment when the thermal conditioning step ends and the extraction step begins.

[0123] Case 4

[0124] The difference between Case 4 and Case 1 lies in the extraction step, which is performed with the shut-off valve 34 closed, such that the first outlet path 27 under high pressure is selected instead of the second outlet path 28 under low pressure.

[0125] In this way, another type of "cold brew" coffee can be obtained.

[0126] Case 5

[0127] The difference between Case 5 and Case 2 lies in the extraction step, which is performed with the shut-off valve 34 closed, such that the first outlet path 27 under high pressure is selected instead of the second outlet path 28 under low pressure.

[0128] In this way, another type of "cold brew" coffee can be obtained.

[0129] Case 6

[0130] The difference between Case 6 and Case 3 lies in the extraction step, which is performed with the shut-off valve 34 closed, such that the first outlet path 27 under high pressure is selected instead of the second outlet path 28 under low pressure.

[0131] In this way, another type of "cold brew" coffee can be obtained.

[0132] All the extraction cycles listed above may involve drying the used dose of coffee by squeezing it. Specifically, the electronic controller 100 can command the relative proximity movement between the piston 25 and the body 24, and the liquid extracted from the used dose of coffee can be easily delivered to the discharge pipe 36 by switching the discharge solenoid valve 37.

[0133] The coffee machine 10 can also perform other types of extraction cycles in a general manner, such as an extraction cycle in which a certain amount of coffee is compressed between the piston 25 of the brewing chamber 12 and the body 24, and the extraction step is performed while maintaining an initial cycle value Ti between 90°C and 95°C throughout the extraction step, wherein the pump operates at high pressure (e.g., at least 6 bar) and the shut-off valve 34 is closed to extract espresso.

[0134] More generally, in at least one extraction cycle, it may be provided that the extraction step is performed with the electric heater 18 activated to maintain the initial extraction temperature, as shown, for example, in cases 2 and 5 listed above, or with the electric heater 18 deactivated to gradually reduce the initial extraction temperature, as shown, for example, in cases 3 and 6 listed above.

[0135] Finally, according to the invention, it is conceivable to automatically execute a coffee machine sterilization cycle, wherein the supply pump 17 is activated when the electric heater 18 is activated, and the brewing chamber 12 is empty for circulating water at a high temperature (e.g., between 90°C and 95°C) along the brewing circuit.

[0136] The electronic controller 100 of the coffee machine can be programmed to automatically perform a sterilization cycle at each coffee machine that is turned on and / or to automatically perform a sterilization cycle if the extraction cycle at a high temperature (e.g., 90°C and 95°C) has not been selected multiple times consecutively.

[0137] Modifications and / or additions may be made to the described coffee machine and extraction method without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for extracting coffee using a coffee machine (10), the coffee machine comprising a brewing circuit, the brewing circuit comprising at least, in sequence, a water tank (14) or a connection to a water source, a supply pump (17), an electric heater (18), and a brewing unit (11) having a brewing chamber (12), wherein a certain amount of coffee powder can be placed in the brewing chamber, characterized in that, The machine stores multiple selectable extraction cycles, each selectable extraction cycle sequentially including a brewing circuit thermal conditioning step, a step of introducing the dose of coffee powder into the brewing chamber (12), and a step of extracting coffee with an initial coffee extraction temperature value (Ti). At least one extraction cycle is designed to perform the extraction step when the initial coffee extraction temperature value (Ti) is equal to room temperature and when the electric heater (18) is deactivated. Furthermore, after selecting a coffee extraction cycle, the coffee machine (10) detects a temperature value (T) along the brewing circuit, compares the detected temperature value (T) with the initial coffee extraction temperature value (Ti) of the selected extraction cycle, and performs the thermal conditioning step by activating the supply pump (17) to generate a thermally conditioned water flow when the dose of coffee is not present in the brewing chamber (12), until the detected temperature value (T) reaches the initial coffee extraction temperature value (Ti) of the selected extraction cycle.

2. The coffee extraction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, An instant cooker is used as the electric heater (18).

3. The coffee extraction method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The coffee machine (10) delivers the heated water flow at least sequentially through the electric heater (18) and the brewing unit (11).

4. The coffee extraction method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The coffee machine (10) delivers the thermoconditioned water flow toward the discharge pipe (36) located downstream of the brewing unit (11).

5. The coffee extraction method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The coffee machine (10) detects the temperature value (T) at the inlet or outlet of the electric heater (18).

6. The coffee extraction method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The coffee machine (10) performs the heat conditioning step by activating the electric heater (18) to heat the heat conditioning water flow only when the detected temperature value (T) is lower than the initial coffee extraction temperature value (Ti) of the selected coffee extraction cycle.

7. The coffee extraction method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one coffee extraction cycle is designed to enable the electric heater (18) throughout the extraction step to maintain the initial coffee extraction temperature (Ti) during the extraction step.

8. The coffee extraction method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one coffee extraction cycle is designed to deactivate the electric heater (18) throughout the extraction process.

9. The coffee extraction method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one extraction cycle concept includes an initial coffee extraction temperature value (Ti) between 50°C and 60°C.

10. The coffee extraction method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one extraction cycle concept includes an initial coffee extraction temperature value (Ti) between 90°C and 95°C.

11. A coffee machine (10) comprising an electronic controller (100), a brewing circuit, and a temperature sensor device (21) along the brewing circuit, wherein the brewing circuit comprises, in sequence, a water tank (14) or a connection to a water source, a supply pump (17), an electric heater (18), and a brewing unit (11) having a brewing chamber (12), wherein a certain amount of coffee powder can be placed in the brewing chamber, characterized in that, The electronic controller (100) stores multiple selectable coffee extraction cycles, each selectable coffee extraction cycle sequentially including a brewing circuit thermal conditioning step, a step of introducing the dose of coffee powder into the brewing chamber (12), and a coffee extraction step having an initial coffee extraction temperature value (Ti), wherein at least one extraction cycle is envisioned to perform the extraction step when the initial coffee extraction temperature value (Ti) is equal to room temperature and when the electric heater (18) is deactivated, and wherein the electronic controller (100) is configured to: - Get the option to select the coffee extraction cycle; - Obtain the temperature value (T) detected by the sensor device (21); - Compare the detected temperature value (T) with the initial coffee extraction temperature value (Ti) of the selected extraction cycle; as well as - The heat conditioning step is performed by activating the supply pump (17) to generate a heat-conditioned water flow when the dose of coffee is not present in the brewing chamber (12) until the detected temperature value (T) reaches the initial coffee extraction temperature value (Ti) of the selected extraction cycle.

12. The coffee machine (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The electric heater (18) consists of an instant heating cooker.

13. The coffee machine (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The brewing circuit also includes a coffee brewing distribution pipe (32), a first connecting pipe (120) between the delivery section of the supply pump (17) and the inlet of the electric heater (18), a second connecting pipe (13) between the outlet of the electric heater (18) and the inlet of the brewing unit (11), a valve unit (35), and a third connecting pipe (15) between the outlet of the brewing unit (11) and the inlet of the valve unit (35). The valve unit is configured to provide a first outlet path (27) under high pressure including a back pressure device (33) and a second outlet path (28) under low pressure including a bypass device (34). The bypass device can be selectively activated by the electronic controller (100) to bypass the operation of the back pressure device and allow the beverage to enter the second outlet path (28).

14. The coffee machine (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first connecting pipe (120), the electric heater (18), the second connecting pipe (13), the brewing unit (11), the third connecting pipe (15) and the valve unit (35) are connected so that the heat-regulated water flow passes through them in sequence.

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