A beverage preparation machine (1) comprises a source of liquid (2,3) and a dispensing outlet (4) connected via a pump (10) that includes a chamber (11) and a displaceable wall (12) delimiting the chamber (11). The pump (10) further has: an electric actuator (13) driving the displaceable wall (12) for causing an inflow of liquid from the source into the chamber (11) and for causing an outflow of liquid from the chamber (11) to the dispensing outlet (4); and a powering unit (14) that comprises an electric power source (142) and that is configured for supplying power to the actuator (13). The powering unit (14) further comprises: a sensor (143) for measuring an electrical parameter representative of a consumption of power by the actuator (13); and a control unit (144) that is connected to the sensor (143) and to the electrical power source (142) and that is configured to control the power supplied to the actuator (13) by the electric power source (142) as a function of: the measured parameter; and a desired liquid input into the chamber (11) and/or liquid output from the chamber (11), such as a desired flow and/or pressure of the liquid input and/or of the liquid output.

A liquid dispensing system, a liquid flow control assembly or member and a liquid dispenser. Preferably, the liquid dispensing system includes a single hot water tank. A liquid flow control assembly operably connected to the hot water tank is configured to direct only water from an upper portion of the hot water tank to a flavored beverage brewer (e.g., coffee or tea brewer) so that the flavored beverage is at an optimal elevated temperature when dispensed. The liquid flow control assembly or member is further configured to mix water from an upper portion of the hot water tank with water from a lower portion of the hot water tank and provide the water mixture to a hot water dispensing nozzle or outlet of the liquid dispenser to reduce the temperature of the water directed to the hot water dispensing nozzle or outlet.

A machine for brewing and cooling a beverage includes a housing, a refrigeration system, a first nest, a second nest, a fluid system, and a dispensing port. The first and second nests are arranged in the housing and include first and second recesses, respectively. The second nest has walls defining the second recess. The refrigeration system is located within the machine and is confirmed to cool the walls of the second nest. The fluid system is configured to transfer water to the first recess of the first nest. The dispensing port is fluidly connected with the recess of the first nest.

A machine for brewing and cooling a beverage includes a housing, a refrigeration system, a first nest, a second nest, a fluid system, and a dispensing port. The first and second nests are arranged in the housing and include first and second recesses, respectively. The second nest has walls defining the second recess. The refrigeration system is located within the machine and is confirmed to cool the walls of the second nest. The fluid system is configured to transfer water to the first recess of the first nest. The dispensing port is fluidly connected with the recess of the first nest.

Aspects relating to a method and apparatus for venting a heater tank of a beverage forming apparatus using a vent valve that is opened and closed based on an operation to move a brew chamber lid between an open lid position and a closed lid position are provided. In one aspect, the vent valve may be positioned on a vent line distinct from a delivery line that delivers heated liquid from the heater tank to the brew chamber. In another aspect, at least a portion of the delivery line may extend downwardly from the top of the heater tank to a location between the top and the bottom of the heater tank. In another aspect, the at least a portion of the vent valve may be attached to the handle for movement with the handle.

Disclosed herein is a machine for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee comprising a system to regulate the electrolytic composition of the water to be used for the preparation of espresso coffee, the system comprising a water demineralization device, and a device for the addition of at least one organic and/or inorganic salt to the demineralized water.

Disclosed herein is a machine for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee comprising a system to regulate the electrolytic composition of the water to be used for the preparation of espresso coffee, the system comprising a water demineralization device, and a device for the addition of at least one organic and/or inorganic salt to the demineralized water.

Coffee machine (1) for preparation of a hot beverage with a heating system for dynamic thermal management, comprising a housing frame (2), in which are accommodated a water module (100) for providing brewing water, which comprises a first heating device (120), having a boiler (121) with a fresh water inlet (12) and with a first heating element (123) for providing water heated to a first temperature T.sub.1 and a brewing module (200), whereby the brewing module (200) comprises a brewing device (220) for brewing a predefined amount of coffee with brewing water and a dispensing unit (230) for dispensing brewed coffee, as well as, disposed in a brewing water feed line (260), a second heating device (250), to heat the water heated to the first temperature T.sub.1 to a second temperature T.sub.2. The coffee machine provides for the second heating device (250) accommodated in the brewing module (200) being a thick film heater (252) designed as continuous flow heater.

Coffee machine (1) for preparation of a hot beverage with a heating system for dynamic thermal management, comprising a housing frame (2), in which are accommodated a water module (100) for providing brewing water, which comprises a first heating device (120), having a boiler (121) with a fresh water inlet (12) and with a first heating element (123) for providing water heated to a first temperature T.sub.1 and a brewing module (200), whereby the brewing module (200) comprises a brewing device (220) for brewing a predefined amount of coffee with brewing water and a dispensing unit (230) for dispensing brewed coffee, as well as, disposed in a brewing water feed line (260), a second heating device (250), to heat the water heated to the first temperature T.sub.1 to a second temperature T.sub.2. The coffee machine provides for the second heating device (250) accommodated in the brewing module (200) being a thick film heater (252) designed as continuous flow heater.

In order to reduce limescale formation on the continuous flow heater during operation of an apparatus for preparing freshly brewed hot beverages which has a hot water generator, which is embodied as a continuous flow heater, and a brewing apparatus, to which hot water from the hot water generator can be supplied, a controller for actuating the continuous flow heater is provided, which controller switches on the continuous flow heater for the purpose of drawing a pre-specified quantity of hot water and switches off said continuous flow heater shortly before the quantity of hot water is completely output, so that the temperature of the hot water at the output of the continuous flow heater is declining at the end of the drawing operation.