Machine and method for producing and delivering coffee-based beverages

A machine for producing and delivering coffee-based beverages comprising:

• a heating boiler comprising first means for heating and controlling a water temperature;
• a delivering assembly comprising a solenoid valve and second means for heating and controlling the water temperature for heating water;
• a filter-holder removably connectable to the delivering assembly, comprising a filter in which the powder of ground coffee is pressed;
• a hydraulic pump configured for delivering water from the delivering assembly through the pressed powder of ground coffee contained in the filter of the filter-holder, and connected in fluid communication through a hydraulic circuit to the heating boiler and to the delivering assembly;
• and
• a first pressure sensor arranged along the hydraulic circuit to detect a delivery pressure of the water supplied by the hydraulic pump,
• wherein the flow-rate of water delivered by the pump is varied based on the delivery pressure detected by the first pressure sensor;
• a second pressure sensor that is hydraulically connected between the solenoid valve and the filter-holder, the second pressure sensor being configured to measure a counter-pressure exerted by the pressed powder of ground coffee in the filter;
• and
• an electronically controlled regulating valve to regulate the flow-rate of water from the hydraulic pump delivered by the delivering assembly based on (i) the delivery pressure measured by the first pressure sensor and (ii) the counter-pressure measured by the second pressure sensor,
• such that, during beverage preparation, the measured counter-pressure exerted by the powder of ground coffee contained in the filter is controlled, as well as the flow rate of water delivered by the hydraulic pump.