How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can take your coffee-making experience at home to a whole new level. How do you pick?
There are many aspects to think about from measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping the beans correctly to pulling a good shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks that need to be done can be automated by semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
If you want to be able to make the finest espresso you can make at home, you'll need to invest in some top equipment. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, making machines that don't have boilers at all, and rely on hand-pressure to get some decent shots.
We've tested a number of them and found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best in its field. You're not getting a bargain machine, but you are getting a piece that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It is a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its build. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation starter.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a worthy candidate. It's not cheap but it does a great job at what it does and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's a bit bigger than the other grinders we looked at, but that's due to the fact that it has an incredibly large burr set and can handle more than a standard burr set could. It's a little easier to use than the other models we looked at and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also called Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, but require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself They also come with an electric pump that provides the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process and most semi-automatics have steam wands that let you to make foam. Super-automatics are the best in convenience, featuring built-in grinders and tampers aswell as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is the degree of control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to push the button and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the touch of an button. They are expensive to buy or rent but they provide convenience.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal alternative for those looking to have some control over their coffee making but don't have the time or the skills to become barista. This kind of machine removes the guesswork from brewing a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into an hockey puck shape, and pushing hot water through them at the right pressure to make an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also enables you to steam milk or create latte arts.
These kinds of espresso machines can be costly and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent option for those without the money to buy or rent a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automated espresso machines ensure an exact cup every time, and require minimal effort. They handle all the steps involved in making espresso from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all this at the touch of the button. This is a popular choice for cafes that need to serve many customers in a short time period and require simplicity of use. However they can be very expensive and may not be an option for all cafes. If you're considering an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, you should consider hiring or purchasing two. coffee machine espresso to handle peak times, and the other one for slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to prepare espresso-based drinks with just the push of a button. The capsules are pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that are used to brew the beverage. The top espresso pod machines are sleek, quick and give consistently good results. Each shot will be crowned with a smooth layer of crema that is the signature of a top-quality espresso.
Pod machines might not have the same level control as bean-to-cup models however they are an excellent alternative for people who prefer convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't provide the same taste as freshly ground beans from an excellent coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee varieties make these models better than ever.
The kind of coffee pods utilized by the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer however they usually have the same basic shape and design. The majority are paper-covered disks that resemble tea bags and can be placed into a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are specifically made for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is important to check a manufacturer's list of compatible pods before buying a machine based on pods. The machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them before you decide on the one you prefer. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old pods.
No matter what type of coffee machine you choose, it's essential to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the brewing mechanism and grinder, and descaling regularly, several pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful device that uses high pressure to force water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is perfect for making lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They utilized this to create a brand new range of café drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make espresso, but the fundamental principle remains the same boil the water until it is to a temperature that is just below boiling, then press it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This creates a strongly delicious, rich cup of espresso in less than 2 minutes.
All espresso machines operate in the same way, but their specifications differ slightly. Some machines use a piston-style design which requires you to press a lever to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Other machines utilize an electric pump to create the necessary pressure. And still others, especially the low-cost at-home devices, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to generate the same effect.
Whatever way your espresso machine functions, the quality of your ingredients is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for home espresso machines.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso machine. It is recommended to choose tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also stopping the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can help you determine the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you become more familiar with your espresso maker at home, it's recommended to purchase additional equipment, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will help you improve your coffee making skills, while also fostering a an appreciation for the top-quality coffee you can now produce at home.