How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your coffee-making at home to a whole new level. How do you choose the right machine?
There are many things to think about including 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 with semi-automatic machines and, in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
If you want to to make the highest quality espresso make at home, you'll need to invest in some high-quality equipment. The most important element of the system is an espresso maker with a good design that can handle pressure. This is where a handful of manufacturers have stripped it down, producing machines that don't even have boilers, instead relying on hand-pressure to produce some decent shots.
We've tested a variety of them and concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for years, and has 35 years of Lelit support and service to back it. It's a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its construction. It's got a retro-futuristic design that is sure to spark conversation.
Another good option is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive, but it does a great job at what it does, and you'll be able grind your own beans. It's bigger than other grinders that we've reviewed however, it's due to its larger burrs as well as the fact that it's able to handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's also a bit simpler to use than the other models we looked at and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) 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 allow you to do the grinding and tamping by yourself, but they also have an electric pump which provides the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you want in your cup, by stopping the coffee brewing. The majority of semi-automatics have steam wands to make froth. Additionally, there are super-automatics that complete the job for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers and brew cycles and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is the degree of control you want 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 can do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso with the click of an button. They are expensive to buy or rent, but they offer convenience.
A semi-automatic machine is a great alternative for those looking to have some control over the coffee they make but don't have time or skill level to be a barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork from brewing a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck with the right amount of pressure. This type of espresso machine can also allow you to steam milk and create latte art.
These machines are more costly and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However for those who aren't able to buy or rent a fully automatic espresso machine, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable alternative.
Fully automated espresso machines are the newest technology in espresso makers, and they guarantee an even cup of coffee each time with little effort. They can perform all the steps needed to make espresso with just a touch of a switch, from grinding the coffee beans, to making the shot and steaming the milk. This is a preferred option for cafes that need to be able serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and are looking for ease of use. However they can be very expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, consider hiring or purchasing two. One to cover high-volume times, and the second one to manage slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks with the click of one button. They make use of disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to make your beverage. The best espresso pod machines are simple, sleek, and offer very consistently good results. Each shot comes out with a smooth layer of crema, which is the signature of a top espresso.
Although pod machines might not offer the same degree of control as bean-to-cup machines however they are a great option for those who prefer to avoid grinding and tapping their own beans and who prefer convenience over quality. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee varieties make these models better than ever.
The type of coffee pods used by these machines varies between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small, covered in paper, they look like tea bags and can be placed into a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are designed for espresso machines. These are referred to as soft pods, and the latter are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
When shopping for a pod-based espresso machine it is essential to look over the recommended list of compatible pods. These machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them out before deciding on the one you prefer. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old ones.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select it's important to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However some espresso machines that are based on pods have built-in self-cleaning capabilities which reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that uses high pressure to push water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. The Europeans particularly the Italians discovered this in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open an entirely new world of cafe drinks.
There are several different ways to make a cup of espresso, but the basic principle is that you heat the water until it is just below boiling and then press it through a tightly packed coffee grounds in a portafilter, that is then transferred to a container that is below the head of the group. This method produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful cup of espresso in just two minutes.
Espresso machines work the same way, however their specifics differ. Some machines employ a piston design that requires you to press down on a lever to generate the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Other machines use an electric pump to produce the necessary pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive at-home models, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
Whatever way your espresso machine works, the quality of your ingredients is vital to a good cup of espresso. Begin with a premium dark-roasted, dark-roasted espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping techniques to find the ideal recipe for home espresso machines.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso maker. Ideally, you should use tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can help make a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while helping to prevent the growth of scale. You can find out about the water supply in your area's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines.
As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional accessories like portafilters visit the following post or a stainless steel tamper. These items can help you improve your coffee making skills, while also fostering a a sense of pride in the premium coffee you can now produce at home.