How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can take your coffee-making at home to a new level. How do you choose the best machine?
There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping correctly and obtaining the proper espresso shot. A lot of the work can be automated using semi-automatic or in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
If you'd like to be able 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 well-designed and sturdy design that can handle pressure. This is where some manufactures have really stripped the system down to make machines that don't use boilers and instead rely on hand-pressure to create pretty decent shots.
We've tested a number of these and found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the best in what it does. It's not a cheap machine, but you are getting a machine that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's not the most lightweight however that's to be expected given its construction. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic design that's sure be a conversation piece.
Another worthy candidate is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap, but it does a great job at what it does, and you'll be able grind your own beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we looked at, but that's due to the fact that it has the largest burr set and it can handle more than the standard burr set could. It's a lot easier to use than the other models we tested and comes with a dependable warranty.
There are four kinds that are available: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, but require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself However, they also have an electric pump that can provide the same flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you'd like in your cup by stopping the making. The majority of semi-automatics have a steam wand to create foam. Super-automatics offer the highest level of convenience, and come with grinders and tampers as well 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 exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso at the push of the button. However this convenience comes at an expense and these machines can be costly to purchase or rent.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who would like to have some control of their coffee making but do not have the time or expertise to become a professional 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 at the perfect amount of pressure. This kind of espresso machine also allows you to steam milk, and then make latte art.
These machines are more costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who do not have the funds to purchase or lease a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the latest invention in the world of espresso makers and they promise a consistent cup of coffee each time with little effort. The machines can complete all the steps of making espresso with just a touch of a switch, from grinding the coffee beans, to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a popular option for cafes that need to be able serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and are looking for ease of use. These machines are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, consider purchasing or renting two, one to cover high-volume times and the other to handle the slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks with the push of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk which is used to make the beverage. The best espresso pod machines are simple, sleek, and offer very reliable results. Every shot comes out with a creamy layer of crema, which 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 option for people who prefer convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an increasing variety of coffees have made these machines better than ever before.
The type of coffee pods used by these machines differs between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. Most are small disks with paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be placed into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is essential to look through a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior buying a machine based on pods. These machines are available in a wide range of flavors and brands and you can try them out before deciding on the one you prefer. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who want to reuse their old pods.
It is crucial to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine regardless of the model. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning as well as image source regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However some espresso machines that are based on pods come with built-in self-cleaning features that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that makes use of high pressure to push coffee that has been finely ground through a tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. The Europeans particularly the Italians, figured this out in the latter part of 1800 and used it to create an entirely new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make a cup espresso, but the fundamental idea is to warm water until just below boiling and then press it through tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, which is then poured into an insulated container beneath the head of the group. This method produces a dense, highly flavored cup of espresso within 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function in the same manner, but their specifics differ. Some machines employ piston designs that require the user to press down on an lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Some machines use an electrical pump to generate pressure. Some, including the home-based machines that aren't expensive, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the similar effect.
The quality of the ingredients is important regardless of how well your espresso machine works. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. Test different grinds and tamping methods to find the best recipe for home espresso machines.
Make sure you use the correct water in your espresso machine. Ideally you should use tap water that has moderate levels of mineral content. Minerals in water can assist you to extract a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while helping to prevent the growth of scale. You can learn about your water's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's downloadable coffee water guidelines.
As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional equipment such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless tamper. These items will help you improve your coffee-making skills and develop an appreciation for the top-quality coffee you can now make at home.