How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. How do you select the best machine?
There's a lot to consider--from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping properly and obtaining the proper espresso shot. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated using semi-automatic machines and, in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
If you want to be able to make the highest quality espresso you can make at home, you'll need to invest in some good equipment. The most important component of the system is a well-designed, high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, resulting in machines that don't have boilers at all, and rely instead on hand-pressure for some decent shots.
We've tested a variety of them and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. You're not getting a bargain machine, but you're getting a piece that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's not the most lightweight, but that's expected considering its build. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation starter.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another suitable option. It's not expensive however it's a fantastic grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we've examined, but it's because of its larger burrs and fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard set of burrs. It's more user-friendly than the other models we tested and comes with a dependable warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are more easy to use, however they require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself but they also have an electric pump that gives consistent flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process and the majority of semi-automatics come with a steam wand that allows you to create foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics which do all the work for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers and the brewing process and more.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is the degree of control you desire over the making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to push the button and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso with the push of a single button. They are expensive to rent or purchase, but they offer convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal choice for those who would like to have some control of their coffee brewing, but do not have the time or skills to be a professional barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of brewing a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into the shape of a hockey puck and then forcing hot water through them at the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso machine also allows you to steam milk, and then make latte art.
These kinds of espresso machines can be expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who don't have the money to buy or rent an espresso machine fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable alternative.
Fully automated espresso machines are the latest technology in espresso makers and they promise a consistent cup of coffee every time, with minimal effort. They can perform all the steps of making espresso with just a touch of a button, from grinding the coffee beans to making the shot and steaming the milk. This is a very popular choice for cafes who need to serve a lot of customers in a brief period and need simplicity of use. These machines are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, think about purchasing or renting two, one to cover the most busy times and the second to manage the slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks at the touch of the button. The capsules are pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that are used to make the beverage. The best espresso pod machines provide reliable results, are sleek and quick, and produce shots that have a layer of crema.
Although pod machines might not provide the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do but they're an excellent choice for those who wish to avoid grinding and tapping their own beans and who value convenience over quality. While they won't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and a wider number of coffee types have made these models better than ever before.
These machines utilize a variety of coffee pods, but all have a similar basic design and shape. The majority of them are small disks that have paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be inserted in 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, Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is important to check the list of compatible pods prior buying a machine based on pods. A lot of these machines come with several options, so you can try different flavors and brands before buying your favorite. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old pods.
It is important to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee maker, regardless of the design. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and 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
Espresso machines are a powerful tool that makes use of high pressure to force coffee that is finely ground through a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, particularly the Italians. They made use of this to create a new collection of coffee drinks.
There are several different methods to make a cup espresso, but the main principle is that you heat the water until it is just below the point of boiling, then press it through tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, which then flows into a container below the head of the group. This produces a richly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under two minutes.
Espresso machines work the same manner, but their details vary slightly. Some use pistons that require you to press down an lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to produce the necessary pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home models, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is important regardless of how well your espresso machine works. Start with espresso coffee machine -quality, dark-roasted espresso bean. Explore different grinds and tamping strategies to find the ideal recipe for home espresso machines.
Choose the right water for your espresso maker. You should ideally choose tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee as well as helping to prevent the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can aid you in determining the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you get more comfortable with the espresso machine at home, it's an excellent idea to purchase other accessories, such as a portafilter and a steel tamper. These items can help you improve your brewing skills while developing an appreciation for the premium coffee you can now make at home.