How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. What are the best ways to choose the right machine?
There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping correctly, to pulling the right espresso shot. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks can be automated using semi-automatic machines, and in certain cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
If you'd like to be able to make the finest espresso you can make at home, then you'll need to invest in some top equipment. The most important component of the system is an espresso maker with well-designed and sturdy design that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to the bare minimum, creating machines that don't have boilers and rely on hand-pressure to get some decent shots.
We've tried a few and concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. It's not a cheap machine, but you are getting a piece that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It is a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its construction. It has a retro-futuristic look that will surely spark conversation.
Another good option is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap, but it's very effective in what it does, and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's larger than other grinders we've examined however, it's due to its larger burrs and fact that it can handle more than a standard burr set. It's easier to use than the other models we tested and comes with a long warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are easier to use, but require more skill and understanding to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself, but they also have an electric pump which provides constant flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you want in your cup, by stopping the making. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands to make foam. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, with built-in grinders and tampers as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automated machines comes down to the amount of control you desire over the making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to exert pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. However this convenience comes with an expense and the machines can be expensive to purchase or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal alternative for those looking to control the coffee they make but don't have the time or the ability to be a barista. This type of machine takes the guesswork out of making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, compressing them into a hockey puck shape 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 the latte art.
They are more expensive 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 option.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the most recent innovation in the world of espresso makers and they promise an even cup of coffee each time with minimal work. The machines can do all the steps required to make espresso with a single push of a switch from grinding the coffee beans, to making the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular choice for cafes who need to be able serve multiple customers in a short period of time and require simplicity of use. However they can be expensive and may not be an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, think about renting or buying two. One to cover the peak times, and the second one to manage slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks with the push of one button. They relevant web-site make use of disposable coffee capsules that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to brew your beverage. The top espresso pod machines are sleek, quick and provide very reliable results. Every shot will be crowned with a smooth layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a top espresso.
Pod machines might not have the same level control as bean-to-cup models, but they are a great alternative for people who prefer convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. While they don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans made from a high-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee varieties make these machines more efficient than ever before.
The type of coffee pods used by these machines differs between manufacturers, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. The majority are paper-covered disks that resemble tea bags and can be placed into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed for use with drip coffee makers while others are made specifically for espresso machines. These are referred to as soft pods, while the latter are called are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is important to check a manufacturer's list of compatible pods before purchasing a pod-based machine. They are available in a wide range of flavors and brands and you can try them before settling on your favorite. Some brands also sell refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old pods.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select it's important to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling them, several pod-based espresso machines are equipped with self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful device, which makes use of high pressure to push coffee that has been finely ground through a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. The Europeans particularly the Italians, figured this out in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open an entirely new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make a cup espresso, but the basic principle is to heat the water until it is just below boiling, and then press it through the tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, which is then poured into a container that is below the head of the group. This process produces a thick, highly flavored espresso cup in less than 2 minutes.
All espresso machines work like this, however the specifics of each differ slightly. Some machines use piston-style designs, which requires the user to press a lever in order to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Others use an electric pump to generate the necessary pressure. Some, including the inexpensive at-home machines rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is crucial regardless of how well your espresso machine works. Start with a good-quality, dark roast espresso bean. Explore different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Use the right water for your espresso machine. You should ideally choose tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help create a smooth and balanced cup of coffee as well as preventing scale buildup. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can assist you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more comfortable using your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional accessories like a portafilter or a steel tamper. These items will help you improve your brewing skills while developing confidence in the premium coffee you can now make at home.