How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-end espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. How do you choose the right machine?
There's a lot to consider--from measuring and grinding your own beans to tamping and pressing properly, to pulling the right espresso shot. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated by semi-automatic machines and, in certain cases, fully automated models.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment if you want to make the best possible espresso at home. The most crucial component of the system is an espresso maker that has a good design that can handle pressure. This is where a few manufacturers have taken it down, making machines that don't even have boilers, instead relying on hand-pressure to produce some pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few of them and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top at what it does. It's not cheap but you're getting a piece of coffee machinery that will last for a long time, and has 35 years of Lelit service and support to back it. It's not the most lightweight however, which is to be expected considering its build. It's got a retro-futuristic design that is sure to stir conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another worthy candidate. It's not cheap, but it's a great 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 as well as the fact that it can handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's also a bit simpler to operate than some of the other models we examined and is backed by a solid 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, but they require more skill and understanding to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping by yourself, but they also have an electric pump which provides consistent pressure and flow. You can alter the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that let you to make froth. There are also super-automatics which complete the job for you, with built-in grinders, tampers, brew cycles and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is how much control you desire over the making process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to exert pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. However this convenience comes at cost and these machines can be expensive to rent or purchase.
Semi-automatic machines are a great option for those who like to have some control of their coffee brewing, but do not have the time or skills to become a professional barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork out of brewing a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, compresses them, and then pushes hot water through the puck at the right pressure. This type of espresso machine also allows you to steam milk, and then make latte art.
These types of espresso machines can be costly and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who do not have the money to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automated espresso best espresso machine are the latest technology in espresso makers and they promise a consistent cup of coffee every time with minimal work. They take all of the steps needed to make espresso, from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk, and do it all at the touch of an button. This is a popular option for cafes who need to serve many customers in a short time period and want ease of use. However they are expensive and may not be an option for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, think about purchasing or renting two. One for high-volume times, and the other one for slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks at the touch of one button. They use disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The best espresso pods are simple, sleek and give consistent results--shot after shot is topped with a creamy layer of crema that is the hallmark of a top-quality espresso.
While pod machines won't offer the same degree of control as bean-to-cup machines but they're an excellent choice for those who prefer to skip grinding and tapping their own beans and who prefer convenience over quality. While they won't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from a good coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee varieties have made these models better than ever before.
The kind of coffee pods used by these machines varies between manufacturers, but they generally 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 make brewing. 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.
When shopping for an espresso machine that uses pods, it is important to check the recommended list of compatible pods. A lot of these machines come with several options, so you can try different flavors and brands before buying your favorite. Some brands offer refillable pods to those who wish to reuse their old ones.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you choose it's important to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning capabilities which reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful tool, which makes use of high pressure to push 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 utilized this to create a brand new collection of coffee drinks.
There are a variety of ways to make a cup of espresso, but the main idea is to warm water until just below the point of boiling, then press it through a tightly packed coffee grounds in a portafilter, which is then poured into a container below the group head. This process creates a highly flavored, dense cup of espresso in less than 2 minutes.
All espresso machines work similarly, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Some use pistons that require you to press down an lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Others use an electric pump to generate the necessary pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper at-home machines rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
Whatever way your espresso machine works the quality of your ingredients is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Begin with a high-quality dark roast espresso beans. Test different grinds and tamping techniques to find the best recipe for your home espresso machine.
Also, make sure you are using the correct water in your espresso machine. It is recommended to use tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can assist you to make a smooth and balanced cup of espresso while also preventing the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will aid you in determining the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, you should consider investing in additional equipment such as portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These tools will help you improve your coffee-making skills and develop confidence in the high-quality coffee that you can now make at home.