How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a top-quality espresso maker, you can take your coffee-making at home to a whole new level. But how do you choose?
There's a lot to consider--from measuring and grinding your own beans to tamping and pressing properly, to pulling the right espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks can be automated by semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
If you'd like to to make the highest quality espresso you can at home, you'll need to invest in some top equipment. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to a minimum, resulting in machines that don't use boilers at all and rely instead on hand-pressure for some decent shots.
We've tested several of these and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee equipment that will last for a long time, and has 35 years of Lelit service and support to back it. It is a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its build. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to spark conversations.
Another good option is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap but it's an excellent grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit larger than the other grinders we looked at, but that's because it's got the largest burr set and can handle more than a standard burr set could. It's more user-friendly than the other models we tested and comes with a long warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. electric espresso maker are more traditional design and are simpler to use, however they require more skill and understanding to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping by yourself however they come with an electric pump that can provide the same flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso you pour into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that let you to make foam. There are also super-automatics which complete the job for you and have built-in grinders, tampers, brew cycles and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is how much control you would like over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to push the button and pull the shot which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso with the press of a button. These machines are costly to lease or purchase but they provide convenience.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who wish to control the coffee they make but don't have the time or skill level to be 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 amount of pressure. This type of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk, and then make Latte art.
These types of espresso makers can be expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who do not have the money to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automated espresso machines are the most recent innovation in the world of espresso makers, and they guarantee a consistent cup of coffee every time, with minimal effort. They take all of the steps required to make espresso, from grinding the beans to pulling a shot and steaming the milk, and do it all with just one push of the button. This is a popular choice for cafes that have to serve a large number of customers in a short period and want convenience. However, these machines are expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're considering an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, consider purchasing or renting two. One to cover high-volume times, and the other one to handle slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks with the push of the button. They make use of disposable capsules filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The best espresso pod machines have consistent results, are neat and fast, and can produce shots that have a layer of crema.
Pod machines might not have the same level of control like bean-to-cup machines, but they are an excellent alternative for those who value convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. While they don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans from a high-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wide variety of coffees make these machines more efficient than ever.
These machines utilize various coffee pods, however all have the same basic design and shape. The majority of them are small disks that have papers that resemble tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are designed for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, while the latter are called are called Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is essential to look through a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior to buying a machine based on pods. A lot of these machines come with many different flavors, so you can try out different flavors and brands before buying your preferred. Some brands offer refillable pods to people who want to reuse their old ones.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select it is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the brewing mechanism and grinder and regularly descaling them, several pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning functions that minimize hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely powerful tool, which uses high pressure to push coffee that has been finely ground through a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, specifically the Italians. They made use of this to create a brand new range of café drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make espresso, however the basic principle is the same heating the water to a temperature that is just below boiling, then press it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This creates a strongly flavored, dense cup of espresso in less than 2 minutes.
Espresso machines work the same manner, but their specifics differ. Some machines employ a piston-style design that requires you to press a lever to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Other machines use an electric pump to produce the necessary pressure. Others, particularly the home-based machines that aren't expensive rely on heated water and high temperatures to generate the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is crucial, no matter how your espresso machine performs. Begin with a high-quality, dark roast espresso bean. You can then experiment with different grinds and tamping methods to find the ideal recipe for your home espresso machine.
Also, make sure you are using the correct water for your espresso machine. It is recommended to use tap water with a moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can help you 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 help you determine the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you become more comfortable using your espresso machine, consider purchasing additional equipment, such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These accessories will help you improve your brewing skills while developing an appreciation for the premium coffee you can now produce at home.