How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a top-quality espresso maker, you can take your home-brewed coffee to a whole new level. How do you pick?
There are many things to consider from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans correctly, to obtaining the perfect espresso. Many of the tasks can be automated with semi-automatic or in some cases fully automated machines.
Manual
You'll require top-quality equipment to make the finest espresso at home. The most important component of the system is an espresso maker that has a good design that can handle pressure. This is where a few manufactures have really stripped it down, producing machines that don't even use boilers but instead rely on hand pressure to make pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. You're not getting a bargain machine, but you are getting a machine that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit on the heavy side but it's normal due to its build. It's got a retro-futuristic design that is sure to spark conversation.
Another option that is worth considering is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap, but it's very effective at what it does and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's a bit larger than other grinders we reviewed but that's due to the fact that it has the largest burr set and can handle more than the standard burr set can. It's also a bit simpler to use than the other models we looked at and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and offer the most familiar design however, they are the most difficult to master and require more skill to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping by yourself but they also have an electric pump that provides constant flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you want in your coffee by stopping the coffee brewing. The majority of semi-automatics have steam wands to make foam. Super-automatics offer the highest level of convenience, featuring built-in grinders and tampers as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is how much control you would like over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista to create pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the push of the button. However this convenience comes with a price and these machines can be costly to purchase or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is the best option for those who wish to control their coffee brewing but don't have time or the ability to be a barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork out of brewing shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, compresses them and then forces hot water through the puck with the right amount of pressure. This kind of espresso maker also gives you the option to steam milk and make Latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who don't have the budget to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers are an affordable option.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the newest technology in espresso makers, and they guarantee a consistent cup of coffee every time with minimal work. They can perform all the steps required to make espresso with just one touch of a switch, from grinding the coffee beans to pulling the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular option for cafes who need to serve a lot of customers in a short period and want simplicity of use. They are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, consider hiring or purchasing two. One machine to handle high-volume times, and the second one to handle slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks with the click of a button. They make use of disposable coffee capsules that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The best espresso pod machines offer consistently good results, are neat and fast, and can produce shots that have a layer of crema.
While pod machines may not provide the same level of control as bean-to-cup machines however they are an excellent option for those who want to skip grinding and tapping their own beans and who prioritize convenience over quality. While they won't produce the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a good coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an increasing number of coffee types have made these machines better than ever website before.
The type of coffee pods used in these machines varies between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small, covered in paper, they are similar to tea bags and can be placed into a portafilter to make brewing. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are designed for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine it is crucial to review the list of recommended by the manufacturer of compatible pods. Many of these machines have many different flavors of pods, which means you can test out different flavors and brands before you decide on your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods for those who wish to reuse their old ones.
No matter what type of coffee maker you pick, it's essential to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the brewing and grinder mechanisms, and descaling regularly Some pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are a powerful tool which uses high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground into a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the late 1800s, specifically the Italians. They used this to create a brand new range of café drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso, however the basic principle is the same boil the water until it is to a temperature that is just below boiling, then push it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This technique produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful espresso cup in less than two minutes.
Espresso machines operate in like this, however the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some use piston designs that require you to press down on a lever to generate the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Some machines employ an electric pump to produce pressure. Some, including the home-based machines that aren't expensive, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is important, no matter how well your espresso machine works. Begin with a high-quality dark roast espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping methods to find the ideal recipe for home espresso machines.
Choose the right water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water with moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water can help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee as well as preventing scale buildup. 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 familiar with your espresso maker at home It's recommended to invest in a few other accessories, such as a portafilter and a steel tamper. These tools will enhance your coffee making techniques and give you a sense satisfaction in the coffee you're able to make at home.