How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-end espresso maker, you can take your home-brewed coffee to a new level. How do you select the right machine?
There are many things to consider from measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping the beans properly to getting a good shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks can be automated with semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment if you wish to make the best possible espresso at home. The most essential element of the system is an espresso maker with an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. This is where some manufacturers have stripped it down, producing machines that don't use boilers and instead rely on hand-pressure to create pretty decent shots.
We've tested several of these and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee equipment that will last for decades and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to stand behind it. It's a little heavier than average, but that's expected given its build. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Another worthy candidate is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive, but it's a great performer in what it does, and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we looked at, however that's because it has the largest burr set and it can handle more than the average burr set could. 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 the most traditional and offer an easier design, but they are also the most difficult to learn how to use and require more expertise to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping by yourself but they also have an electric pump that provides the same flow and pressure. You can control how much espresso you'd like in your cup, by stopping the making. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that can create froth. There are also super-automatics which complete the job for you, with built-in grinders, tampers, Brew cycles, and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The distinction between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automatic machines is the amount of control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista to produce pressure and then 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 button. These machines are costly to lease or purchase but they provide convenience.
A semi-automatic machine is the best alternative for those looking to control their coffee making but don't have the time or skill level to be a barista. This kind of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into the shape of a hockey puck and pushing hot water through them with just the right pressure to create an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also lets you to steam milk or create latte arts.
These machines are more costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent option for those without the funds to purchase or lease a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automated espresso machines ensure a consistent cup every time, with minimal effort. The machines can complete all the steps required to make espresso with just a touch of a switch, from grinding the coffee beans to pulling the shot and steaming the milk. This is a very popular choice for cafes who need to serve a large number of customers in a short period and require convenience. These machines are costly and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're considering a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, think about renting or buying two. One for high-volume times, and the second one to handle slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks with the push of the button. They use disposable coffee capsules that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to brew your beverage. The best espresso pods are quick, neat and provide very consistent results--shot after shot will be crowned with a smooth layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a top-quality espresso.
While pod machines may not give you the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do but they're a great option for those who wish to skip grinding and tapping their own beans and who value convenience over quality. Although source web page don't provide the same taste as freshly ground beans made from a quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee types make these machines better than ever before.
These machines utilize various coffee pods, but all have the same basic design and shape. They are typically small disks with paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter for 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.
It is important to check the list of compatible pods prior to buying a machine that is based on pods. Many of these machines have many different flavors of pods, which means you can test out various brands and flavors before settling on your preferred. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old ones.
It is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance needs of your coffee machine regardless of its style. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that reduce hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are a powerful tool that makes use of high pressure to push coffee that is finely ground through an extremely tightly packed container. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by Europeans in the late 1800s, specifically the Italians. They used this to create a new variety of coffee drinks.
There are several different 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 tightly packed grounds in a portafilter which then flows into an insulated container beneath the head of the group. This method produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful espresso cup in less than two minutes.
All espresso machines function this way, but the details of each differ slightly. Certain machines utilize piston-style designs which requires the user to press a lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars or 116 to 150 psi). Some machines use an electric pump to produce pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home machines rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
No matter how your espresso machine functions, the quality of your ingredients is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Start with a good-quality dark roast espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for home espresso machines.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso machine. It is recommended to choose tap water that has a moderate mineral content. Minerals in water can help you get 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 get more comfortable with the espresso machine at home, it's recommended to invest in a few additional equipment, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories can help you improve your brewing skills while developing a sense of pride in the high-quality coffee that you can now produce at home.