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 are many aspects to think about including measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping your beans properly to getting the perfect espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks can be automated by semi-automatic machines and, in certain cases, fully automated models.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment if you wish to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most essential element of the system is an espresso maker with well-designed and sturdy design that can handle pressure. This is where a few manufacturers have stripped it down, producing machines that don't even use boilers but instead rely on hand-pressure to create decent shots.
We've tried a few and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. It's not cheap, but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for decades and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to back it. It's a little heavier than average, but that's to be expected considering its construction. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic design that's sure be a conversation starter.
Another option that is worth considering is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not expensive but it's an excellent grinder that lets 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 burr set. It's a little easier to use than the other grinders we reviewed and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes known as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and offer a more familiar design, but they are also the most difficult to master and require more experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself however they come with an electric pump that provides consistent flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso that you put into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and most semi-automatics have a steam wand that allows you to make foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics that can complete the job for you, and come with integrated grinders, tampers, brew cycles and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automated machines is the amount of control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines depend on the barista to generate pressure and pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso with the push of a button. These machines are costly to lease or purchase however they are a great way to save money and time.
A semi-automatic machine is the best option for those who wish to control their coffee making but don't have the time or skill level to be a barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork out of making a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into a hockey puck shape and forcing hot water through them with just the right pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso machine can also allow you to steam milk and create Latte art.
These kinds of espresso machines can be costly and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good alternative for those who don't have the money to buy or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automated espresso machines are the most recent technology in espresso makers, and they guarantee an even cup of coffee every time with minimal work. They can handle all the steps required to make espresso starting from grinding beans to brewing a shot, and steaming milk, and do it all with just one push of an button. This is a popular choice for cafes that need to be able serve multiple customers in a short period of time and are looking for user-friendly. These machines are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, you should consider purchasing or renting two, one to cover high-volume times and the other to handle the slower periods.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to prepare espresso-based drinks with just the touch of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The best espresso pod machines are sleek, quick, and offer very consistently good results. Each shot comes out with a creamy layer of crema, which is the signature of a top-quality espresso.
Pod machines might not have the same level control as bean to cup models however they are an excellent option for those who prefer convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. Although they don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans from a good coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an increasing variety of coffees have made these machines better than ever before.
The type of coffee pods used in the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer however they usually have the same basic shape and design. The majority are covered in paper, they are similar to tea bags that can be placed into a portafilter to brew. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are specifically made 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 buying a machine based on pods. They are available in a wide range of flavors and brands, so you can test them before you decide on the one you like best. Some brands offer refillable pods for those who wish to reuse their old pods.
It's important to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of its style. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that ease the burden.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely powerful tool, which uses high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground into an extremely best ground coffee for espresso machine tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians, figured this out in the latter part of 1800 and used it to create an entirely new world of cafe 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 is then poured into the container, below the grouphead. This produces a richly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in less than 2 minutes.
All espresso machines operate in the same way, but their specifics differ. Certain machines utilize piston-style designs that requires you to press a lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Other machines use an electric pump to produce the required pressure. Others, including the more affordable home-based machines, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
No matter how your espresso machine performs, the quality of your ingredients is vital to a good cup of espresso. Start with a top-quality dark-roasted, dark-roasted espresso beans. Try different grinds and tamping techniques to find the perfect recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso maker. It is recommended to use tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also preventing scale buildup. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will assist you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more familiar with the espresso machine at home It's recommended to invest in a few additional accessories, like an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These items will improve your coffee making techniques and will give you a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're now able to make at home.