How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a top-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your coffee-making experience at home to a new level. But how do you choose?
There are many aspects to think about, from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping your beans correctly to pulling an espresso shot that is perfect. A lot of the work can be automated with semi-automatic and in some cases fully automatic machines.
coffee and espresso maker
If you'd like to to make the highest quality espresso make at home, you'll require good equipment. The most important element of the system is an espresso maker with a good design that can handle pressure. This is where some manufacturers have taken it down, producing machines that don't use boilers and instead rely on hand-pressure to create decent shots.
We've tested a few of these and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in what it does. It's not cheap, but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for a long time and comes with 35 years of Lelit support and service to back it. It's a little heavier than the average, but it's normal given its build. It's got a retro-futuristic design that is sure to spark conversations.
Another worthy candidate is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive, but it does a great job at what it does, and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's larger than other grinders we've looked at however, it's due to its larger burrs and the fact that it can handle more than a standard burr set. It's a lot easier to use than the other models we looked at and comes with a dependable warranty.
There are four types that are available: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also called Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most common and provide the most familiar design but they are the hardest to master and require more expertise to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself, but they also have an electric pump which provides consistent pressure and flow. You can alter the amount of espresso you pour into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics include a steam wand that allows you 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 automatic machines is the degree of control you would like over the coffee making 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 can do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso with the click of a button. However, this convenience comes at a price and these machines can be costly to rent or purchase.
Semi-automatic machines are the best option for those who like to have some control of their coffee making but don't have the time or expertise to be a professional barista. This kind of machine removes the guesswork from brewing a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into a hockey puck shape and then forcing hot water through them with just the right pressure to make an espresso. This kind of espresso machine also allows you to steam milk and create the latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who don't have the funds to purchase or lease a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automated espresso machines are the most recent technology in espresso makers, and they guarantee a consistent cup of coffee every time with little effort. They take all of the steps required to make espresso from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming milk, and do it all with just one push of the button. This is a popular option for cafes that must be able serve multiple customers in a short period of time and require user-friendly. However these machines can be expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, consider renting or buying two. One for peak times, and another one to handle slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks at the touch of a button. The capsules are pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that is used to brew the beverage. The top espresso pod machines have consistent results, are neat and quick, and create shots with a layer of crema.
Although pod machines might not give you the same level of control as bean-to-cup models but they're a great option for those who wish to skip grinding and tamping their own beans, and who value convenience over quality. While they won't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans brewed with a high-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wider selection of coffee varieties have made these machines better than ever.
These machines utilize different coffee pods, but all have the same basic design and shape. Most are small, covered in paper, they resemble tea bags that can be inserted into a portafilter to make brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers while others are made specifically for espresso machines. These are referred to as soft pods, and the latter, Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine it is crucial to review the recommended list of compatible pods. The machines are available in a wide range of flavors and brands and you can try them before settling on your favorite. Some brands offer refillable pods to people who wish to reuse their old ones.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you choose it is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions which reduce the hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely 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. The Europeans particularly the Italians came up with this idea in the latter part of 1800 and used it to create a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of ways to make espresso, but the fundamental principle remains the same: heat the water to just below boiling, and then press it through the densely packed grounds of a portafilter. The water is then poured into the container below the grouphead. This process produces a thick and highly flavorful espresso cup in less than two minutes.
All espresso machines work like this, however the details of each differ slightly. Some use piston designs that require you to press down a lever to generate the required pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Others use an electric pump to create the necessary pressure. Others, particularly the home-based machines that aren't expensive rely on heated water and high temperatures to generate the similar effect.
The quality of the ingredients is crucial regardless of how the espresso machine is working. Start with a top-quality dark-roasted, dark-roasted espresso beans. Try different grinds and tamping strategies to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Finally, use the right water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should use tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water will help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. You can learn about your water's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's downloadable coffee water guidelines.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso maker at home It's an excellent idea to invest in some other accessories, such as a portafilter and a steel tamper. These tools will enhance your coffee making techniques and provide you with a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're now able to make at home.