How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a top-quality espresso maker, you can take your coffee-making at home to a new level. How do you select the best machine?
There's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping properly to get the perfect espresso shot. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated using semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll require top-quality equipment to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most essential component of the system is an espresso maker that has well-designed and sturdy design that can handle pressure. This is where a few manufacturers have stripped the system down to make machines that don't even use boilers and 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 top. 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 support and service to back it. It's a bit heavier than average, but that's expected considering its construction. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to stir conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is yet another worthy candidate. 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 bigger than other grinders that we've reviewed however, it's due to its larger burrs as well as the fact that it's able to handle more than a standard burr set. It's easier to use than some of the models we reviewed and comes with a dependable warranty.
There are four types: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the oldest and offer a more familiar design, however, they are the most difficult to master and require more experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping by yourself however they come with an electric pump that provides consistent flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process and most semi-automatics have steam wands that let you to make froth. Additionally, there are super-automatics that do all the work for you, and come with integrated grinders, tampers, brew cycles and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines is the amount of control you desire over the making process. Manual espresso machines depend on the barista to produce pressure and then pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. They are expensive to buy or rent 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 of making shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, then compresses them and then forces hot water through the puck at the right amount of pressure. This type of espresso maker also lets you to steam milk and make latte arts.
They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However for those who don't have the budget to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable solution.
Fully automated espresso machines are the newest invention in the world of espresso makers and they promise an even cup of coffee every time with little effort. The machines can complete all the steps of making espresso with just one touch of a button from grinding the coffee beans to pulling the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular option for cafes that must be able to serve a variety of customers in a short period of time and are looking for user-friendly. However they can be very expensive and may not be an option 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 the peak times, and the second one to handle slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks with the push of one button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk which is used to make the beverage. The top espresso pods offer consistent results, are neat and quick, and produce shots with a layer of crema.
While pod machines won't give you the same level of control as bean-to-cup machines, they are espresso machine sale still a great option for those who wish to avoid grinding and tapping their own beans, and who prefer 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 an increasing variety of coffees have made these machines more efficient than ever before.
The kind of coffee pods used in these machines varies between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small disks with paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are specifically designed to work with drip coffee makers, while others are designed specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are the first and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is essential to look through the list of compatible pods prior purchasing a pod-based machine. The machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands and you can try them out before deciding on your favorite. Some brands offer refillable pods to those who want to reuse their old ones.
It's important to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the model. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the brewing and grinder mechanisms and regularly descaling them, several pod-based espresso machines are equipped with self-cleaning functions that minimize hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely powerful device, that makes use of high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground through a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians, figured this out in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open up a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are many methods to make espresso, however the basic principle is 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 creates a highly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under 2 minutes.
All espresso machines operate in the same way, but their details vary slightly. Some machines employ a piston-style design, which requires you to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Other machines use an electric pump to produce the required pressure. Others, particularly the home-based machines that aren't expensive, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the similar effect.
No matter how your espresso machine performs the quality of your ingredients is vital to a good cup of espresso. Begin with a premium dark-roasted espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping techniques to discover the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Finally, use the right water in your espresso machine. You should ideally choose tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can assist you to make a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while also preventing the formation of scale. 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 purchase other accessories, such as a portafilter and a steel tamper. These items can help you improve your coffee-making skills and develop an appreciation for the premium coffee you can now make at home.