How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-end espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. But how do you choose?
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. Many of the tasks can be automated with semi-automatic, and sometimes fully automated machines.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment if you want to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most important element of the system is an espresso maker with a good design that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to a minimum, making machines that don't use boilers and rely on hand pressure to make some decent shots.
We've tested a variety of them and concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for years, and has 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. It's a little heavier than the average, but that's to be expected considering its construction. It's got a retro-futuristic design that is sure to spark conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is yet another suitable option. It's not cheap but it's a great performer at what it does, and you'll be able grind your own beans. It's a bit larger than other grinders we examined, but that's due to the fact that it has an incredibly large burr set and can handle more than the average burr set can. It's also a bit simpler to use than the other models we examined and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are more easy to use, however they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself but they also have an electric pump that can provide constant flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso that you put into your cup by stopping the brewing process and the majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that let you to make froth. Additionally, there are super-automatics that do all the work for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers, Brew cycles, and more.
Semi-Automatic
The distinction between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines is how much control you want over the making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to push the button and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso with the press of a single button. However this convenience comes with a price and the machines can be expensive to purchase or rent.
Semi-automatic machines are a great choice for those who would like to have some control of the coffee they make, but don't have the time or skills to be a professional barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork out of making a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into an hockey puck shape, and forcing hot water through them with just the right pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso maker also lets you to steam milk and create latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However, for those who aren't able 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 most recent technology in espresso makers and they promise a consistent cup of coffee every time with little effort. They handle all the steps needed to make espresso from grinding the beans to pulling a shot and steaming the milk and all of it at the touch of the button. This is a preferred option for cafes that need to be able to serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and are looking for user-friendly. However these machines are expensive and may not be an option for all cafes. If you're considering a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, consider purchasing or renting two. One to cover high-volume times, and the other one to manage slower times.
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 coffee ground in advance and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The top espresso pods offer reliable results, are sleek and quick, and produce shots that are topped with crema.
Pod machines may not offer the same level control as bean-to-cup models however they're a great alternative 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 made with a top-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an increasing selection of coffee varieties have made these machines better than ever.
These machines use different coffee pods, but they all have the same basic design and shape. Most are small disks with paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter for brewing. Some are 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 essential to look through a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior buying a machine based on pods. They are available in a variety of flavors and brands, so you can test them before you decide on your favorite. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old pods.
It is crucial 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 some espresso machines that are based on pods have built-in self-cleaning functions which reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that makes use of high pressure to push water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the late 1800s, specifically the Italians. They utilized this technique to create a new collection of coffee drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make espresso, but the fundamental principle remains the same heating the water 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 method produces a dense, highly flavored cup of espresso within 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function in the same way, however their specifications differ slightly. Some machines use piston-style designs that requires you to press a lever in order to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars or 116 to 150 psi). Others use an electric pump to generate the required pressure. Some, including the low-cost at-home devices, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is crucial regardless of how the espresso machine is working. Start with a good quality dark roast 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. You should use tap water with moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee as well as preventing scale buildup. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can help you determine the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you get more comfortable with your espresso maker at home It's a good idea to invest in some additional equipment, such as the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These items will improve your brewing techniques and view it provide you with a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you're able to make at home.