How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. What are the best ways to choose the best machine?
There are a myriad of things to think about including measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans properly to getting an espresso shot that is perfect. Many of the tasks can be automated with semi-automatic and in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
If you want to to make the finest espresso make at home, then you'll have to invest in top equipment. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. This is where some manufactures have really stripped the system down to make machines that don't even use boilers but instead rely on hand-pressure to create decent shots.
We've tested a few of them and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in its field. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee equipment that will last for years, and has 35 years of Lelit service and support to back it. It's heavier than average, but that's expected given its build. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Another option that is worth considering is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive, but it's a great grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than other grinders we examined, but that's due to the fact that it has the largest burr set, and it's able to handle more than the standard burr set could. It's a little easier to use than the other models we examined and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. coffee espresso machines are the most common and provide an easier design, but they are also the most difficult to learn how to use and require more experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping yourself They also come with an electric pump that provides the same flow and pressure. You can control how much espresso you would like to put in your cup by stopping the brewing. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands to make froth. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, featuring built-in grinders and tampers as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is the degree of control you would like over the making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to push the button and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. They are expensive to buy or rent however they are a great way to save money and time.
Semi-automatic machines are the best option for those who would like to have some control of their coffee making but do not have the time or expertise to become a professional barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork from brewing a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, compresses them, and then forces hot water through the puck with the right pressure. This type of espresso machine can also allow you to steam milk, and then make latte art.
These types of espresso makers can be expensive and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good alternative for those who do not have the money to buy or rent a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automated espresso machines are the newest invention in the world of espresso makers and they promise the same cup of coffee every time with little effort. The machines can complete all the steps of making espresso with a single push of a switch that includes grinding the coffee beans, to pulling the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular choice for cafes that need to be able to serve a variety of customers in a short period of time and are looking for ease of use. These machines are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, think about buying or renting two to cover high-volume times and the other to manage the slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks at the touch of one button. They make use of disposable capsules filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to make your beverage. The top espresso pod machines offer reliable results, are sleek and quick, and create shots that are topped with crema.
While pod machines may not offer the same degree of control as bean-to-cup machines however they are an excellent choice for those who prefer to skip grinding and tapping their own beans and who value convenience over quality. While they don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans made from a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a growing variety of coffees make these machines more efficient than ever.
These machines use a variety of coffee pods, however all share the same basic design and shape. They are typically small disks with papers that resemble tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are one of them, 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 to purchasing a pod-based machine. These machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them before you decide on your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods for those who wish to reuse their old ones.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select it's important to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However some espresso machines that are based on pods have built-in self-cleaning functions which reduce the hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are a powerful tool which uses high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground through an extremely tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is ideal to make lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the late 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They used this to create a brand new collection of coffee drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso, however the basic principle is the same heating the water to a temperature that is just below boiling, then press it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This method produces a dense, highly flavored cup of espresso in just 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function like this, however the specifics of each differ slightly. Some use pistons that require the user to press down on an lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Other machines use an electric pump to create the necessary pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same effect.
No matter how your espresso machine performs, the quality of your ingredients is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Begin with a high-quality dark roast espresso beans. Try different grinds and tamping strategies to find the best recipe for home espresso machines.
Finally, use the right water in your espresso maker. It is recommended to use tap water with a moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can help get a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while helping to prevent the growth of scale. You can learn about your local water supply's mineral content by referring to La Marzocco's coffee water download guidelines.
As you become more comfortable with the espresso machine at home, it's recommended to purchase other accessories, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will help improve your coffee making techniques and give you a sense pride in the coffee you're able to make at home.