How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-end espresso maker, you can take your coffee-making experience at home to a new level. How do you pick?
There are many aspects to think about including measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping your beans properly to getting an espresso shot that is perfect. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated using semi-automatic equipment and, in certain cases, fully automated models.
Manual
If you'd like to be able to make the best espresso make at home, you'll need to invest in some good equipment. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to a minimum, creating machines that don't have boilers at all and rely on hand-pressure to get some pretty decent shots.
We've tested several of these and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not a cheap machine, but you're receiving a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's not the most lightweight however that's to be expected given its construction. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Another good option is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not expensive however it's a fantastic grinder that lets you to grind your own coffee beans. It's larger than other grinders we've looked at however, it's due to its larger burrs as well as the fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard set of burrs. It's also a bit simpler to use than the other models we looked at 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. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, but they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping by yourself but they also have an electric pump that provides consistent flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you want in your cup, by stopping the coffee brewing. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands to make froth. Super-automatics are the best in convenience, with built-in grinders and tampers, as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automatic machines is the amount of control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring 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.
Semi-automatic machines are the best option for those who would like to have some control of their coffee making but don't have the time or skills to be a professional barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, forming them into a hockey puck shape and then forcing hot water through them at just the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This espresso maker also allows you to steam milk or create latte arts.
These kinds of espresso machines can be costly and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. However, for those who aren't able to purchase or rent an espresso machine fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable solution.
Fully automated espresso machines ensure an exact cup every time, with minimum effort. They can perform all the steps required to make espresso with just a touch of a switch that includes grinding the coffee beans, to making the shot and steaming the milk. This is a preferred option for cafes that need to be able serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and want ease of use. However, these machines can be expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, you should consider purchasing or renting two. One for the peak times, and another one to manage slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to prepare espresso-based drinks with the touch of the button. They make use of disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to make your beverage. The top espresso pods have reliable results, are sleek and quick, and produce shots that have a layer of crema.
The pod machines might not provide the same level of control as bean to cup models, but they are an excellent alternative for people who prefer convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a wide variety of coffees make these machines better than ever before.
The kind of coffee pods used in the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer however they usually have the same basic shape and design. The majority of them are small disks that have paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically designed to work with drip coffee makers while others are designed specifically 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 the list of compatible pods before buying a machine that is based on pods. A lot of these machines have a variety, so you can try different flavors and brands before you decide on your preferred. Some brands sell refillable pods to those who want to reuse their old pods.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select, it's essential to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling, several pod-based espresso machines are equipped with self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful device, which makes use of high pressure to push coffee that is finely ground through a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. The Europeans particularly the Italians discovered this in the late 1800s and used it to create a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are many methods to make espresso, but the principle is the same heating the water just below boiling, then press it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This method produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful espresso cup in less than two minutes.
Espresso machines operate best home espresso machine in like this, however the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some use pistons that require you to press down an lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Other machines use an electric pump to generate the required pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is vital, no matter how well your espresso machine works. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Then experiment with different grinds and tamping methods to discover the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Finally, use the right water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water with moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water can help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can help you determine the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you become more comfortable with using your espresso machine at home It's recommended to invest in a few other accessories, such as the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These accessories will help improve the brewing process and will give you a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're now able to make at home.