Coffee and Espresso Machines
Espresso machines make use of pressure to force water through finely ground and tamped coffee beans. They create a rich and delicious brew.
Good Housekeeping Institute experts recommend models that can be brewed with 9 bars minimum to ensure the best extraction. Beware of manufacturers that boast more pressure than is needed.
Types
The espresso machine, also referred to as a coffee and espresso maker, produces the most concentrated, high-quality coffee of your favorite drinks at an average of 9 bars of pressure. These machines usually have numerous features such as temperature and brew strength control, programmable brewing, and multiple sizes of drinks. They can also have steam wands that are either automatic or manual to create texturized milk for latte art. They are available in three different types of espresso machines, comprising semi-automatic, automatic and super-automatic models. Each espresso machine comes with its own degree and type of automation.
The most well-known espresso machine type for specialty coffee shops is semi-automatic models. This allows baristas to have full control over the brewing process, but it is not as user-friendly as a fully automated machine. To get the best espresso, you have to grind the beans, fill the portafilter and tamp it down, and adjust the time of extraction.
Automated machines are equipped with built-in grinders which measures and tamp the grounds for you. They automatically dispense enough water to make espresso, and usually have the capacity to programate the size of the beverage. They were the most commonly used espresso machine types in our lab tests and they provide a great balance of consistency and human control.
Functions
Whether you choose a pump-driven machine or a steam-driven model, you'll get an in-line reservoir that houses the water needed to make your coffee. You'll also have a heating component that heats the water to create the pressure necessary to extract the coffee from the grounds.
When the brew lever is lifted it triggers the water inlet cam that seals the valve that prevents pre-infusion so only hot water that is pressurized thoroughly can flow through the portafilter into ground coffee. It takes about 25 minutes for the water to become espresso.
The insulated tubing referred to as the hot-water tube runs from the reservoir to the spout on top of your machine. The heating element of resistance heats the water as it flows through the warming plate made of metal and the aluminum tube.
When the spout is turned on, place your cup under the spout, which will catch the espresso as it flows through the portafilter to your cup. The coffee maker will also have a steam wand that you can use to heat and froth milk to make drinks made with espresso, like cappuccino or lattes.
Automated machines take the guesswork involved in the process of brewing. They have a one-button operation that can be programmed to grind and measure beans for you as well as tamp them down. They tend to be the most efficient overall in our Lab tests because they are easy to operate and don't require much user-friendly skills.
Materials
Inside an espresso machine, you'll find a vast array of copper tubes and stainless steel boilers. There's also intelligent firmware. They may appear complex but at the core they do one simple thing: force hot water through finely-ground coffee.
When buying an espresso machine, you should consider the size and space requirements as in addition to drink options, energy saving options, and brewing precision. Also, look for a knob that can activate the steam wand that can be used to froth milk and creating artwork with latte. The front of the machine includes the pressure gauge which will give you the operating pressure for the boiler and pump. You should search for an espresso machine with two needles that show the minimum and maximum pressure.
If you're looking to make more than just espresso, you should choose a machine that offers different sizes of brews, including the ristretto. There are models that come with an hopper that can be removed for free, effortless frothing, and the ability to switch between various types of milk. Select a model with an integrated softener if you have hard water to avoid mineral build-up and keep your espresso fresh.
Certain manufacturers employ a thermostat that is digital integral and proportional to keep a certain temperature range when brewing espresso. This feature allows for an exact, high-quality cup of espresso every time. It also reduces energy costs, since the machine only runs when it's required.
Maintenance
The care and maintenance of coffee and espresso machines is becoming more important as they become accessible to home use. The best equipment can make a huge difference in the quality of your coffee, but only if it is properly maintained.
Regular maintenance and cleaning should include everything from cleaning of the group head, steam wand and water filter, to descaling and changing the water filters frequently. If you drink between two and five coffees per day, it is recommended to clean the main components of your machine once a week. However, some parts of the machine, like the water tank and grinder are required to be cleaned every two to three weeks.
Additionally, it is best espresso maker recommended to backflush your machine every week. This involves sealing the portafilter and running the brew cycles several times. This can help to eliminate any coffee grounds or oils left behind. You can also clean the portafilter by using brushes and cleaners specially designed for espresso machines.
Maintaining your coffee machine and espresso correctly will also make it last longer. The majority of professional espresso machines used in offices and cafes are expensive, so it is vital to ensure that your machine is in good condition to ensure it lasts for as long as it can.