How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a top-quality espresso maker, you can take your coffee-making experience at home to a new level. How do you select the right machine?
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 using semi-automatic or in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
If you'd like to be able to make the best espresso make at home, you'll have to invest in high-quality equipment. The most essential element of the system is an espresso maker with well-designed and sturdy design that can handle pressure. This is where some manufactures have really stripped the system down to make machines that don't use boilers and instead rely on hand-pressure to create pretty decent shots.
We've tested several of these and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. You're not getting a bargain machine, but you are receiving a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It is a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its build. It's got a retro-futuristic design that is sure to stir conversations.
Another worthy candidate is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap but it's a great performer in what it does, and you'll be able grind your own beans. It's bigger than the other grinders that we've reviewed, but it's because of its larger burrs and 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 solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and offer a more familiar design, but they are the hardest to learn how to use and require more skill 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 can provide the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you pour into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and most semi-automatics have a steam wand that allows you to make foam. Super-automatics are the best in convenience, with built-in grinders and tampers, as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The distinction between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automatic machines is the amount of control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require 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 a great option for those who 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 eliminates the guesswork from brewing a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, then compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck with the perfect amount of pressure. This kind of espresso machine also allows you to steam milk, and then make latte art.
These types of espresso makers are costly and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who don't have the money to buy or lease an espresso machine that is fully espresso coffee machine automated.
Fully automated espresso machines are the most recent technology in espresso makers, and they guarantee a consistent cup of coffee every time with minimal work. The machines can complete all the steps of making espresso with a single push of a button from grinding the coffee beans to pulling the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular choice for cafes who need to be able to serve a variety of customers in a short period of time and are looking for user-friendly. They are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you are interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, think about buying or renting two to cover high-volume times and the other to handle the slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks with the push of a button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk that are used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pods are quick, neat and give consistent results--shot after shot is topped with a smooth layer of crema that is the hallmark of a top espresso.
Pod machines may not offer the same level control as bean-to-cup models, but they are a great alternative for those who value convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans on their own. While they won't produce the same flavor as fresh ground beans brewed with a high-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a growing number of coffee types have made these machines more efficient than ever before.
The type 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 papers that resemble tea bags. They can be placed into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are specifically made for espresso machines. Soft pods are one of them and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is important to check a manufacturer's list of compatible pods before buying a machine based on pods. They are available in a variety of flavors and brands, so you can test them out before deciding on the one you prefer. Some brands sell refillable pods for those who want to reuse their old pods.
It is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements of your coffee maker, regardless of the design. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However some espresso machines that are based on pods come with built-in self-cleaning features that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful device, which makes use of high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground into an extremely tightly packed container. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is perfect for making cappuccinos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians came up with this idea in the late 1800s and used it to open an entire new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make a cup espresso, but the fundamental idea is to warm water until just below boiling and then press it through tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, which then flows into an insulated container beneath the group head. This technique produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful cup of espresso within two minutes.
All espresso machines function in the same way, however their details vary slightly. Some utilize piston designs that require the user to press down on an lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Some machines use an electric pump to create pressure. Others, particularly the inexpensive at-home machines rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the similar effect.
The quality of the ingredients is important regardless of how the espresso machine is working. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. Test different grinds and tamping methods to find the best recipe for your home espresso machine.
Make sure you use the correct water in your espresso maker. Ideally you should use tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can assist you to make a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while also preventing the formation of scale. You can find out more about your local water supply's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's downloadable coffee water guidelines.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, consider investing in additional accessories like an espresso portafilter or a stainless tamper. These tools will help you improve your coffee-making skills and develop an appreciation for the top-quality coffee you can now make at home.