How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. But how do you choose?
There are many things to think about including measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping your beans correctly to pulling a good shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks that need to be done can be automated with semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment if you wish to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most important part of the system is a well-designed, quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, creating machines that don't require boilers at all and rely on hand-pressure to get some pretty decent shots.
We've tested several of these and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. It's not cheap, but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for a long time and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to back it. It's a bit on the heavy side but that's expected considering its construction. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation-starter.
Another good option is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap, but it's a great grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than other grinders we've looked at, but it's because of its larger burrs as well as the fact that it's able to handle more than a standard burr set. It's easier to use than the other models we tested and comes with a long warranty.
There are four types that are available: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, but require more skill and understanding to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping by yourself However, they also have an electric pump that can provide the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you want in your coffee by stopping the coffee brewing. The majority of semi-automatics have steam wands to make froth. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, and come with grinders and tampers aswell 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 desire over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the push of the button. However this convenience comes with cost and these machines can be expensive to rent or purchase.
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 kind of machine takes the guesswork out of brewing shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, then compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck with the right amount of pressure. This type of espresso machine can also allow you to steam milk and create the latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent option for those without the budget to purchase or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automated espresso machines are the newest innovation in the world of espresso makers. They promise the same cup of coffee each time with little effort. The machines can do all the steps of making espresso with just one touch of a button from grinding the coffee beans to pulling the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular option for cafes that must be able to serve a variety of customers in a short period of time and require simplicity of use. However they can be expensive and may not be an option for all cafes. If you're considering a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, you should consider renting or buying two. One for the peak times, and the other one to manage slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines permit you to prepare espresso-based drinks at the push of a button. The capsules are pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that are used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pod machines provide reliable results, are sleek and quick, and produce shots with a layer of crema.
While pod machines won't give you the same level of control as bean-to-cup machines however they are a great option for those who prefer to do away with grinding and tamping their own beans, and who prioritize convenience over quality. Although they don't produce the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an expanding variety of coffees make these models better than ever.
These machines use various coffee pods, but they all have a similar basic design and shape. Most are small disks with papers that resemble tea bags. They can be placed in a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are made specifically for espresso machines. These are referred to as soft pods, and the latter, Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine it is essential to look over the recommended list of compatible pods. A lot of these machines have many different flavors, so you can try different brands and flavors before settling on your favorite. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old pods.
Whatever type of coffee machine you choose it is important to think about cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to cup cafe espresso machine machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning capabilities that reduce hassle.
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. This was discovered by the Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, particularly the Italians. They made use of this to create a new range of café drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso however the basic principle is the same boil the water until it is 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 process produces a thick, highly flavored cup of espresso within 2 minutes.
All espresso machines work similarly, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Certain machines utilize piston-style designs that requires you to press a lever to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Some machines use an electric pump to produce pressure. Some, including the home-based machines that aren't expensive, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the same effect.
Whatever way your espresso machine functions the quality of your ingredients is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Begin with a premium, dark-roasted espresso bean. You can then experiment with different grinds and tamping techniques to find the ideal recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Choose the right water for your espresso machine. You should use tap water that has 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 aid you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more familiar with the espresso machine at home It's recommended to invest in some additional equipment, such as the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These tools will enhance your coffee making techniques and provide you with a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're now able to make at home.