How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-end espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. How do you pick?
There's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to tamping and pressing properly to get the perfect shot of espresso. A lot of the work can be automated with semi-automatic and in some cases fully automated machines.
Manual
If you'd like to to make the best espresso at home, you'll need to invest in some good equipment. The most important part of the system is a well-designed, quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. This is where some manufacturers have taken it down, producing machines that don't even have boilers and instead rely on hand pressure to make decent shots.
We've tested a variety of them and concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. You're not getting 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 a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its construction. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation starter.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another worthy candidate. It's not cheap, but it's a great grinder that lets you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit bigger than the other grinders we examined, however that's because it has the largest burr set and it can handle more than a standard burr set could. It's also a bit simpler to operate than some of the other grinders we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds: 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 they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself However, they also have an electric pump that provides the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you want in your coffee by stopping the brewing. A majority of semi-automatics include a steam wand to create foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics that can complete the job for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers and brew cycles and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automatic machines comes down to how much control you want over the brewing process. espresso machine with grinder depend on the barista to create pressure and pull the shot. This can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the push of an button. These machines are costly to lease or purchase however they are a great way to save money and time.
A semi-automatic machine is the best option for those who want to have some control over the coffee they make but don't have time or the skills to become barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, forming them into a hockey puck shape and forcing hot water through them with just the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk and create latte art.
They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who don't have the funds to purchase or lease a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automated espresso machines ensure an exact cup every time, with minimal effort. They take all of the steps needed to make espresso from grinding the beans to pulling a shot and steaming milk and all this by pressing a button. This is a preferred option for cafes that must be able to serve a variety of customers in a short amount of time and are looking for simplicity of use. However these machines can be very expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, consider hiring or purchasing two. One to cover peak times, and the second one for slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks at the touch of one button. They use disposable capsules filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to brew your beverage. The best espresso pod machines provide reliable results, are sleek and fast, and can produce shots that are topped with crema.
Although pod machines might not provide the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do, they are still a great option for those who want to do away with grinding and tapping their own beans, and who prioritize convenience over quality. Although they don't have the same flavor as fresh ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wider variety of coffees have made these models better than ever before.
These machines utilize a variety of coffee pods, but all share the same basic design and shape. They are typically small disks with paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are made 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 a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior buying a machine that is based on pods. Many of these machines have several options of pods, which means you can test different flavors and brands before buying your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who wish to reuse their old pods.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select, it's essential to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many 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 reduce hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful instrument that makes use of high pressure to push water through finely packed, tightly ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They made use of this to create a brand new variety of coffee drinks.
There are many different ways to make a cup of espresso, but the fundamental principle is that you warm water until just below the point of boiling, then press it through the tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, that is then transferred to a container below the head of the group. This technique produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful cup of espresso in just two minutes.
Espresso machines operate in like this, however the specifics of each differ slightly. Certain machines utilize a piston-style design which requires the user to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Some machines use an electrical pump to generate pressure. And still others, especially the home-based machines that aren't expensive rely on heated water and high temperatures to generate the similar effect.
No matter how your espresso machine works the quality of your ingredients is vital to a good cup of espresso. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping methods to find the ideal recipe for your home espresso machine.
Also, make sure you are using the correct water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should use tap water with moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also preventing scale buildup. You can find out more about your water's mineral content by referring to La Marzocco's downloadable coffee water guidelines.
As you become more comfortable with using your espresso machine at home It's a good idea to purchase additional accessories, like an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These tools will help you improve your coffee-making skills and develop a sense of pride in the top-quality coffee you can now produce at home.