How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-end espresso maker, you can take your coffee-making at home to a new level. How do you select the right machine?
There are many aspects to think about, from measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping your beans properly to getting the perfect espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated using semi-automatic machines and, in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment to make the best possible espresso at home. The most crucial component of the system is a well-designed and quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. This is where a few 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 a few of these and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best in what it does. It's not cheap, but you're getting a piece of coffee machinery that will last for a long time and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to stand behind it. It's a little on the heavy side but that's to be expected given its build. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic design that's sure be a conversation piece.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another good choice. It's not expensive, but it's a great grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit bigger than the other grinders we examined, however that's because it has a much larger burr set, and it's able to handle more than the standard burr set can. It's a lot easier to use than the other models we tested and comes with a long warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes known as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are simpler to use, but they require more skill and understanding to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping by yourself They also come with an electric pump that provides constant flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that allow you to make froth. Super-automatics are the best in convenience, with built-in grinders and tampers aswell as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is the degree of control you would like over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista to create pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the push of the button. These machines are expensive to rent or purchase however they are a great way to save money and time.
A semi-automatic machine is a great alternative for those looking to have some control over the coffee they make but don't have time or skill level to be barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, forming them into an hockey puck shape, and pushing hot water through them with just the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso maker also enables you to steam milk and create latte arts.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who don't have the budget to purchase or lease an espresso machine fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers are an affordable alternative.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the most recent technology in espresso makers. They promise a consistent cup of coffee each time, with minimal effort. The machines can do all the steps needed to make espresso with just one touch of a button from grinding the coffee beans to making the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular choice for cafes who need to serve a lot of customers in a brief period and want convenience. They are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, think about renting or buying two. One machine to handle high-volume times, and another one for slower times.
Pods
The pod coffee machines allow you to prepare espresso-based drinks at the touch of a button. They use disposable capsules filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to make your beverage. The top espresso pods provide consistent results, are neat and quick, and produce shots that are topped with crema.
While pod machines may not give you the same level of control as bean-to-cup models however they are an excellent option for those who want to skip grinding and tapping their own beans, and who value convenience over quality. While they may not have the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a good coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an increasing number of coffee types have made these machines more efficient than ever.
The type of coffee pods used in these machines varies between manufacturers, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small disks with paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be placed in a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers, while others are made specifically 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 prior buying a machine based on pods. A lot of these machines have several options of pods, which means you can test different brands and flavors before settling on your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods for those who wish to reuse their old pods.
Whatever type of coffee machine you choose, it's essential to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions which reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool which makes use of high pressure to push coffee that is finely ground through a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is perfect for making cappuccinos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians, figured this out in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open up a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of ways to make espresso but the principle is the same boil the water until it 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 creates a highly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in under 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function this way, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Some machines use a piston-style design that requires the user to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Certain machines utilize an electrical pump to generate pressure. And still others, especially the low-cost at-home devices rely on heated water and high temperatures to generate the similar effect.
Whatever way your espresso machine works, the quality of the ingredients you use is vital to a good cup of espresso. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. Try different grinds and tamping methods to find the ideal recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Use the right water for your espresso machine. You should use tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help create a smooth and balanced cup of coffee as well as preventing scale buildup. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can assist you in determining the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you become more familiar with using your espresso machine at home It's an excellent idea to invest in some other accessories, such as the portafilter and a stainless tamper. espresso and filter coffee machine coffeee.uk will improve your coffee making techniques and give you a sense pride in the coffee you can now make at home.