How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality 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 pressing and tamping properly, to pulling the right espresso shot. A lot of the work can be automated using semi-automatic or in some cases fully automated machines.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment to make the best possible espresso at home. The most important element of the system is an espresso maker with an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. This is where a few manufacturers have stripped it down, making machines that don't even use boilers, instead relying on hand-pressure to produce some decent shots.
We've tested a few of these and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the best in its field. It's not cheap, but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for a long time, and has 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. It is a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its build. It has a retro-futuristic look that will surely spark conversation.
Another option that is worth considering is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap but it's an excellent grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than the other grinders that we've reviewed however, it's due to its larger burrs as well as the fact that it can handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's more user-friendly than the other models we reviewed 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 the oldest and have an easier design, but they are also the most difficult to learn how to use and require more experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself However, they also have an electric pump which provides the same flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso you pour into your cup by stopping the brewing process and the majority of semi-automatics come with a steam wand that allows you to create foam. Finally, there are super-automatics that can do all the work for you, with built-in grinders, tampers and brew cycles and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is how much control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to push the button and pull the shot which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso with the click of a button. However this convenience comes at an expense and these machines can be costly to buy or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who wish to have some control over their coffee making but don't have time or the ability to be a barista. This kind of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into an hockey puck shape, and then forcing hot water through them at just the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This kind of espresso machine also allows you to steam milk, and then make Latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who do not have the money to buy or rent a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the newest invention in the world of espresso makers, and they guarantee the same cup of coffee each time with minimal work. They handle all the steps needed to make espresso starting from grinding beans to pulling a shot and steaming milk and all of it by pressing a button. This is a popular option for cafes that need to be able serve multiple customers in a short period of time and are looking for ease of use. These machines are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, consider purchasing or renting two to cover the most busy times and the second to manage the slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks with the push of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk which is used to make the beverage. The top espresso pod machines offer consistent results, are neat and quick, and produce shots that have a layer of crema.
The pod machines might not provide the same level of control like bean-to-cup machines, but they are an excellent option for people who prefer convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. Although Coffeee don't provide the same taste as freshly ground beans from a high-quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee types make these machines more efficient than ever before.
These machines utilize various coffee pods, but they all have the same basic design and shape. Most are small, covered in paper, they resemble tea bags. They can be placed into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed for use with drip coffee makers, while others are designed specifically for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, and the latter are called Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
When shopping for a pod-based espresso machine it is essential to look over the recommended list of compatible pods. Many of these machines have many different flavors of flavors, so you can test out various flavors and brands before you decide on your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who wish to reuse their old ones.
It is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance needs of your coffee machine regardless of its style. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling them some pod-based espresso machines are equipped with self-cleaning features that make it easier to clean.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful instrument that uses high pressure to push water through finely packed, tightly ground coffee. The espresso shot is concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by Europeans in the late 1800s, specifically the Italians. They utilized this technique to create a new variety of coffee drinks.
There are many methods to make espresso, but the fundamental principle remains the same boil the water until it is to a temperature that is just below boiling, then push it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water is then poured into the container below the grouphead. This process creates a highly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under two minutes.
Espresso machines work the same way, but their specifics differ. Some machines employ a piston design that requires you to press down on the lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Other machines use an electric pump to produce the required pressure. Others, including the more affordable home-based machines, rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result.
No matter how your espresso machine performs the quality of the ingredients you use is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Start with a good quality, dark roast espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping techniques to find the ideal recipe for home espresso machines.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso maker. You should ideally use tap water with moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. You can find out about your water's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's coffee water download guidelines.
As you get more comfortable with your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional equipment such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These accessories will help improve the brewing process and give you a sense satisfaction in the coffee you can now make at home.