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 are a myriad of things to think about including measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans correctly to pulling a good shot of espresso. A lot of the work can be automated using semi-automatic or in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment to make the finest espresso at home. The most important component of the system is an espresso maker that has a good design that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, making machines that don't have boilers and rely instead on hand-pressure for some decent shots.
We've tested a few of these and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the best in what it does. It's not a cheap machine, but you're receiving a machine that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit on the heavy side but that's to be expected considering its construction. uk espresso machine Coffeee has a beautiful retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation-starter.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a suitable option. It's not inexpensive, but it's very effective at what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's bigger than some of the other grinders we reviewed but that's due to the fact that it has an incredibly large burr set and it can handle more than the standard burr set could. It's a little easier to use than the other grinders we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds that are available: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also called Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, however they require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping by yourself They also come with an electric pump which provides the same flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you would like to put in your cup by stopping the coffee brewing. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands to make froth. Additionally, there are super-automatics that complete the job for you and have built-in grinders, tampers and the brewing process and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The distinction between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines comes down to the amount of control you desire over the 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, brewing professional-quality espresso at the touch of an button. However, this convenience comes at a price and the machines can be expensive to buy or rent.
Semi-automatic machines are a great option for those who like to control some aspects of the coffee they make, but do not have the time or expertise to become a professional barista. This kind of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into an hockey puck shape, and then forcing hot water through them at the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This espresso maker also lets you to steam milk or create latte art.
These machines are more costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However, for those who aren't able to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable option.
Fully automated espresso machines ensure an even cup every time, and require minimal effort. They can perform all the steps required to make 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 option for cafes that need to be able to serve a variety of customers in a short period of time and are looking for user-friendly. These machines are costly and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're considering an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, think about renting or buying two. One machine to handle the peak times, and the other one to handle slower periods.
Pods
The pod coffee machines allow you to make espresso-based drinks with the push of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The best espresso pod machines are sleek, quick and give consistently good results. Each shot is topped with a creamy layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a top espresso.
Pod machines may not offer the same level control as bean-to-cup models, but they are an excellent option for people who prefer convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. While they don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans made from a quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee types make these models better than ever.
The kind of coffee pods used in these machines differs between manufacturers however they usually have the same basic shape and design. The majority are paper-covered disks that look like tea bags that can be placed into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are the first and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
When shopping for a pod-based espresso machine, it is crucial to review the manufacturer's recommended list of compatible pods. They are available in a wide range of flavors and brands which means you can try them before you decide on the one you like best. Some brands sell refillable pods to those who wish to reuse their old pods.
It's important to consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee maker, regardless of the model. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the brewing mechanism and grinder and regularly descaling them, several pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning functions that minimize hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful device, that makes use of high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground into a tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the late 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They used this to create a new range of café drinks.
There are many methods to make espresso, but the fundamental principle remains the same boil the water until it is to just below boiling, and then press it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water is then poured into the container, below the grouphead. This produces a richly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in less than two minutes.
Espresso machines operate in like this, however the specifics of each differ slightly. Some machines employ piston-style designs which requires you to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars or 116 to 150 psi). Others use an electric pump to produce the required pressure. And still others, especially the low-cost at-home devices rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the similar effect.
The quality of the ingredients is vital regardless of how the espresso machine is working. Begin with a high-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. It is recommended to 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. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can aid you in determining the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you become more comfortable using your espresso machine, consider purchasing additional equipment, such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These accessories will help you improve your coffee making skills, while also fostering a an appreciation for the top-quality coffee you can now make at home.