How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. How do you pick?
There's a lot to consider--from measuring and grinding your own beans to tamping and pressing properly and obtaining the proper shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks involved can be automated with semi-automatic machines, and in certain cases, fully automated models.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment if you want to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most important component of the system is a well-designed, high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. This is where some manufacturers have taken it down, producing machines that don't even 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 best in its field. You're not getting a bargain machine, but you are getting a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's not the most lightweight however, which is to be expected considering its construction. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another suitable option. It's not cheap, but it's a great performer in what it does, and you'll be able grind your own beans. It's a bit bigger than the other grinders we examined, but that's due to the fact that it has a much larger burr set and can handle more than the average burr set could. It's also a bit simpler to use than the other models we looked at and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes known as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, however they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping by yourself but they also have an electric pump that can provide the same flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process, and most semi-automatics have steam wands that let you to create froth. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, featuring built-in grinders and tampers, as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is the degree of control you would like over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso with the press of a button. These machines are expensive to lease or purchase but they provide convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who would like to be in control of their coffee making but don't have the time or expertise to become a professional 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 then forcing hot water through them with just the right pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso machine can also allow you to steam milk and make Latte art.
These types of espresso makers are costly and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good alternative for those who don't have the money to buy or rent a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automated espresso machines are the most recent invention in the world of espresso makers. They promise a consistent cup of coffee each time, with minimal effort. They handle all the steps required to make espresso starting from grinding beans to pulling a shot and steaming milk and all this by pressing a button. This is a popular choice for cafes who need to serve a lot of customers in a short time period and need convenience. These machines are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, you should consider purchasing or renting two. One to cover peak times, and another one to handle slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks at the touch of the button. They use disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to make your beverage. The best espresso pod machines provide consistently good results, are neat and fast, and can produce shots that are topped with crema.
While pod machines may not give you the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do but they're a great option for those who prefer to avoid grinding and tapping their own beans, and who prefer convenience over quality. While they may not have the same flavor as freshly ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a growing number of coffee types have made these machines better than ever.
These machines use a variety of coffee pods, but they all have a similar basic design and shape. Most are small disks with paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are designed for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, while the latter are called, Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is crucial to review the list of compatible pods prior to purchasing a pod-based machine. Many of these machines have many different flavors, so you can try out various flavors and brands before buying your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who want to reuse their old pods.
Coffeee to consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine regardless of the model. While many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the brewing and grinder mechanisms and regularly descaling 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 makes use of high pressure to push water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is ideal to make lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians, figured this out in the late 1800s and utilized it to open a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make espresso, but the principle is the same heating the water to just below boiling, and then push it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This process produces a thick high-quality, highly flavorful espresso cup in less than 2 minutes.
All espresso machines work like this, however the specifics of each differ slightly. Some use piston designs that require you to press down on an lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Some machines employ an electrical pump to generate pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home models, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same result.
The quality of the ingredients is vital regardless of how well your espresso machine works. Start with a good-quality dark roast espresso beans. You can then experiment with different grinds and tamping techniques to discover the perfect recipe for your espresso machine at home.
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 will help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee as well as preventing scale buildup. You can find out about the water supply in your area's mineral content by reading La Marzocco's coffee water download guidelines.
As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, you should consider investing in additional equipment such as portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These tools can help you improve your brewing skills while developing confidence in the top-quality coffee you can now make at home.