How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can take your home-brewed coffee to a new level. What are the best ways to choose the best machine?
There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping properly, to pulling the right espresso. A lot of the work can be automated using semi-automatic and in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
You'll require top-quality equipment if you wish to make the finest espresso at home. The most crucial component of the system is an espresso maker with a good design that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, creating machines that don't have boilers at all and rely on hand pressure to make some decent shots.
We've tested several of these and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. You're not getting a bargain machine, but you are getting a machine that will last for decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its construction. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation starter.
Another worthy candidate is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive, but it's a great grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit bigger than the other grinders we reviewed but that's due to the fact that it has a much larger burr set and it can handle more than the standard burr set can. It's a lot easier to use than some of the models we tested and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of levers: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and provide a more familiar design, but they are the hardest to master and require more expertise to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping by yourself but they have an electric pump that can provide consistent flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you would like to put in your coffee by stopping the making. Most semi-automatics also have steam wands to make foam. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, and come with grinders and tampers, as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automated machines comes down to the degree of control you wish to have over the making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to push the button and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso with the click of the button. However this convenience comes at cost and these machines can be expensive to buy or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who want to have some control over the coffee they make but don't have the time or skill level to be a barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, forming them into the shape of a hockey puck and forcing hot water through them with just the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso machine also allows you to steam milk and create latte art.
These machines are more costly and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However for those who don't have the money to purchase or lease a fully automatic espresso machine, a semi-automatic espresso maker is 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. They can perform all the steps needed to make espresso with a single push of a button that includes grinding the coffee beans to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a popular choice for cafes that have to serve many customers in a short time period and need ease of use. However visit can be expensive and may not be an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, you should consider buying or renting two, one to cover the most busy times and the second to manage the slower times.
Pods
The pod coffee machines allow you to make espresso-based drinks at the push of a button. They make use of disposable coffee capsules that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to make your beverage. The best espresso pod machines are sleek, quick, and offer very consistent results--shot after shot is topped with a smooth layer of crema that is the signature of a top espresso.
While pod machines may not provide the same level of control as bean-to-cup machines, they are still a great option for those who prefer to avoid grinding and tapping their own beans and who prioritize convenience over quality. While they don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans made from a high-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee varieties make these machines better than ever.
These machines utilize various coffee pods, but all share the same basic design and shape. The majority are covered in paper, they resemble tea bags and can be put into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically designed to work with drip coffee makers and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. These are referred to as soft pods, and the latter are called Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
When you are looking for a pod-based espresso machine it is crucial to review the list of recommended by the manufacturer of compatible pods. A lot of these machines come with several options of pods, which means you can test out different brands and flavors before settling on your preferred. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old pods.
Whatever type 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 certain pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning capabilities that reduce hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that uses high pressure to push water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is ideal for making lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the late 1800s, specifically the Italians. They used this to create a new collection of coffee drinks.
There are several different ways to make a cup espresso, but the main principle is that you warm water until just below boiling and then press it through a tightly packed coffee grounds in a portafilter, which then flows into a container that is below the group head. This produces a richly flavored, dense cup of espresso in less than 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function in the same way, however their specifications differ slightly. Some machines use piston-style designs that requires you to press a lever in order to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars or 116 to 150 psi). Some machines employ an electric pump to create pressure. And still others, especially the home-based machines that aren't expensive rely on heated water and high temperatures to produce the same effect.
Whatever way your espresso machine functions the quality of your ingredients is vital to a good cup of espresso. Begin with a high-quality, dark roast espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping methods to find the ideal recipe for your home espresso machine.
Use the right water for your espresso maker. Ideally, you should use tap water with moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee as well as helping to prevent the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can help you determine the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more familiar with using your espresso machine at home It's a good idea to invest in some additional equipment, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These items will improve your brewing techniques and will give you a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you can now make at home.