How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. But how do you choose?
There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping correctly, to pulling the right espresso shot. A lot of the work can be automated using semi-automatic and in some cases fully automated machines.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment if you wish to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most important component of the system is an espresso maker that has well-designed and sturdy design that can handle pressure. This is where some manufacturers have stripped it down, making machines that don't even use boilers and instead rely on hand-pressure to create pretty decent shots.
We've tested a few of them and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top at what it does. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you're getting a piece that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It is a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its construction. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to spark conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a worthy candidate. It's not inexpensive but it's an excellent grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit larger than the other grinders we examined, 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 more user-friendly than some of the models we reviewed and comes with a solid 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 more easy to use, but require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping by yourself They also come with an electric pump that can provide constant flow and pressure. You can control how much espresso you would like to put in your cup, by stopping the brewing. Most semi-automatics also have a steam wand to create froth. Super-automatics are the best in convenience, with built-in grinders and tampers as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automated machines comes down to how much control you want over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines depend on the barista to generate pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso with the push of a single button. These machines are expensive to lease or purchase however they are a great way to save money and time.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who would like to have some control of their coffee brewing, but don't have the time or skills to become a professional barista. This kind of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into a hockey puck shape and pushing hot water through them at just the right pressure to make an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also gives you the option to steam milk and create the latte art.
They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However, for those who don't have the money to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable option.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the newest technology in espresso makers and they promise the same cup of coffee each time, with minimal effort. They handle all the steps involved in making espresso from grinding the beans to pulling a shot and steaming the milk and all of it by pressing an button. This is a popular choice for cafes that need to serve a large number of customers in a short period and need convenience. These machines are costly and not suitable for all cafes. If you are interested in a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, you should consider purchasing or renting two, one to cover the peak times and the other to handle the slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks with the push of one button. They make use of disposable coffee capsules that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The top espresso pods have consistent results, are neat and fast, and can produce shots with a layer of crema.
While pod machines won't give you the same level of control as bean-to-cup models however they are a great option for those who prefer to skip grinding and tapping their own beans, and who value convenience over quality. While they may not have the same flavor as fresh ground beans from a good coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and an increasing selection of coffee varieties have made these models better than ever.
The kind of coffee pods used in the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer however they usually have the same basic shape and design. Most are small, paper-covered disks that resemble tea bags and can be put into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers, and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. They are also known as 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 list of recommended by the manufacturer of compatible pods. They are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them before you decide on the one you like best. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old ones.
It is important to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee maker, regardless of the model. Coffeee -to cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that makes use of high pressure to push coffee that has been finely ground into an extremely tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is ideal to make lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The Europeans particularly the Italians came up with this idea in the latter part of 1800 and used it to create a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are many methods to make espresso, however the basic principle is the same boil the water until it is to a temperature that is just below boiling, then press it through the tightly packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This technique produces a dense, highly flavored cup of espresso in just 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function this way, but the details of each differ slightly. Some use piston designs that require you to press down a lever to generate the required pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Other machines utilize an electric pump to generate the necessary pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive at-home models, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same result.
Whatever way your espresso machine functions, the quality of your ingredients is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Start with a top-quality, dark-roasted espresso bean. You can then experiment with different grinds and tamping techniques to discover the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso maker. You should use tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water help to make 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 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 a few additional equipment, such as the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These accessories will help improve the brewing process and provide you with a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're now able to make at home.