How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-end espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. How do you pick?
There's a lot to think about, 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 that need to be done can be automated by semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
You'll require top-quality equipment to make the finest espresso at home. The most crucial component of the system is an espresso maker that has well-designed and sturdy design that can handle pressure. This is where a few manufactures have really stripped it down, making machines that don't use boilers and instead rely on hand-pressure to create pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few and concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you are getting a piece that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its build. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to stir conversation.
Another worthy candidate is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap but it does a great job at what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's a bit larger than some of the other grinders we reviewed but that's because it's got an incredibly large burr set, and it's able to handle more than a standard burr set can. It's more user-friendly than the other models we tested and comes with a long warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most common and offer the most familiar design but they are also the most difficult to learn how to use and require more skill to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping by yourself, but they also have an electric pump that provides consistent pressure and flow. You can adjust the amount of espresso that you put into your cup by stopping the brewing process and most semi-automatics have a steam wand that allows you to make froth. Super-automatics are the best in convenience, featuring built-in grinders and tampers, as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is the degree of control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines depend on the barista to create pressure and pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso with the click of the button. However, this convenience comes at a price and these machines can be costly to rent or purchase.
Semi-automatic machines are a great choice for those who would like to control some aspects of the coffee they make, but don't have the time or the skills to become a professional barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of brewing a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into an hockey puck shape, and pushing hot water through them at the right pressure to make an espresso. This type of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk, and then make the latte art.
These types of espresso machines can be expensive and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good option for those without the funds to purchase or lease a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automated espresso machines are the newest invention in the world of espresso makers. They promise the same cup of coffee every time with minimal work. They take all of the steps required to make espresso from grinding the beans to pulling a shot and steaming the milk, and do it all with just one push of the button. This is a popular option for cafes that have to serve a lot of customers in a short time period and require convenience. They are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, you should consider renting or buying two. One machine to handle high-volume times, and the second one to handle slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks at the touch of one button. They use disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to brew your beverage. The top espresso pod machines provide consistently good results, are neat and fast, and can produce shots that are topped with crema.
While pod machines won't give you the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do, they are still a great option for those who want to avoid grinding and tapping their own beans and who prefer convenience over quality. Although they don't provide the same taste as freshly ground beans from a quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and an expanding variety of coffees make these models better than ever before.
The type of coffee pods used by these machines varies between manufacturers, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. The majority are paper-covered disks that are similar to tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. Soft pods are one of them and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is essential to look through the list of compatible pods prior to buying a machine based on pods. The machines are available in a wide range of flavors and brands which means you can try them before settling on your favorite. Some brands also offer refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old pods.
It is important to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee maker, regardless of the model. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful device that uses high pressure to force water through finely packed, tightly ground coffee. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They used this to create a new range of café drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make espresso, but the principle is the same: heat the water just below boiling, then push it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This technique produces a dense, highly flavored cup of espresso within two minutes.
Espresso machines operate in this way, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Some utilize piston designs that require you to press down on an lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). used espresso machines Coffeee use an electric pump to produce pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result.
Whatever way your espresso machine works, the quality of your ingredients is vital to a good cup of espresso. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Test different grinds and tamping techniques to find the best recipe for home espresso machines.
Use the right water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should use tap water with a moderate level of minerality. The minerals in water can help you make a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while helping to prevent the growth of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will assist you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional accessories like a portafilter or a steel tamper. These items will improve your brewing techniques and give you a sense satisfaction in the coffee you're now able to make at home.