How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. But how do you decide?
There are many things to consider from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans correctly to pulling a good shot of espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated with semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, fully automated models.
Manual
If you want to to make the best espresso make at home, you'll require top equipment. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to the bare minimum, creating machines that don't have boilers at all and rely on hand pressure to make some pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few of them and found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top at what it does. It's not cheap, but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for a long time and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to back it. It's a little on the heavy side but it's normal considering its construction. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to stir conversations.
Another good option is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap, but it does a great job in what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we examined, but that's because it's got a much larger burr set, and it's able to handle more than a standard burr set could. It's a lot easier to use than the other models we tested and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most common and provide a more familiar design, however, they are the most difficult to learn how to use and require more expertise to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping yourself However, they also have an electric pump that provides the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso that you put into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that let you to make froth. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, and come with grinders and tampers as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is how much control you would like over the making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to push the button 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 costly to buy or rent however they are a great way to save money and time.
A semi-automatic machine is the best option for those who wish to control the coffee they make but don't have the time or the ability to be a barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork out of brewing shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, then compresses them and then forces hot water through the puck with the right amount of pressure. This kind of espresso maker also lets you to steam milk or make latte arts.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However for those who don't have the money to buy or rent an espresso machine fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable solution.
Fully automated espresso machines are the latest innovation in the world of espresso makers and they promise an even cup of coffee each time, with minimal effort. The machines can do all the steps needed to make espresso with just one touch of a button that includes grinding the coffee beans to pulling the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular option for cafes that have to serve many customers in a short time period and need convenience. However, these machines can be expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, you should consider buying or renting two, one to handle the peak times and the other to manage the slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks with the push of the button. They use disposable capsules filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to make your beverage. The top espresso pod machines are simple, sleek, and offer very consistently good results. Each shot will be crowned with a smooth layer of crema that is the hallmark of a top espresso.
Although pod machines might not offer the same degree of control as bean-to-cup models, they are still an excellent option for those who wish to skip grinding and tapping their own beans, and who prefer convenience over quality. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from an excellent coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee varieties make these models better than ever.
The type 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. They can be put into a portafilter to make brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are specifically made for espresso machines. Soft pods are one of them, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is important to check the list of compatible pods prior to buying a machine that is based on pods. Many of these machines have many different flavors, so you can try different flavors and brands before you decide on your favorite. Some brands also sell refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old ones.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select it is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling some pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful instrument that uses high pressure to push water through finely packed, tightly ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect to make lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The Europeans particularly the Italians, figured this out in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open an entirely new world of cafe drinks.
There are many different methods to make a cup espresso, but the main idea is to heat water to just below boiling and then press it through the tightly packed grounds in a portafilter that is then transferred to a container that is below the head of the group. This produces a richly flavored, dense cup of espresso in just 2 minutes.
All espresso machines operate in the same way, but their details vary slightly. Some use piston designs that require the user to press down on an lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar or 116 to 145 psi). Other machines use an electric pump to generate the required pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper at-home models, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
No matter how your espresso machine functions, the quality of your ingredients is vital to a good cup of espresso. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. You can then experiment with different grinds and tamping techniques to find the perfect recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Use the right water for your espresso machine. Ideally More you should choose tap water that has moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also stopping the buildup of scale. You can find out about the water supply in your area's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's downloadable coffee water guidelines.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso maker at home, it's an excellent idea to invest in a few additional accessories, like the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These accessories will help you improve your coffee-making skills and develop confidence in the premium coffee you can now make at home.