How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your coffee-making experience at home to a whole new level. How do you pick?
There are many things to consider, from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping your beans correctly to pulling the perfect espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated with semi-automatic equipment and, in certain cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment if you want to make the best possible 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 a handful of manufacturers have taken the system down to make machines that don't even use boilers, instead relying on hand-pressure to produce some pretty decent shots.
We've tested a number of them and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best in its field. It's not a cheap machine, but you are receiving a machine that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It is a bit heavy however that's to be expected given its construction. It has a retro-futuristic look that is sure to spark conversations.
Another good option is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap, but it's very effective at what it does, and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we've examined however, it's due to its larger burrs and fact that it can handle more than a standard burr set. It's easier to use than some of the models we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types 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 also the most difficult to learn how to use and require more 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 provides consistent 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 a steam wand that allows you to create foam. Super-automatics offer the highest level of convenience, and come with grinders and tampers aswell as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automatic machines comes down to how much control you want over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista's ability to produce pressure and then pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso at the push of an button. However this convenience comes at an expense and the machines can be expensive to purchase or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who wish to have some control over the coffee they make but don't have time or the skills to become barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from brewing a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck at the right amount of pressure. This kind of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk and create the latte art.
These kinds of espresso machines can be expensive and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who do not have the money to buy or lease a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the most recent technology in espresso makers. They promise an even cup of coffee every time, with minimal effort. They can perform all the steps required to make espresso with just one touch of a switch from grinding the coffee beans, to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a popular choice for cafes that must be able serve multiple customers in a short period of time and require ease of use. They are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, consider purchasing or renting two. One for high-volume times, and another one for slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks with the click of the button. The capsules are pre-ground coffee and powdered milk which is used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pod machines provide reliable results, are sleek and quick, and produce shots that have a layer of crema.
The pod machines might not provide the same level of control as bean to cup models however they're a great alternative for those who prefer convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans on their own. Although they don't provide the same flavor as freshly ground beans made from an excellent coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a wide selection of coffee varieties make these machines more efficient than ever before.
The machines make use of a variety of coffee pods, but all have a similar basic design and shape. The majority of them are small disks that have paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be put in a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are specifically made for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, and the latter, Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine it is crucial to review the recommended list of compatible pods. These machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands and you can try them before you decide on the one you prefer. Some brands also offer refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old ones.
No matter what type of coffee machine you choose, it's essential to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning capabilities that ease the burden.
Water
Espresso machines are a powerful tool which makes use of high pressure to push coffee that has been finely ground through a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is perfect for making cappuccinos. coffee for espresso machine was discovered by the Europeans in the late 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They made use of this to create a brand new variety of coffee drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso but the principle is the same boil the water until it is just below boiling, then push it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water is then poured into the container below the grouphead. This technique produces a dense and highly flavorful espresso cup in less than two minutes.
All espresso machines function similarly, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Certain machines utilize a piston-style design, which requires you to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Other machines use an electric pump to produce the required pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive home-based machines, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is important 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 methods to find the perfect recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso maker. Ideally you should choose tap water that has moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in water can assist you to get a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while also preventing the buildup of scale. You can find out more about your local water supply's mineral content by reading La Marzocco's downloadable coffee water guidelines.
As you get more comfortable with your espresso machine, consider investing in additional accessories like portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will help you improve your coffee making skills, while also fostering a an appreciation for the top-quality coffee you can now produce at home.