How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. How do you choose the right machine?
There are many things to consider, from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans properly to getting an espresso shot that is perfect. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated with semi-automatic machines and, in some cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
If you'd like to to make the best espresso you can at home, you'll need to invest in some top equipment. The most crucial component of the system is a well-designed and high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to the bare minimum, resulting in machines that don't have boilers at all, and rely instead on hand-pressure for some decent shots.
We've tested a number of these and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in what it does. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for decades, and has 35 years of Lelit service and support to stand behind it. It's a bit heavier than average, but it's normal due to its build. It's got a retro-futuristic design that is sure to spark conversations.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is yet another suitable option. It's not expensive, but it's a great grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit bigger than other grinders we looked at, however that's because it has a much larger burr set and it can handle more than the standard burr set could. It's easier to use than some of the models we looked at and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are more easy to use, but they require more expertise and experience 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 constant flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you would like to put in your cup, by stopping the brewing. The majority of semi-automatics have steam wands to make froth. Super-automatics are the best in convenience, and come with grinders and tampers aswell as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automatic machines comes down to the amount of control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista's ability to create pressure and pull the shot. This can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. These machines are expensive to lease or purchase however they are a great way to save money and time.
A semi-automatic machine is the best option for those who want to have some control over their coffee brewing but don't have the time or skill level to be a barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of making shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, then compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck with the right pressure. This type of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk and create latte arts.
These kinds of espresso machines can be costly and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. However, for those who don't have the budget to purchase or lease an espresso machine fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable solution.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the newest technology in espresso makers. They promise a consistent cup of coffee every time with minimal work. They can handle all the steps involved in making espresso starting from grinding beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk, and do it all at the touch of a button. This is a very popular choice for cafes who need to serve a large number of customers in a brief period and want ease of use. However, these machines are expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're considering an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, you should consider renting or buying two. One machine to handle the peak times, and the second one to handle slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks at the touch of one button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The best espresso pods are sleek, quick, and offer very consistently good results. Each shot comes out with a creamy layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a top espresso.
The pod machines might not provide the same level of control as bean-to-cup models however they are an excellent alternative for those who value convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans on their own. While they don't have the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a growing variety of coffees make these models better than ever before.
The kind of coffee pods used by the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small disks with paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers, while others are made specifically 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 buying a machine that is based on pods. These machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands, so you can test them before you decide on the one you like best. Some brands offer refillable pods for those who want to reuse their old pods.
talking to what type of coffee machine you select it's important to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the brewing and grinder mechanisms, and descaling regularly some pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that make it easier to clean.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely powerful tool, that makes use of high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground into a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They made use of this to create a brand new range of café drinks.
There are a variety of ways 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 a portafilter. The water is then poured into the container below the grouphead. This process creates a highly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in under 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function in the same manner, but their specifics differ. Some use a piston design that requires you to press down on the lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar or 116 to 145 psi). Some machines employ an electric pump to produce pressure. And still others, especially the low-cost at-home devices rely on heated water and high temperatures to generate the similar effect.
No matter how your espresso machine performs the quality of the ingredients you use is vital to a good cup of espresso. Begin with a high-quality dark roast espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping strategies to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Choose the right water for your espresso maker. Ideally you should use tap water that has a moderate level of minerality. The minerals in the water help create a smooth and balanced cup of coffee as well as helping to prevent the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will help you determine the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso maker at home It's an excellent idea to invest in a few other accessories, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These tools will enhance your brewing techniques and provide you with a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're able to make at home.