How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a top-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your home-brewed coffee to a new level. What are the best ways to choose the best machine?
There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping properly to get the perfect shot of espresso. A lot of the work can be automated with semi-automatic, and sometimes fully automated machines.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment if you want to make the finest espresso at home. The most important component of the system is a well-designed and quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, creating machines that don't require boilers at all, and rely on hand pressure to make some decent shots.
We've tried a few and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. You're not getting a bargain machine, but you're receiving a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's not the most lightweight however, which is to be expected considering its construction. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation starter.
Another option that is worth considering is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive, but it's a great grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we've examined, but it's because of its larger burrs as well as the fact that it can handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's easier to use than the other models we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds that are available: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are more easy to use, but they require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself however they come with an electric pump that gives constant 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 come with steam wands that allow you to create froth. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, with built-in grinders and tampers, as well 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 making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot which can be tiring and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso at the touch of the 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 want to control their coffee making but don't have the time or the skills to become barista. This kind of machine eliminates the guesswork of brewing a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into the shape of a hockey puck and forcing hot water through them with just the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This espresso maker also lets you to steam milk or create latte art.
They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great option for those without the budget to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automatic espresso machines promise a consistent cup every time, with minimum effort. The machines can do all the steps of making espresso with just one touch of a switch, from grinding the coffee beans, to pulling the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular choice for cafes that must be able to serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and are looking for simplicity of use. However, these machines are expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, you should consider purchasing or renting two. One for peak times, and another one to manage slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks with the press of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk which is used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pods are quick, neat and provide very consistently good results. Each shot will be crowned with a smooth layer of crema, which is the signature of a top espresso.
The pod machines might not provide the same level control like bean-to-cup machines however they are an excellent alternative for those who value convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. While they don't have the same flavor as freshly ground beans from an excellent coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a wide variety of coffees make these machines better than ever.
The machines make use of various coffee pods, however all have a similar basic design and shape. They are typically small disks with paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are made specifically for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, and the latter are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is essential to look through a manufacturer's list of compatible pods before buying a machine based on pods. Many of these machines have several options of pods, which means you can test different flavors and brands before you decide on your preferred. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who want to reuse their old pods.
It is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements of your coffee machine regardless of its style. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling Some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that minimize hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely powerful tool, which makes use of high pressure to push coffee that has been finely ground into a tightly packed container. coffee machine espresso shot is a concentrated and is perfect for making cappuccinos. The Europeans particularly the Italians, figured this out in the late 1800s and utilized it to open a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make espresso, however the basic principle is the same heating the water just below boiling, then push it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This method produces a dense, highly flavored espresso cup in less than two minutes.
Espresso machines operate in this way, but the details of each differ slightly. Some machines employ a piston-style design which requires you to press a lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Others use an electric pump to produce the necessary pressure. Others, particularly the home-based machines that aren't expensive rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the same effect.
No matter how your espresso machine performs, the quality of your ingredients is vital to a good cup of espresso. Begin with a high-quality, dark roast espresso bean. Test different grinds and tamping techniques to find the best recipe for your home espresso machine.
Finally, use the right water in your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water that has a moderate level of minerality. The minerals in water can help extract a smooth and balanced cup of espresso while also preventing the formation of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can help you determine the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional equipment such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless tamper. These accessories can help you improve your coffee-making skills and develop a sense of pride in the premium coffee you can now produce at home.