How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. What are the best ways to choose the best machine?
There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans to tamping and pressing properly to get the perfect espresso shot. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated using semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
You'll require top-quality equipment if you wish to make the best possible 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 some manufactures have really stripped it down, producing machines that don't even have boilers but instead rely on hand-pressure to create pretty decent shots.
We've tested a variety of them and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for years, and has 35 years of Lelit service and support to stand behind it. It is a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its construction. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to stir conversation.
Another option that is worth considering 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 that we've reviewed however, it's due to its larger burrs and the fact that it's able to handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's also a bit simpler to operate than some of the other models we looked at and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are simpler to use, but require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself However, they also have an electric pump which provides the same flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso you pour into your cup by stopping the brewing process and most semi-automatics have a steam wand that allows you to make foam. Super-automatics are the best in convenience, featuring built-in grinders and tampers as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The distinction between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines is the amount of control you desire over the brewing 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 can brew professional-quality espresso at the touch of a single button. These machines are costly to rent or purchase however they are a great way to save money and time.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal alternative for those looking to have some control over their coffee making but don't have the time or skill level to be barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into an hockey puck shape, and then forcing hot water through them at the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso maker also enables you to steam milk or make latte arts.
These types of espresso machines can be expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who don't have the money to buy or lease a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automated espresso machines ensure a consistent cup every time, and require minimal effort. The machines can complete all the steps needed to make espresso with just a touch of a switch that includes grinding the coffee beans, to making the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular choice for cafes that have to serve a lot of customers in a short period and require ease of use. These machines are costly and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, think about buying or renting two, one to cover high-volume times and the other to cover the slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks with the push of a button. blog use disposable capsules filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to brew your beverage. The best espresso pods are sleek, quick and provide very consistent results--shot after shot comes out with a smooth layer of crema that is the hallmark of a top-quality espresso.
Pod machines might not have the same level control as bean-to-cup models however they're a great alternative for people who prefer convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. While they don't have the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee types make these machines better than ever.
The kind of coffee pods utilized by these machines differs between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. The majority of them are small disks that have paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be placed into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed for use with drip coffee makers while others are designed specifically 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 purchasing a pod-based machine. A lot of these machines come with several options of flavors, so you can test out various brands and flavors before settling on your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods for those who want to reuse their old ones.
It is crucial to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the model. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning capabilities which reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that uses high pressure to push water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. The Europeans particularly the Italians discovered this in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open up an entirely new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make a cup of espresso, but the main idea is to warm water until just below the point of boiling, then press it through tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, which is then poured into a container that is below the group head. This technique produces a dense and highly flavorful cup of espresso within two minutes.
All espresso machines function similarly, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Certain machines utilize piston-style designs that requires the user to press a lever to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Others use an electric pump to create the necessary pressure. Others, including the more affordable home-based machines, rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is crucial regardless of how the espresso machine is working. Start with a good-quality, dark roast espresso bean. Then experiment with different grinds and tamping methods to discover the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Also, make sure you are using the correct water in your espresso maker. Ideally you should use tap water with moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water will help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also stopping the buildup of scale. You can learn about the water supply in your area's mineral content by referring to La Marzocco's downloadable coffee water guidelines.
As you become more comfortable with using your espresso machine at home, it's recommended to invest in a few other accessories, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will help improve your brewing techniques and will give you a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you're now able to make at home.