How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can take your coffee-making at home to a whole new level. But how do you choose?
There's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping correctly, to pulling the right shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks involved can be automated with semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, fully automated models.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment if you wish to make the best possible espresso at home. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, making machines that don't require boilers at all and rely on hand-pressure to get some pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few and concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. It's not cheap but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for decades, and has 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. It's a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its build. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a worthy candidate. It's not expensive, but it's a great grinder that lets you to grind your own coffee beans. electric espresso maker 's a bit bigger than some of the other grinders we reviewed but that's due to the fact that it has a much larger burr set, and it's able to handle more than a standard burr set could. It's also a bit simpler to use than the other models we examined and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes known as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, but they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself but they also have an electric pump that gives consistent 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 create froth. Super-automatics offer the highest level of convenience, featuring 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 degree of control you wish to have over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso at the touch of a single button. They are expensive to lease or purchase, but they offer convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who like to have some control of their coffee brewing, but don't have the time or expertise to become a professional barista. This kind of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, forming them into an hockey puck shape, and forcing hot water through them at the right pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk, and then make the latte art.
These types of espresso machines are costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who do not have the funds to purchase or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automated espresso machines ensure an even cup every time, with minimal effort. They handle all the steps involved in making espresso from grinding the beans to pulling a shot and steaming the milk and all this by pressing a button. This is a popular option for cafes that must be able to serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and are looking for user-friendly. They are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, consider purchasing or renting two, one to cover the most busy times and the second to manage the slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks at the touch of a button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The top espresso pod machines provide consistent results, are neat and quick, and create shots with a layer of crema.
Pod machines may not offer the same level of control like bean-to-cup machines, but they are an excellent option for people who prefer convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans on their own. While they won't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee varieties have made these machines better than ever.
These machines use a variety of coffee pods, but they all share the same basic design and shape. 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 specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are specifically made for espresso machines. Soft pods are the first and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
When shopping for a pod-based espresso machine it is crucial to review the recommended list of compatible pods. The machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them out before deciding on your favorite. Some brands offer refillable pods for those who wish to reuse their old pods.
It is important to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the design. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms, and descaling regularly Some pod-based espresso machines are equipped with self-cleaning functions that minimize hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful tool, which makes use of high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground through an extremely tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. The Europeans particularly the Italians discovered this in the late 1800s and used it to open up a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso however the basic principle is the same: heat the water to just below boiling, and then push it through the densely packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This technique produces a dense and highly flavorful espresso cup in less than 2 minutes.
All espresso machines operate in the same manner, but their specifics differ. Some machines employ a piston design that requires you to press down an lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Some machines employ an electrical pump to generate pressure. And still others, especially the home-based machines that aren't expensive rely on heated water and high temperatures to produce the similar effect.
The quality of the ingredients is vital regardless of how your espresso machine performs. Begin with a high-quality, dark roast espresso bean. You can then experiment with different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Finally, use the right water for your espresso machine. You should ideally use tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee while also preventing scale buildup. You can find out about your local water supply's mineral content by referring to La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines.
As you get more comfortable with using your espresso machine at home, it's a good idea to invest in a few additional equipment, such as the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These items will improve your brewing techniques and will give you a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're able to make at home.