Should You Buy an Espresso Machine?
Espresso machines require higher temperatures and pressure than standard coffee makers. They also create a more concentrated and full-bodied cup of coffee.
You'll want a model that has two boilers which allow you to make steam and espresso simultaneously. This is a significant improvement over the majority of single boiler espresso machines.
Features
Making cafe-quality espresso at home used to require some expertise however modern machines have made it possible for even novices to pull a solid shot. One of the key features is the pressure gauge, which allows you to see the level of pressure in the pump while it is operating. This prevents channeling, which can lead to weak shots, and it's found on the higher-end models.
Another important aspect is a pre-infusion feature, which assists in ensuring that the grounds are filled with water, which is essential to extract the coffee. It's also on more expensive machines, and reduces the risk of burning the coffee.
Whether you want to buy an automatic or semi-automatic machine is another consideration. Super-automatic machines are foolproof and allow you to make espressos and milk beverages with a click of the button. However they can be expensive and may not suit your tastes if you like to work with grinding, tamping and steaming.
If you want to have a more personalized experience, you can opt for a semi-automatic espresso machine that includes an espresso grinder and bean hopper. These machines are more traditional looking and allow you to manage the espresso process such as grind settings, strength and temperature. These machines are less expensive but require more effort from the user.
Cost
There are a myriad of options when it comes to choosing an espresso machine. It is dependent on what you intend to use it for and which features are important to you. Generally speaking, more features will result in a higher cost. You may want to think about whether you'd like to to start and stop brewing manually or if a fully automated model is more appealing.
Basic espresso machines at home are equipped with an espresso portafilter, a milk container and a portafilter that can be connected by hand. They require regular cleaning of the portafilters as well as the milk containers. They also typically require descaler treatments every couple of months to ensure that they remain in good working order. According to the manufacturer, there are water filters built in which help reduce hardness and improve taste.
Professional espresso machines come with dual boilers that allow you to make coffee and steam milk at the same time. This reduces time and ensures that each process is heated to the correct temperature. The presence of a high-end espresso maker at home makes it easy to make delicious cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and other drinks.
Some espresso machines offer a manual control of grinder regulation, the amount of coffee and tampering pressure, to give you the feeling of a barista at home. These machines are more expensive than semi-automatics. However, they're perfect for people who are interested in making coffee.
Types
If you're looking for a purchase or lease an espresso machine, consider the alternatives carefully. Leased machines will require less upfront cash, however you'll be obligated to an agreement that may increase the cost of maintenance over time. A purchase will cost more money initially but you'll be able to own your equipment for life.
The type of espresso maker you choose will depend on the type of coffee you serve and your needs. The majority of models come with steam wands that heat and froth the milk for cappuccinos and lattes. A lot of models also have a removable dishwasher-safe jug that can be used to make large batches of iced drinks or coffee.
There are models that are fully automated, that grind, measure and tamp your beans and utilize pre-measured pods as an added benefit. They tend to score the best in Lab tests for their ease of use but will cost more than a manual or semi-automatic model.
There are single and multi-boiler machines which are more stable than other types making it possible to make consistently delicious espresso. However, they take up more counter space and cost more.
Maintenance
Your coffee is more enjoyable if you maintain your espresso machine in a proper manner. Regular cleaning and descaling extends the life of the espresso machine. Additionally, regular cleaning will prevent the buildup of coffee oils that are rancid, which can affect the taste of your espresso.
Giorgio recommends looking for a machine with the option of a brew group that is removable and an easy-to-clean drip tray. Giorgio says this will save you time and money in the end by reducing your need to clean the coffee drip pan as well in avoiding the added cost of a separate milk frother.
A high water pressure can assist in creating a coffee and espresso machine rich, even crema and a consistent extraction. A high-quality machine is one that can reach a pressure of at least nine bars.
Take note of the space available in your kitchen and whether or not you're planning to pipe it. If you're limited with cabinet space, you might want to consider purchasing a portable model or a drip-free one that can be used without connected to an water line. A drip-free machine will make it easier for you to avoid emptying the waste bin after each use. Also, ensure that the espresso machine you purchase has a tank for water that is simple to refill and remove and clean.