How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-end espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. What are the best ways to choose the best machine?
There are many things to consider including measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping your beans properly to getting an espresso shot that is perfect. A lot of the work can be automated with semi-automatic or in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
If you want to be able to make the best espresso you can make at home, you'll require high-quality equipment. The most crucial component of the system is an espresso maker with an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. This is where a few manufacturers have stripped it down, producing machines that don't even have boilers, instead relying on hand-pressure to create pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few of these and found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in its field. It's not a cheap machine, but you're receiving a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It is a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its build. It's got a retro-futuristic design that is sure to spark conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a good choice. It's not cheap but it's very effective at what it does, and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's a bit larger than other grinders we reviewed but that's due to the fact that it has an incredibly large burr set and can handle more than the standard burr set could. It's a bit easier to operate than some of the other grinders we reviewed and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and offer a more familiar design, however, they are the most difficult to learn how to use and require more skill 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 can provide the same flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso that you put into your cup by stopping the brewing process and the majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that let you to make froth. There are also super-automatics which complete the job for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers and brew cycles and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automatic machines is 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 a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. However this convenience comes with cost and the machines can be expensive to purchase or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is the best option for those who wish to control their coffee brewing but don't have the time or skill level to be a barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork out of making a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into a hockey puck shape and pushing hot water through them with just the right pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk and make latte arts.
These kinds of espresso machines can be costly and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good option for those without the funds to purchase or rent a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the latest invention in the world of espresso makers and they promise a consistent cup of coffee each time with little effort. The machines can do all the steps of making espresso with just one touch of a button, from grinding the coffee beans, to making the shot and steaming the milk. This is a preferred option for cafes that need to be able serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and are looking for ease of use. These machines are costly and not suitable for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, you should consider purchasing or renting two, one to cover most busy times and the second to handle the slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks with the push of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that is used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pods are quick, neat, and offer very consistently good results. Each shot is topped with a smooth layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a top-quality espresso.
Pod machines might not have the same level control as bean to cup models, but they are an excellent alternative for those who value convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. While they may not have the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a good coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee varieties have made these machines better than ever.
The type of coffee pods used by these machines differs between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. The majority are covered in paper, they are similar to tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically designed to work with drip coffee makers, while others are designed specifically for espresso machines. They are also known as soft pods, and the latter are called Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
When shopping for an espresso machine that uses pods, it is essential to look over the recommended list of compatible pods. Many of these machines espresso coffee maker come with a variety, so you can try out different flavors and brands before buying your favorite. Some brands also sell refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old ones.
Whatever type of coffee machine you select it is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the brewing mechanism and grinder and regularly descaling some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful device that uses high pressure to push water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by Europeans in the late 1800s, specifically the Italians. They made use of this technique to create a new range of café drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso however the basic principle is the same boil the water until it is to just below boiling, and then press it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This process produces a thick and highly flavorful cup of espresso in just 2 minutes.
All espresso machines work this way, but the details of each differ slightly. Some machines employ a piston-style design, which requires the user to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to create the necessary pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result.
Whatever way your espresso machine functions, the quality of the ingredients you use is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Begin with a premium dark-roasted espresso bean. You can then experiment with different grinds and tamping techniques to find the ideal recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso maker. Ideally, you should use tap water that has a moderate level of minerality. Minerals in water can help you make a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while also preventing the buildup of scale. You can find out 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 your espresso machine, consider investing in additional accessories like portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These items will improve your brewing techniques and give you a sense pride in the coffee you can now make at home.