How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can take your home-brewed coffee to a whole new level. How do you choose the best machine?
There's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping properly to get the perfect shot of espresso. Many of the tasks can be automated using semi-automatic and in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment if you wish to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most crucial component of the system is a well-designed and quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to a bare minimum, creating machines that don't require boilers at all and rely instead on hand-pressure for some pretty decent shots.
We've tested a few of these and found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best in what it does. It's not cheap but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for a long time and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to stand behind it. It's not the most lightweight, but that's expected considering its construction. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is yet another good choice. It's not cheap, but it's a great performer at what it does and you'll be able grind your own beans. It's bigger than other grinders we've examined and it's due to its larger burrs and fact that it can handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's easier to use than the other models we tested and comes with a dependable warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the oldest and have the most familiar design however, they are the most difficult to master and require more skill to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping by yourself They also come with an electric pump which provides constant flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that allow you to create foam. 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 machines and fully automated machines comes down to the amount of control you desire over the making process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to push the button and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, making professional-quality espresso with the click of a button. However this convenience comes with cost and these machines can be expensive to buy or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is a great option for those who want to control their coffee brewing but don't have the time or skill level to be a barista. This kind of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, forming them into a hockey puck shape and pushing hot water through them at just the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk and make latte arts.
These kinds of espresso machines can be expensive and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who aren't able to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable solution.
Fully automated espresso stovetop espresso maker guarantee an exact cup every time, with minimum effort. They handle all the steps required to make espresso starting from grinding beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all of it at the touch of an button. This is a preferred option for cafes that must be able to serve a variety of customers in a short period of time and are looking for simplicity of use. However they are expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're considering a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, think about hiring or purchasing two. One to cover the peak times, and the other one for slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks with just the press of the button. The capsules are pre-ground coffee and powdered milk which is used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pod machines provide reliable results, are sleek and quick, and create shots that have a layer of crema.
The pod machines might not provide the same level control like bean-to-cup machines however they are a great alternative for those who value convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans made from a high-quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee types make these machines more efficient than ever before.
The kind of coffee pods used by the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer however they usually have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small, covered in paper, they are similar to tea bags and can be placed into a portafilter to make brewing. Some are specifically designed to work 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.
When you are looking for a pod-based espresso machine it is important to check the list of recommended by the manufacturer of compatible pods. The machines are available in a wide range of flavors and brands, so you can test them before settling on the one you like best. Some brands also sell refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old ones.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you choose, it's essential to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling them 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 force water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the late 1800s, particularly the Italians. They made use of this 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 a temperature that is just below boiling, then push it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water is then poured into the container, below the grouphead. This produces a richly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in just 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function similarly, but the details of each differ slightly. Some use a piston design that requires the user to press down on the lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar or 116 to 145 psi). Some machines employ an electric pump to produce pressure. Others, including the more affordable home-based machines, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is crucial, no matter how well your espresso machine works. Begin with a high-quality, dark roast espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping techniques to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Also, make sure you are using the correct water in your espresso maker. You should ideally use tap water with moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. You can find out about the water supply in your area's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines.
As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, consider investing in additional accessories like portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will help you improve your brewing skills while developing confidence in the premium coffee you can now produce at home.