How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a top-quality espresso maker, you can take your home-brewed coffee to a whole new level. How do you pick?
There are many aspects to think about, from measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping the beans correctly to pulling an espresso shot that is perfect. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated with semi-automatic machines and, in some cases, even fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment if you wish to make the best possible espresso at home. The most important element of the system is an espresso maker with well-designed and sturdy design that can handle pressure. This is where some manufactures have really stripped it down, producing machines that don't use boilers and instead rely on hand pressure to make decent shots.
We've tried a few of them and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in its field. It's not cheap, but you're getting coffee equipment that will last for years 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 build. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic design that's sure be a conversation starter.
Another worthy candidate is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap but it's a great performer at what it does and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's larger than other grinders we've looked at however, it's due to its larger burrs and fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard burr set. It's a lot easier to use than some of the models we tested and comes with a long warranty.
There are four types: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also called Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and offer a more familiar design, but they are also the most difficult to master and require more expertise to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping yourself however they come with an electric pump that provides consistent flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you want in your cup by stopping the brewing. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that can create foam. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, featuring built-in grinders and tampers aswell as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is how much control you would like over the making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to exert pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the push of a button. However this convenience comes with cost and these machines can be costly to rent or purchase.
Semi-automatic machines are the best choice for those who would like to have some control of their coffee making but do not have the time or the skills to become a professional barista. This type of machine takes the guesswork out of making a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into an hockey puck shape, and then forcing hot water through them at the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This espresso maker also allows you to steam milk or make latte arts.
These types of espresso makers can be expensive and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who do not have the money to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automated espresso machines guarantee an even cup every time, with minimum effort. They handle all the steps needed to make espresso, from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all of it by pressing an button. This is a very popular choice for cafes that have to serve a large number of customers in a brief period and need convenience. However these machines can be very expensive and may not be an option for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, consider buying or renting two, one to cover the peak times and the other to handle the slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks at the touch of a button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The top espresso pods offer reliable results, are sleek and fast, and can produce shots that are topped with crema.
While pod machines may not give you the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do but they're an excellent choice for those who wish to avoid grinding and tamping their own beans, and who value convenience over quality. While they don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans made from a quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a wide selection of coffee varieties make these machines more efficient than ever.
used espresso machines Coffeee make use of various coffee pods, but all share the same basic design and shape. Most are small, paper-covered disks that resemble tea bags. They can be placed into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are specifically made for espresso machines. These are referred to as soft pods, and the latter, Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine, it is important to check the recommended list of compatible pods. They are available in a variety of flavors and brands and you can try them out before deciding on your favorite. Some brands offer refillable pods for those who wish to reuse their old ones.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select, it's essential to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling them some pod-based espresso machines are equipped with self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful tool, that makes use of high pressure to force coffee that is finely ground through a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians, figured this out in the late 1800s and used it to create a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of ways to make a cup espresso, but the basic idea is to warm water until just below the point of boiling, then press it through the tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, that is then transferred to a container that is below the head of the group. This process creates a highly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in under two minutes.
All espresso machines work similarly, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Certain machines utilize a piston-style design that requires the user to press a lever to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars or 116 to 150 psi). Others use an electric pump to produce the necessary pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home models, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same result.
No matter how your espresso machine functions the quality of your ingredients is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Begin with a high-quality dark roast espresso bean. Then experiment with different grinds and tamping methods to discover the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Finally, use the right water for your espresso machine. You should ideally use tap water with a moderate mineral content. Minerals in water can help make a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while helping to prevent the growth of scale. You can find out more about your local water supply's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's coffee water download guidelines.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, consider investing in additional equipment such as portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These items will help you improve your coffee-making skills and develop an appreciation for the premium coffee you can now make at home.