How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-end espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. But how do you decide?
There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping correctly and obtaining the proper shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks that need to be done can be automated using semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment if you want 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. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, creating machines that don't have boilers at all, and rely instead on hand-pressure for some pretty decent shots.
We've tested a number of these and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in its field. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you are getting a piece that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's not the most lightweight however, which is to be expected considering its construction. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation-starter.
Another option that is worth considering is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not expensive but it's an excellent grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than some of the other grinders we looked at, however that's because it has an incredibly large burr set, and it's able to handle more than a standard burr set can. It's also a bit simpler to use than the other grinders we reviewed and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most common and offer an easier design, however, they are the most difficult to master and require more skill to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping yourself However, they also have an electric pump that can provide constant flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you would like to put in your cup by stopping the brewing. A majority of semi-automatics include a steam wand to create foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics which do all the work for you, with integrated grinders, tampers, the brewing process and more.
Semi-Automatic
The distinction between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines is the degree of control you wish to have over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista's ability to generate pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso with the press of a single button. These machines are costly to rent or purchase however they are a great way to save money and time.
A semi-automatic machine is the best option for those who wish to control their coffee brewing but don't have the time or the skills to become a barista. This kind of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into a hockey puck shape and forcing hot water through them with just the right pressure to create an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk and create the latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However for those who don't have the money to buy or rent a fully automatic espresso machine, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable alternative.
Fully automatic espresso machines promise an exact cup every time, with minimal effort. They can perform all the steps required to make espresso with just one touch of a switch, from grinding the coffee beans to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a popular option for cafes that have to serve a lot of customers in a short period and want convenience. However these machines are expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you are interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, you should consider buying or renting two to cover the peak times and the other to manage the slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks at the touch of one button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk which is used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pod machines are quick, neat, and offer very reliable results. Every shot will be crowned with a smooth layer of crema that is the hallmark of a high-quality espresso.
While pod machines may not offer the same degree of control as bean-to-cup models but they're a great option for those who wish to do away with grinding and tapping their own beans, and who prioritize convenience over quality. While they don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans from a quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an expanding variety of coffees make these models better than ever before.
The type of coffee pods utilized by these machines differs between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. The majority of them are small disks that have paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be placed into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is crucial to review a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior to buying a machine that is based on pods. A lot of these machines have a variety of pods, which means you can test out different brands and flavors before settling on your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who wish to reuse their old pods.
It is crucial to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements of your coffee machine regardless of the model. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the brewing mechanism and grinder and regularly descaling, several pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that make it easier to clean.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful instrument that makes use of high pressure to push water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. The Europeans particularly the Italians discovered this in the late 1800s and used it to create a whole new world of cafe 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 a portafilter. The water is then poured into the container below the grouphead. This process produces a thick high-quality, highly flavorful cup of espresso within 2 minutes.
Espresso machines work the same way, but their details vary slightly. Certain machines utilize a piston-style design, which requires you to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Some machines employ an electric pump to produce pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same effect.
Whatever way your espresso machine functions, the quality of your ingredients is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Test different grinds and tamping strategies to find the perfect recipe for home espresso machines.
Use the right water for your espresso maker. It is recommended to choose tap water that has moderate mineral content. espresso machine with frother Coffeee in water can help get a smooth and balanced cup of espresso while also preventing the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can assist you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more comfortable using your espresso machine, you should consider investing in additional equipment such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These tools will enhance your coffee making techniques and will give you a sense of pride in the coffee you can now make at home.