How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. But how do you decide?
There are many things to think about from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans correctly to pulling a good shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks that need to be done can be automated by semi-automatic machines and, in some cases, even fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll require top-quality equipment if you want to make the finest espresso at home. The most important component of the system is a well-designed, quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to a minimum, resulting in machines that don't use boilers at all, and rely instead on hand-pressure for some decent shots.
We've tried a few of them and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best in its field. It's not cheap but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for years and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to back it. It's heavier than average, but that's expected considering its construction. It has a retro-futuristic look that will surely spark conversations.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is yet another worthy candidate. It's not inexpensive, but it's a great grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's larger than other grinders we've looked at and it's due to its larger burrs and the fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard burr set. It's easier to use than some of the models we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes known as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the oldest and have the most familiar design however, they are the most difficult to learn how to use and require more expertise to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself but they also have an electric pump that gives constant flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you pour into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics come with a steam wand that allows you to create foam. Finally, there are 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 comes down to the degree of control you wish to have over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the push of an button. However this convenience comes at an expense and these machines can be expensive to rent or purchase.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who want to have some control over the coffee they make but don't have the time or the ability to be a barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork out of making a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into an hockey puck shape, and forcing hot water through them with just the right pressure to create an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also enables you to steam milk or create latte arts.
These types of espresso machines can be expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who don't have the money to buy or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automated espresso machines are the newest technology in espresso makers. They promise the same cup of coffee best espresso maker each time with little effort. They can 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 a button. This is a popular option for cafes who need to be able to serve a variety of customers in a short period of time and require ease of use. These machines are costly and not suitable for all cafes. If you are interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, think about buying or renting two to cover high-volume times and the other to handle the slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks with the push of the button. They make use of disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to make your beverage. The best espresso pod machines are sleek, quick, and offer very consistently good results. Each shot will be crowned with a creamy layer of crema, which is the signature of a top-quality espresso.
The pod machines might not provide the same level of control as bean to cup models, but they are an excellent alternative for people who prefer convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't have the same flavor as freshly ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an increasing variety of coffees have made these machines better than ever.
These machines use a variety of coffee pods, but all have a similar basic design and shape. The majority of them are small disks that have papers that resemble tea bags. They can be put 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 important to check a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior buying a machine that is based on pods. The machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them before settling on your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who want to reuse their old pods.
It is crucial to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine regardless of the model. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful device, which makes use of high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground into an extremely tightly packed container. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is perfect for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, particularly the Italians. They made use of this to create a new variety of coffee drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso but the fundamental principle remains the same heating the water 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 less than 2 minutes.
All espresso machines operate in the same manner, but their specifics differ. Some utilize piston designs that require the user to press down on a lever to generate the required pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Other machines utilize an electric pump to create the necessary pressure. Others, including the more affordable home-based machines, rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same effect.
No matter how your espresso machine performs, the quality of your ingredients is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted, dark-roasted espresso beans. Try different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Finally, use the right water in your espresso maker. It is recommended to choose tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water will help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also stopping the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can help you determine the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more comfortable with using your espresso machine at home, it's an excellent idea to invest in a few other accessories, such as a portafilter and a steel tamper. These accessories will help improve your brewing techniques and give you a sense pride in the coffee you can now make at home.