An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Choosing Your Espresso Coffee Machine Home
An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Choosing Your Espresso Coffee Machine Home
Blog Article
How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. How do you pick?
There are a myriad of things to consider including measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping your beans correctly, to obtaining the perfect espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks can be automated with semi-automatic machines, and in certain cases, fully automated models.
Manual
If you want to be able to make the finest espresso make at home, then you'll need to invest in some high-quality equipment. The most important component of the system is a well-designed and quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to the bare minimum, creating machines that don't require boilers and rely on hand-pressure to get some decent shots.
We've tested several of these and concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not a cheap machine, but you're getting a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its construction. It has a retro-futuristic look that is sure to stir conversation.
Another good option is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap but it's very effective at what it does, and you'll be able grind your own beans. It's a bit bigger than the other grinders we reviewed however that's because it has an incredibly large burr set and can handle more than the standard burr set can. It's a little easier to operate than some of 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 known as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are more easy to use, however they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you 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 pour into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and most semi-automatics have a steam wand that allows you to make foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics that take care of all the work for you and have integrated grinders, tampers, Brew cycles, and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is how much control you desire over the making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to push the button and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso with the push of a single button. These machines are expensive to rent or purchase, but they offer convenience.
A semi-automatic machine is a great option for those who want to control the coffee they make but don't have time or the skills to become 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 kind of espresso maker also enables you to steam milk or make latte arts.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who don't have the funds to purchase or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automated espresso machines are the most recent technology in espresso makers. They promise the same cup of coffee each time with little effort. They can handle all the steps required to make espresso, from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all this at the touch of a button. This is a popular option for cafes that need to be able to serve a variety of customers in a short amount of time and require simplicity of use. They are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, think about purchasing or renting two. One for high-volume times, and the second one for slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks with the push of a button. They make use of disposable coffee capsules that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to make your beverage. The top espresso pods provide consistent results, are neat and fast, and can produce shots with a layer of crema.
Although pod machines might not offer the same degree of control that bean-to-cup models do, they are still an excellent option coffee and espresso maker for those who want to avoid grinding and tapping their own beans and who prefer 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 a growing variety of coffees make these machines better than ever.
The type of coffee pods used by the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer however, they all have the same basic shape and design. The majority are paper-covered disks that are similar to tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter to brew. 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.
It is essential to look through a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior purchasing a pod-based machine. These machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands, so you can test them out before deciding on your favorite. Some brands also offer refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old ones.
No matter what type of coffee machine you select it's important to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions which reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that makes use of high pressure to force water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is ideal for making lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, particularly the Italians. They utilized this to create a new collection of coffee drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso but the fundamental principle remains the same: heat the water to just below boiling, and then press it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This produces a richly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function this way, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Some utilize piston designs that require you to press down a lever to generate the required pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to generate the necessary pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home machines rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is vital, no matter how the espresso machine is working. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted, dark-roasted espresso beans. Try different grinds and tamping techniques to find the ideal recipe for your home espresso machine.
Also, make sure you are using the correct water in your espresso maker. Ideally you should use tap water that has moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water will help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also preventing scale buildup. You can learn about the water supply in your area's mineral content by referring to La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines.
As you become more familiar with the espresso machine at home, it's a good idea to purchase other accessories, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will aid in improving your coffee making skills, while also fostering a an appreciation for the top-quality coffee you can now produce at home.