How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. How do you pick?
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. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks that need to be done can be automated with semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automated models.
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, high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to a minimum, resulting in machines that don't have boilers at all, and rely instead on hand-pressure for some pretty decent shots.
We've tested a few of these and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the best at what it does. It's not a cheap machine, but you're receiving a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's not the most lightweight however that's to be expected given its construction. It has a retro-futuristic look that will surely spark conversations.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a good choice. It's not cheap but it's a great performer at what it does and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's bigger than some of the other grinders we examined, but that's due to the fact that it has an incredibly large burr set, and it's able to handle more than the standard burr set could. 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 kinds of levers: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are simpler to use, but they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself However, they also have an electric pump which provides consistent pressure and flow. You can adjust how much espresso you'd like in your coffee by stopping the brewing. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that can create foam. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, and come with grinders and tampers aswell as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is the degree of control you would like over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require 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 with the click of an button. They are expensive to rent or purchase but they provide convenience.
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 time or the ability to be barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, compressing them into the shape of a hockey puck and pushing hot water through them at the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso maker also lets you to steam milk or create latte arts.
They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who machine espresso don't have the budget to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable alternative.
Fully automated espresso machines ensure an even cup every time, with minimum effort. They handle all the steps needed to make espresso from grinding the beans to pulling a shot and steaming the milk and all of it by pressing the button. This is a preferred option for cafes who need to be able to serve a variety of customers in a short period of time and are looking for user-friendly. However, these machines can be expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, consider purchasing or renting two, one to cover most busy times and the second to manage the slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks with the click of one button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk which is used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pods are sleek, quick, and offer very reliable results. Every shot is topped with a smooth layer of crema that is the signature of a top-quality espresso.
Although pod machines might not offer the same degree of control as bean-to-cup machines however they are an excellent option for those who wish to avoid grinding and tapping their own beans, and who prioritize convenience over quality. Although they don't provide the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a wide variety of coffees make these machines better than ever.
The kind of coffee pods used in these machines differs between manufacturers, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small disks with paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be put in a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are specifically made for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is crucial to review the list of compatible pods prior to buying a machine that is based on pods. A lot of these machines come with many different flavors of pods, which means you can test out different flavors and brands before you decide on your preferred. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old pods.
It's important to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the design. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the brewing and grinder mechanisms, and descaling regularly Some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle.
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, figured this out in the latter part of 1800 and used it to create an entirely new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make espresso, but the principle is the same: heat the water just below boiling, then press it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This process creates a highly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function similarly, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Some machines employ piston designs that require you to press down the lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Others use an electric pump to produce the necessary 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 regardless of how your espresso machine performs. Begin with a high-quality dark roast espresso beans. Try different grinds and tamping methods to find the ideal recipe for your home espresso machine.
Make sure you use the correct water in your espresso maker. It is recommended to use tap water with moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water help create a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. You can find out more about your local water supply's mineral content by reading La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional equipment such as portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These tools will enhance the brewing process and will give you a sense of pride in the coffee you can now make at home.