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 are many things to consider from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans correctly to pulling a good shot of espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated using semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll require top-quality equipment if you want to make the best possible espresso at home. The most important component of the system is a well-designed, quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, resulting in machines that don't use boilers at all, and rely instead on hand-pressure for some pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few of them and found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best at what it does. 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 back it. It is a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its build. It's got a retro-futuristic design that will surely spark conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is yet another worthy candidate. It's not cheap but it's an excellent grinder that lets you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit bigger than some of the other grinders we looked at, but that's due to the fact that it has the largest burr set, and it's able to handle more than the standard burr set could. It's also a bit simpler 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 called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, but they require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself They also come with an electric pump that can provide the same flow and pressure. You can control how much espresso you would like to put in your cup, by stopping the making. A majority of semi-automatics include a steam wand to create froth. Super-automatics offer the highest level of convenience, and come with grinders and tampers aswell as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is how much control you would like over the making process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista's ability to produce pressure and then pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso at the touch of an button. These machines are costly to buy or rent, but they offer convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are the best option for those who like to control some aspects of the coffee they make, but don't have the time or the skills to be a professional barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork of making shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, then compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck with the right amount of pressure. This type of espresso machine also allows you to steam milk and make Latte art.
They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who aren't able to purchase or rent an espresso machine fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable option.
Fully automated espresso machines guarantee an exact cup every time, with minimal effort. The machines can complete all the steps needed to make espresso with a single push of a switch, from grinding the coffee beans, to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a very popular choice for cafes who need to serve a lot of customers in a short period and need ease of use. However they can be very expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, you should consider purchasing or sell renting two. One for the peak times, and the other one for slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines permit you to prepare espresso-based drinks with the touch of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The best espresso pod machines provide reliable results, are sleek and quick, and produce shots that have a layer of crema.
While pod machines may not provide the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do, they are still an excellent option for those who wish to do away with grinding and tamping their own beans, and who value convenience over quality. Although they don't provide the same flavor as freshly ground beans made from a quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee varieties make these models better than ever.
The machines make use of various coffee pods, however all share the same basic design and shape. Most are small disks with paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be inserted in a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are the first, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is important to check the list of compatible pods prior to purchasing a pod-based machine. They are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them before settling on your favorite. Some brands offer refillable pods to those who wish to reuse their old ones.
It's important to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the design. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However some espresso machines that are based on pods have built-in self-cleaning functions which reduce the hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely powerful tool, which uses high pressure to push coffee that is finely ground through a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is perfect for making cappuccinos. The Europeans particularly the Italians came up with this idea in the late 1800s and used it to open up an entire new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make a cup espresso, but the fundamental principle is to warm water until just below the point of boiling, then press it through a tightly packed coffee grounds in a portafilter, which then flows into a container below the head of the group. This technique produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful espresso cup in less than two minutes.
All espresso machines function like this, however the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some use a piston design that requires you to press down on the lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar or 116 to 145 psi). Some machines employ an electric pump to produce pressure. Others, particularly the inexpensive at-home machines rely on heated water and high temperatures to produce the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is important regardless of how the espresso machine is working. Start with a top-quality, dark-roasted espresso bean. Test different grinds and tamping methods to find the best recipe for home espresso machines.
Make sure you use the correct water in your espresso machine. It is recommended to use tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can assist you to extract a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while helping to prevent the growth of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will assist you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
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 accessories will aid in improving your brewing skills while developing a sense of pride in the top-quality coffee you can now produce at home.