What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine
The espresso machine is among the most complex coffee machines in the world. It is made up of three main components. The bottom holds the water and the middle is the filter-basket.
The machine was a huge success and helped to popularize home barista espresso. It features a 2.2L steam boiler, low pressure pre-infusion and 9 bar pressure for brewing.
Pressure
If you are an avid coffee drinker, then you'll know that the pressure of your espresso machine is a major element in the quality of your drinks. The pressure of your machine is essential for making great coffee, whether you're looking for a thick layer or a perfect balance of flavor and acidity.
BARs (Barometric Pressure) refer to the force applied to the coffee grounds when your espresso machine is delivering its high-pressure water. 9 BARs means that the espresso machine is forcing heated water through the coffee grounds at a rate of nine times the Earth's current atmospheric pressure.
The pressure of your machine is crucial because it allows water to pass through the coffee grounds at the proper speed and intensity. If the pressure is too low, the flavors and oils dissolved will not be extracted properly. On the other hand, if the pressure is too high, the water will be forced through the coffee grounds too quickly and you'll end up with an over-extracted, weak cup of espresso.
You can control the pressure of your espresso maker by changing the screw on the espresso pump. Commercial machines and high-end home appliances have the rotary pumps that have adjustable pressure. For the cheaper home machines that have a vibrating motor, it is impossible to adjust the pressure with DIY hacks. However, companies such as Cafflano are working on technology that makes use of Pascal's Principle to maintain pressure within the portafilter during the fermentation process.
Temperature
Temperature is one of the most important aspects in a perfect espresso shot. If the water is too hot, it may heat the coffee grounds and create a bitter drink. The ideal extraction temperature is around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows the water to extract all the desired coffee flavors without scorching the grounds, or over-extracting.
The best espresso machines have the thermoblock, or thermocoil that heats water and maintains it at the same temperature throughout the extraction. The Breville Barista Express, for example, features a PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) system which constantly monitors the water temperature and adjusts as necessary making sure that the brew head stays at a perfect temperature for extraction.
Most coffee lovers know that the temperature of your espresso maker is an essential element in the production of a good cup of coffee. The ideal temperature for espresso is between Fahrenheit between 190-196. To get this temperature, you need an espresso maker with a reliable thermoblock, thermocoil, and a boiler that is sized correctly.
It is also important to pre-heat your machine, portafilter, and cup prior to making espresso. The failure to preheat is one of the most common mistakes that can be made by beginner espresso makers. Always read the espresso machine's instructions before you start using it for the first time.
Grind
A barista machine ought to give you a range of grind settings so you have the maximum control over the final cup of espresso. Some machines come with an analog pressure gauge, which is cool and can help you gain knowledge about your brewing abilities. It is recommended to maintain the pressure at nine bars throughout the brewing process. Although this machine isn't hitting the desired pressure, it's close enough and will serve you well.
Another excellent feature of this machine is that it has a built-in burr grinder. This is a wonderful feature for those who are new to espresso because it eliminates the need to buy a separate burr grinder. The grinder is a conical stainless steel unit with 18 settings ranging from "coarse" to "fine."
This grinder isn't quite as effective as a stand-alone device, however, it's a decent start and will have you on the path to making quality espresso shots. It's easy to clean, and you can even pause it while grinding, which helps you avoid making a mountain of ground that will fall across your portafilter as it makes its way to the tamping.
This is a stunning and practical machine that allows you to experience the thrill of being a barista home. It's a great option for anyone who would like to be able to look back at the memories of pouring the microfoam into their morning coffee and locking a portafilter in the grouphead, and tamping with precision. If you're looking for convenience, a bean-to- cup machine could be the better choice.
Water
Water can be a tricky thing to master. The trick is finding the proper balance. Too much can cause mineral deposits in your machine, however too small and you'll struggle to enjoy a satisfying cup of espresso.
The best espresso water has an alkalinity and hardness that is low level. This can be achieved with a water filter coffee machine espresso system that eliminates chlorine and brings back a small amount of total dissolving solids (TDS) to add calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will give you the right balance between acidity and hardness, and prevent the necessity of decalcifying.
Using high-quality filtered water is vital to your machine's overall health and the flavor of the coffee it makes. Based on the type of use and the hardness of the machine, you should use descaling products regularly. The products are available in liquid, powder and tab forms and are available at most hardware stores.
The Breville Barista Express is a premium, high-end home espresso machine that was designed to bring the cafe experience into your home. It is more sophisticated than other espresso machines that are geared towards coffee lovers who wish to refine their technique and perfect their craft. The thermocoil heating system with an integrated PID controller mounted on the group head makes it easy to regulate the temperature of your coffee. This is a big benefit over other models that are entry-level which need you to spend much time "temperature-surfing" to ensure a consistent espresso shot.