How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your coffee-making at home to a whole new level. How do you choose the right machine?
There's a lot to consider--from measuring and grinding your own beans to tamping and pressing properly, to pulling the right shot of espresso. A lot of the work can be automated with semi-automatic and in some cases fully automated machines.
Manual
If you want to to make the highest quality espresso you can at home, you'll require top equipment. The most crucial component of the system is a well-designed, high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, creating machines that don't use boilers 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 top in its field. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for years, and has 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. 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 yet another worthy candidate. It's not expensive 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, however that's because it has the largest burr set and it can handle more than the average burr set can. It's more user-friendly than some of the models we looked at and comes with a long warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are simpler to use, but they require more skill and understanding to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping by yourself However, they also have an electric pump that can provide the same flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you'd like in your coffee by stopping the making. Most semi-automatics also have a steam wand to create foam. Super-automatics are the best in convenience, and come with grinders and tampers as well 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 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 press of a single button. However this convenience comes with a price and the machines can be expensive to buy or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal alternative for those looking to have some control over the coffee they make but don't have time or the skills to become barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork of making shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, compresses them and then forces hot water through the puck at the right pressure. This kind of espresso maker also gives you the option to steam milk and make Latte art.
These kinds 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 click for more automated.
Fully automated espresso machines are the most recent technology in espresso makers. They promise an even cup of coffee each time with little effort. The machines can complete all the steps needed to make espresso with just a touch of a switch, from grinding the coffee beans to making the shot and steaming the milk. This is a preferred option for cafes that need to be able to serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and are looking for simplicity of use. These machines are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, you should consider buying or renting two, one to cover high-volume times and the other to handle the slower periods.
Pods
Pod coffee machines permit you to prepare espresso-based drinks at the press of a button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that are used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pod machines are quick, neat and provide very consistent results--shot after shot is topped with a smooth layer of crema that is the hallmark of a high-quality espresso.
The pod machines might not provide the same level of control like bean-to-cup machines however they're a great alternative for those who value convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. Although they don't have the same flavor as freshly ground beans brewed with a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an increasing variety of coffees have made these machines more efficient than ever.
The kind of coffee pods used in the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer however they usually have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small, covered in paper, they are similar to tea bags that can be inserted into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed for use with drip coffee makers while others are designed specifically for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, while the latter are called are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
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 out before deciding on the one you like best. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old pods.
Whatever type of coffee machine you choose it's important to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. While many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that minimize hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful device that makes use of high pressure to force water through finely packed, tightly ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They utilized this technique to create a new variety of coffee drinks.
There are many different methods to make a cup of 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 is then poured into an insulated container beneath the head of the group. This technique produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful espresso cup in less than two minutes.
Espresso machines operate in like this, however the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some machines employ a piston design that requires you to press down on the lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar or 116 to 145 psi). Some machines use an electrical pump to generate pressure. Some, including the home-based machines that aren't expensive, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the similar effect.
The quality of the ingredients is vital regardless of how well your espresso machine works. Start with a good-quality dark roast espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping strategies to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Use the right water for your espresso maker. Ideally, you should use tap water with moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can help get a smooth and balanced cup of espresso while also preventing the formation 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 get more comfortable using your espresso machine, you should consider purchasing additional equipment, such as a portafilter or 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.