How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality 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 obtaining an espresso shot that is perfect. Fortunately, many of the tasks can be automated by semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment if you wish to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and 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 require boilers at all and rely on hand-pressure to get some pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. It's not cheap, but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for decades and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to stand behind it. It's a bit heavier than the average, but it's normal due to its build. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic design that's sure be a conversation starter.
Another option that is worth considering is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not expensive but it's an excellent grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's larger than other grinders we've examined and it's due to its larger burrs and the fact that it can handle more than a standard burr set. It's more user-friendly than the other models we tested and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types of levers: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, but require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping by yourself, but they also have an electric pump which provides consistent pressure and flow. You can control how much espresso you'd like in your cup by stopping the brewing. Most semi-automatics also have 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 automatic machines is the degree of control you want over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines require 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 cost and the machines can be expensive to rent or purchase.
A semi-automatic machine is the best alternative for those looking to have some control over their coffee making but don't have the time or skill level to be a barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, forming them into a hockey puck shape and pushing hot water through them at the right pressure to make an espresso. This type of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk or create latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However, for those who aren't able to purchase or rent an espresso machine fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable alternative.
Fully automated espresso machines guarantee an exact cup every time, with minimal effort. The machines can do all the steps needed to make espresso with just one touch of a button, from grinding the coffee beans to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a popular option for cafes that must be able to serve a variety of customers in a short period of time and require simplicity of use. However these machines are expensive and may not be an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, you should consider purchasing or renting two. One to cover the peak times, and the other one to manage slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines permit you to prepare espresso-based drinks with the touch of the button. They make use of disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to make your beverage. The top espresso pod machines offer reliable results, are sleek and quick, and produce shots that are topped with crema.
While pod machines may not offer the same degree of control as bean-to-cup models but they're an excellent choice for those who want to avoid grinding and tapping their own beans and who prioritize convenience over quality. Although they don't produce the same taste 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 before.
These machines use a variety of coffee pods, but all have a similar basic design and shape. Most are small disks with paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter for brewing. 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 purchasing a pod-based machine. The machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them before espresso home machine settling on your favorite. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old pods.
It is crucial to think about the cleaning and maintenance needs of your coffee machine regardless of its style. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning capabilities that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful device, which makes use of high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground into an extremely tightly packed container. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is perfect for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, particularly the Italians. They made use of this to create a new variety of coffee drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make a cup espresso, but the main idea is to warm water until just below boiling and then press it through tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, which is then poured into an insulated container beneath the group head. This creates a strongly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in less than two minutes.
All espresso machines operate in the same way, but their specifics differ. Certain machines utilize piston-style designs that requires you to press a lever to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to create the necessary pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive at-home models, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same result.
Whatever way your espresso machine works, the quality of your ingredients is vital to a good cup of espresso. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping methods to find the best recipe for home espresso machines.
Also, make sure you are using the correct water in your espresso machine. Ideally you should use tap water that has moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee as well as preventing scale buildup. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will aid you in determining the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you get more comfortable with the espresso machine at home It's recommended to invest in some additional equipment, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These items will improve your brewing techniques and provide you with a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you're able to make at home.