How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-end espresso maker, you can take your coffee-making experience at home to a whole new level. How do you pick?
There's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping correctly, to pulling the right shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks that need to be done can be automated using semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, even fully automatic models.
Manual
If you'd like to to make the highest quality espresso you can make at home, you'll have to invest in top equipment. The most crucial component of the system is an espresso maker that has well-designed and sturdy design that can handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to the bare minimum, resulting in machines that don't have boilers at all and rely on hand-pressure to get some decent shots.
We've tested a number of these and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best at what it does. It's not cheap, but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for a long time and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to back it. It's not the most lightweight however, which is to be expected considering its construction. It has a retro-futuristic look that will surely spark conversation.
Another worthy candidate is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive however it's a fantastic grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than other grinders that we've reviewed, but it's because of its larger burrs and fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard burr set. It's more user-friendly than the other models we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types that are available: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and have the most familiar design however, they are the most difficult to master and require more experience 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 cup by stopping the coffee brewing. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands to make foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics which do all the work for you and have built-in grinders, tampers and brew cycles and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic 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 lots of practice. Fully automated machines can do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso with the click of the button. They are expensive to lease or purchase, but they offer convenience.
A semi-automatic machine is the best alternative for those looking to control their coffee making but don't have the time or skill level to be barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork out of brewing a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, compresses them and then forces hot water through the puck with the right amount of pressure. This kind of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk and make latte art.
These types of espresso makers are costly and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who don't have the budget to purchase or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automated espresso machines guarantee an even cup every time, with minimal effort. They can handle all the steps needed to make espresso starting from grinding beans to pulling a shot and steaming milk, and do it all by pressing a button. This is a popular choice for cafes that must be able to serve multiple customers in a short period of time and want user-friendly. However, these machines can be expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, you should consider renting or buying two. One for the peak times, and the second one to manage slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to prepare espresso-based drinks with just the press of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk which is used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pod machines have consistently good results, are neat and quick, and create shots that are topped with crema.
Although pod machines might not give you the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do however they are an excellent choice for those who wish to do away with grinding and tamping their own beans, and who prefer convenience over quality. While they may not have the same flavor as fresh ground beans brewed with a high-quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an increasing number of coffee types have made these models better than ever before.
The machines make use of different coffee pods, but they all have a similar basic design and shape. The majority are paper-covered disks that resemble tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. Soft pods are the first and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is crucial to review a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior buying a machine that is based on pods. These machines are available in a wide range 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 maker you pick, it's essential to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning capabilities which reduce the hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are a powerful tool which makes use of high pressure to push coffee that has been finely ground through a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, particularly the Italians. They utilized this to create a brand new variety of coffee drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso, but the fundamental principle remains the same: heat the water to a temperature that is just below boiling, then push it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This produces a richly delicious, rich cup of espresso in under two minutes.
All espresso machines operate in the same way, however their details vary slightly. Some machines employ piston-style designs, which requires you to press a lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Other machines use an electric pump to create the required pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home models, rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result.
No matter how your espresso machine functions, the quality of your ingredients is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted, dark-roasted espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping strategies to find the ideal recipe for your home espresso machine.
Use the right water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water with moderate mineral content. Minerals in water can help you get a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while also preventing the formation of scale. You can find out more about your local water supply's mineral content by referring to La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, you should consider purchasing additional equipment, such as portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. Coffeee will enhance your brewing techniques and will give you a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you can now make at home.