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's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping properly to get the perfect espresso shot. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks can be automated by semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
If you'd like to be able to make the best espresso make at home, then 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. This is where a few manufacturers have taken it down, making machines that don't use boilers but instead rely on hand pressure to make pretty decent shots.
We've tested a number of these and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best in what it does. It's not cheap, but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for years, and has 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. It is a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its build. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic design that's sure be a conversation-starter.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another suitable option. It's not inexpensive, but it does a great job at what it does, and you'll be able grind your own beans. It's a bit larger than the other grinders we looked at, but that's due to the fact that it has a much larger burr set, and it's able to handle more than the standard burr set can. It's a lot easier to use than the other models we tested and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are simpler to use, but they require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself However, they also have an electric pump which provides constant flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso that you put into your cup by stopping the brewing process and the majority of semi-automatics come with steam wands that allow you to create froth. Super-automatics are the best in convenience, featuring built-in grinders and tampers aswell as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is how much control you would like over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines depend on the barista to produce pressure and then pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the push of an button. They are expensive to rent or purchase but they provide convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are a great option for those who like to have some control of their coffee making but do not have the time or expertise to be a professional barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork out of brewing a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into an hockey puck shape, and pushing hot water through them at the right pressure to make an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also lets you to steam milk and create latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent option for those without the budget to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automated espresso machines are the most recent innovation in the world of espresso makers. They promise an even cup of coffee each time, with minimal effort. They handle all the steps involved in making espresso starting from grinding beans to brewing a shot, and steaming milk and all this with just one push of an button. This is a popular option for cafes that have to serve a large number of customers in a short time period and need convenience. However, these machines can be expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you're considering an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, consider hiring or purchasing two. One to cover high-volume times, and the other one to manage slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks at the touch of one button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk that is used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pods are sleek, quick and give consistently good results. Each shot will be crowned with a creamy layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a high-quality espresso.
The pod machines might not provide the same level of control like bean-to-cup machines, but they are an excellent alternative for those who value convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans on their own. While they won't produce the same flavor as freshly ground beans brewed with a high-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wider number of coffee types have made these models better than ever.
The type 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 look like tea bags that can be placed into a portafilter to brew. Some are designed for use with drip coffee makers while others are designed specifically for espresso machines. They are also known as soft pods, while the latter are called are called Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
When shopping for a pod-based espresso machine, it is crucial to review the recommended list of compatible pods. Many of these machines have many different flavors, so you can try different brands and flavors before settling on your favorite. Some brands offer refillable pods to those who wish to reuse their old ones.
No matter what type of coffee maker you pick, it's essential to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. 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
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 lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The Europeans particularly the Italians came up with this idea in the late 1800s and used it to open up an entire new espresso and filter coffee machine world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make espresso, but the principle is the same: heat the water just below boiling, then press it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This process creates a highly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function similarly, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Some machines employ a piston-style design, which requires the user 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. Others, particularly the home-based machines that aren't expensive, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is important, no matter how the espresso machine is working. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping methods to find the ideal recipe for home espresso machines.
Choose the right water for your espresso machine. You should ideally use tap water with moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee while also stopping the buildup of scale. You can learn about your water's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's downloadable coffee water guidelines.
As you get more comfortable with the espresso machine at home It's a good idea to invest in some additional equipment, such as the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These accessories will help improve your coffee making techniques and give you a sense satisfaction in the coffee you're able to make at home.