How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. How do you select the right machine?
There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping properly to get the perfect espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated by semi-automatic machines and, in certain cases, fully automated models.
Manual
If you'd like to be able to make the best espresso make at home, then you'll need to invest in some high-quality equipment. The most crucial component of the system is an espresso maker that has a good design that can handle pressure. This is where a handful of manufacturers have taken it down, making machines that don't even have boilers, instead relying on hand-pressure to produce some decent shots.
We've tried a few of these and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in what it does. It's not cheap, but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for decades, and has 35 years of Lelit support and service to back it. It's a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its construction. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Another option that is worth considering is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive, but it's a great performer at what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's bigger than other grinders that we've reviewed and it's due to its larger burrs and the 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 long warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are more easy to use, however they require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping by yourself but they also have an electric pump that provides constant flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you'd like in your cup by stopping the brewing. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that can create foam. Finally, there are super-automatics which complete the job for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers and the brewing process and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automatic machines comes down to how much control you want over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista's ability to create pressure and pull the shot. This can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the push of a button. However this convenience comes with an expense and these machines can be expensive to purchase or rent.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal choice for those who would like to control some aspects of the coffee they make, but do not have the time or skills to be a professional barista. This kind of machine removes the guesswork from brewing a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into the shape of a hockey puck and forcing hot water through them at the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This type of espresso maker also enables you to steam milk and make latte arts.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good option for those without the funds to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automated espresso machines guarantee an exact cup every time, and require minimal effort. They take all of the steps required 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 who need to serve a large number of customers in a brief period and require simplicity of use. However they 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, think about renting or buying two. One for the peak times, and the other one to manage slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to create 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 provide reliable results, are sleek and quick, and produce shots that are topped with crema.
The pod machines might not provide the same level control like bean-to-cup machines, but they are an excellent alternative for those who value convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. While they won't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans brewed with a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a wider selection of coffee varieties have made these machines better than ever before.
These machines utilize various coffee pods, however all have the same basic design and shape. They are typically small disks with paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are specifically made for espresso machines. These best home espresso machine are referred to as soft pods, while the latter are called are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is essential to look through the list of compatible pods prior buying a machine based on pods. A lot of these machines come with a variety of pods, which means you can test out various brands and flavors before settling on your preferred. Some brands also offer refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old pods.
It is crucial to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements of your coffee maker, regardless of its style. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the brewing and grinder mechanisms, and descaling regularly, several pod-based espresso machines are equipped with self-cleaning functions that minimize hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful device that uses high pressure to push water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect to make lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the late 1800s, specifically the Italians. They used this technique to create a new range of café drinks.
There are several different ways to make a cup of espresso, but the fundamental principle is to heat water to just below boiling and then press it through the tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, that is then transferred to an insulated container beneath the head of the group. This creates a strongly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under 2 minutes.
Espresso machines operate in similarly, but the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some use a piston design that requires the user to press down on an lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Other machines use an electric pump to produce the necessary pressure. Some, including the low-cost at-home devices rely on heated water and high temperatures to generate the same effect.
Whatever way your espresso machine performs the quality of your ingredients is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Start with a top-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Then experiment with different grinds and tamping methods to find the ideal recipe for your home espresso machine.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso maker. It is recommended to use tap water with moderate mineral content. Minerals in water can assist you to make a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while also preventing 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 using your espresso machine at home, it's a good idea to invest in some other accessories, such as the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These items will improve your brewing techniques and give you a sense satisfaction with the coffee you can now make at home.