How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. But how do you choose?
There's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans to tamping and pressing properly to get the perfect shot of espresso. Many of the tasks can be automated using semi-automatic, and sometimes fully automatic machines.
Manual
If you want to be able to make the highest quality espresso make at home, then you'll require high-quality equipment. The most crucial element of the system is an espresso maker that has well-designed and sturdy design that can handle pressure. This is where some manufactures have really stripped it down, producing machines that don't use boilers and instead rely on hand pressure to make decent shots.
We've tested several of these and concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. 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 is a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its construction. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation starter.
Another option that is worth considering is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap, but it's a great grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit bigger than other grinders we reviewed however that's because it has the largest burr set, and it's able to handle more than the standard burr set could. It's easier to use than some of the models we reviewed and comes with a dependable warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the oldest and have a more familiar design, but they are also the most difficult to learn how to use and require more experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself but they have an electric pump that can provide constant flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso that you put into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and most semi-automatics have steam wands that allow you to create froth. Finally, there are super-automatics that take care of all the work for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers and brew cycles and more.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is how much control you desire over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista's ability to create pressure and pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso at the touch of a single button. These machines are costly to rent or purchase, but they offer convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are a great option for those who would like to have some control of their coffee brewing, but do not have the time or expertise to become a professional barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from brewing a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, then compresses them and then forces hot water through the puck with the right pressure. This type of espresso maker also enables you to steam milk or make latte arts.
These kinds of espresso machines can be expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However, for those who aren't able to purchase or rent a fully automatic espresso machine, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable solution.
Fully automatic espresso machines promise an exact cup every time, with minimum effort. They can handle all the steps required to make espresso starting from grinding beans to brewing a shot, and steaming milk and all this at the touch of the button. This is a preferred option for cafes that need to be able to serve a variety of customers in a short amount of time and require user-friendly. They are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, you should consider renting or buying two. One to cover peak times, and another one to handle slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks at the touch of one button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk that are used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pod machines are quick, neat, and offer very reliable results. Every shot is topped with a creamy layer of crema that is the signature of a top espresso.
Pod machines may not offer the same level of control as bean to cup models, but they are an excellent alternative for those who value convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't have the same taste 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 machines better than ever.
These machines utilize different coffee pods, however all have the same basic design and shape. Most are small, paper-covered disks that are similar to tea bags that can be placed into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are one of them, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is crucial to review a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior purchasing a pod-based machine. Many of these machines come with a variety of pods, which means you can test different flavors and brands before you decide on your preferred. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old pods.
No matter what type of coffee machine you choose, it's essential to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. While commercial espresso machine -to-cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the brewing mechanism and grinder, and descaling regularly some pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that make it easier to clean.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful instrument that uses high pressure to push water through finely packed, tightly ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians discovered this in the late 1800s and utilized it to create an entirely new world of cafe drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso, but the principle is the same heating the water to a temperature that is just below boiling, then press it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This method produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful espresso cup in less than 2 minutes.
All espresso machines work similarly, but the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some use pistons that require you to press down an lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar or 116 to 145 psi). Others use an electric pump to create the required pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive at-home models, rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result.
The quality of the ingredients is vital regardless of how well your espresso machine works. Start with a top-quality, dark-roasted espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping methods to discover the perfect recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso machine. It is recommended to use tap water with a moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can help you make a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while also preventing the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will aid you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more comfortable using your espresso machine, it's worth purchasing additional equipment, such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These accessories will help improve the brewing process and provide you with a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you can now make at home.