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 pick?
There are many things to think about from measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping the beans correctly to pulling an espresso shot that is perfect. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks can be automated with semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment if you wish to make the finest espresso at home. The most important component of the system is an espresso maker that has an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. This is where a few manufactures have really stripped it down, making machines that don't even have boilers but instead rely on hand-pressure to create decent shots.
We've tested a variety of them and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. It's not a cheap machine, but you are receiving a machine that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a little heavier than the average, but that's to be expected considering its construction. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation starter.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another suitable option. It's not cheap but it's a great performer at what it does, and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's a bit larger than the other grinders we reviewed but that's because it's got an incredibly large burr set and can handle more than the standard burr set could. It's a bit easier to operate than some of the other models we looked at and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four types: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also called Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most common and have an easier design, but they are the hardest to master and require more experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping by yourself However, they also have an electric pump which provides constant flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that allow you to make foam. There are also super-automatics that can take care of all the work for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers and Brew cycles, and more.
Semi-Automatic
The distinction between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines is the amount of control you desire over the coffee making process. machine espresso on the barista to produce pressure and then pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso at the touch of an button. These machines are costly to lease or purchase however they are a great way to save money and time.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who would like to have some control of their coffee making but don't have the time or expertise to be a professional barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, compressing them into a hockey puck shape and forcing hot water through them at the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This kind of espresso machine can also allow you to steam milk, and then make latte art.
They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great option for those without the money to buy or rent a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automated espresso machines guarantee a consistent cup every time, and require minimal effort. They handle all the steps involved in making espresso from grinding the beans to pulling a shot and steaming the milk and all this at the touch of the button. This is a preferred option for cafes that need to be able serve multiple customers in a short period of time and are looking for user-friendly. These machines are costly and not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, think about renting or buying two. One machine to handle the peak times, and the other one for slower times.
Pods
The pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks with just the push of a button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk that are used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pod machines provide consistently good results, are neat 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 however they are an excellent alternative for those who prefer convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. While they may not have the same taste as freshly ground beans brewed with a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an increasing number of coffee types have made these machines more efficient than ever before.
The type of coffee pods used by the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer however, they all have the same basic shape and design. Most are small, covered in paper, they are similar to tea bags and can be placed into a portafilter to brew. Some are designed for use with drip coffee makers, and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
When you are looking for a pod-based espresso machine it is essential to look over the manufacturer's recommended list of compatible pods. Many of these machines have many different flavors of pods, which means you can test different flavors and brands before you decide on your favorite. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old ones.
Whatever type of coffee maker you pick it is important to think about cleaning and maintenance requirements. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling them, several pod-based espresso machines are equipped with 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 tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by Europeans in the late 1800s, particularly the Italians. They utilized this to create a brand new collection of coffee drinks.
There are many different methods to make a cup of espresso, but the fundamental idea is to warm water until just below boiling, and then press it through tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, which then flows into a container that is below the group head. This produces a richly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under two minutes.
Espresso machines operate in this way, but the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some use piston designs that require you to press down an lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar or 116 to 145 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to create the necessary pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result.
Whatever way your espresso machine performs, the quality of your ingredients is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Start with a good quality, dark roast espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping techniques to find the ideal recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso machine. You should ideally use tap water with moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can help you get a smooth and balanced cup of espresso while helping to prevent the growth of scale. You can learn about the water supply in your area's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's downloadable coffee water guidelines.
As you become more comfortable with using your espresso machine at home, it's recommended to purchase additional accessories, like a portafilter and a steel tamper. These items can help you improve your coffee making skills, while also fostering a an appreciation for the high-quality coffee that you can now produce at home.