How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your coffee-making experience at home to a whole new level. How do you pick?
There are a myriad of things to think about, from measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping the beans properly to getting an espresso shot that is perfect. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks that need to be done can be automated by semi-automatic machines and, in some cases, even fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment if you want to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most important component of the system is a well-designed, quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a minimum, resulting in machines that don't have boilers at all and rely on hand-pressure to get some pretty decent shots.
We've tested a few of these and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the best in what it does. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you are getting a machine that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It is a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its build. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to stir conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is yet another worthy candidate. It's not cheap, but it's very effective at what it does, and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's larger than other grinders we've looked at and it's due to its larger burrs and fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard burr set. It's more user-friendly than some of the models we looked at and comes with a long warranty.
There are four types of levers: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, but require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to 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 pour into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics come with a steam wand that allows you to create foam. Finally, there are super-automatics that take care of all the work for you and have integrated grinders, tampers, Brew cycles, and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines comes down to how much control you want over the making process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista to produce pressure and then pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso with the push of a single button. They are expensive to rent or purchase but they provide convenience.
A semi-automatic machine is the best option for those who wish to control their coffee brewing but don't have time or the ability to be a barista. This kind of machine eliminates the guesswork of brewing a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into the shape of a hockey puck and then forcing hot water through them at just the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This type of espresso machine can also allow you to steam milk and create the latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However, for those who aren't able to purchase or rent an espresso machine fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable alternative.
Fully automated espresso machines guarantee a consistent cup every time, with minimal effort. The machines can do all the steps needed to make espresso with just one touch of a button, from grinding the coffee beans to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a popular option for cafes that must be able to serve a variety of customers in a short period of time and require simplicity of use. These machines are costly and not suitable for all cafes. If you are interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, think about purchasing or renting two to cover high-volume times and the other to handle the slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks with the push of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The best espresso pod machines are simple, sleek, and offer very consistently good results. Each shot comes out with a creamy layer of crema, which is the signature of a top-quality espresso.
Pod machines might not have the same level of control as bean to cup models however they are an excellent option for people who prefer convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an increasing variety of coffees have made these machines better than ever before.
The kind of coffee pods used in the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. The majority of them are small disks that have papers that resemble tea bags. They can be placed into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are specifically designed to work with drip coffee makers, while others are designed specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are one of them and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are sell the latter.
It is essential to look through a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior buying a machine based on pods. These machines are available in a wide range of flavors and brands and you can try them out before deciding on the one you prefer. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who want to reuse their old pods.
It is crucial to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the model. While many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling them, several pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning functions that minimize hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that makes use of high pressure to push water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, particularly the Italians. They used this to create a brand new collection of coffee drinks.
There are a variety of ways to make a cup espresso, but the basic principle is that you heat water to just below boiling, and then press it through a tightly packed coffee grounds in a portafilter, that is then transferred to a container below the group head. This technique produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful cup of espresso within two minutes.
All espresso machines function similarly, but the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some use a piston design that requires you to press down on the lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar or 116 to 145 psi). Some machines use an electric pump to produce pressure. Some, including the home-based machines that aren't expensive, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the similar effect.
The quality of the ingredients is important regardless of how the espresso machine is working. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. Test different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water with moderate levels of mineral content. Minerals in water can assist you to extract a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while also preventing the buildup of scale. You can find out about the water supply in your area's mineral content by referring to La Marzocco's coffee water download guidelines.
As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, you should consider purchasing additional equipment, such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These tools can help you improve your coffee making skills, while also fostering a a sense of pride in the premium coffee you can now make at home.