How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. But how do you choose?
There are many things to think about, from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping your beans properly to getting an espresso shot that is perfect. Many of the tasks can be automated using semi-automatic and in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
If you'd like to be able to make the finest espresso you can make at home, then you'll require top equipment. The most important part of the system is a well-designed, quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped the system to a minimum, resulting in machines that don't use boilers and rely instead on hand-pressure for some decent shots.
We've tested several of these and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee equipment that will last for a long time and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to stand behind it. It's not the most lightweight, but that's expected considering its build. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to stir conversation.
Another worthy candidate is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap, but it does a great job at what it does, and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's larger than other grinders we've looked at, but it's because of its larger burrs as well as the fact that it can handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's a lot easier to use than some of the models we tested and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are simpler to use, however they require more expertise and experience 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 can provide the same 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 make froth. Additionally, there are super-automatics that can do all the work for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers and brew cycles and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automatic machines comes down to the degree of control you wish to have over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista to generate pressure and 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. They are expensive to lease or purchase, but they offer convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who like to control some aspects of the coffee they make, but do not have the time or the skills to become a professional barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, compresses them, and then forces hot water through the puck with the right amount of pressure. This kind of espresso machine can also allow you to steam milk, and then make Latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who aren't able to purchase or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers are an affordable option.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the latest technology in espresso makers. They promise a consistent cup of coffee every time with little effort. The machines can complete all the steps required to make espresso with a single push of a switch that includes grinding the coffee beans to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a popular choice for cafes that have to serve many customers in a short period and want convenience. However they can be very expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, consider purchasing or renting two. One to cover peak times, and the second one to manage slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks with the click of a button. The capsules are pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that are used to make the beverage. The top espresso pod machines provide consistent results, are neat and quick, and create shots that have a layer of crema.
Pod machines may not offer the same level control like bean-to-cup machines, but they are a great alternative for those who prefer convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an expanding variety of coffees make these machines more efficient than ever.
The kind 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 disks with paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be placed into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are specifically made for espresso machines. These are referred to as soft pods, and the latter, Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine, it is essential to look over the list of recommended by the manufacturer of compatible pods. These machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them before you decide on the one you prefer. Some brands also offer refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old ones.
It is crucial to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee maker, regardless of the design. Many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However, machines espresso machines -based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that ease the burden.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely powerful tool, which uses high pressure to push coffee that has been finely ground through an extremely tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is perfect for making lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians, figured this out in the late 1800s and used it to open a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are several different ways to make a cup espresso, but the basic principle is that you warm water until just below boiling and then press it through the tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, which then flows into a container below the group head. This process produces a thick high-quality, highly flavorful espresso cup in less than two minutes.
All espresso machines operate in the same way, but their details vary slightly. Some machines use piston-style designs, which requires the user to press a lever to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Some machines employ an electrical pump to generate pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper home-based machines, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
No matter how your espresso machine functions, the quality of the ingredients you use is vital to a good cup of espresso. Start with a good quality, dark roast espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping techniques to find the perfect recipe for home espresso machines.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water with moderate mineral content. Minerals in water can help you extract a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while also preventing the formation of scale. You can find out about the water supply in your area's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's coffee water download guidelines.
As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional equipment such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless tamper. These items will improve your brewing techniques and provide you with a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you're able to make at home.