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 a myriad of things to consider, from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping your beans correctly, to obtaining an espresso shot that is perfect. A lot of the work can be automated using semi-automatic or in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
If you'd like to be able to make the best espresso make at home, then you'll require high-quality equipment. The most crucial component of the system is a well-designed, high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, making machines that don't require boilers at all and rely on hand-pressure to get some pretty decent shots.
We've tested a number of these and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best in what it does. It's not a cheap machine, but you are receiving a machine that will last for a long time 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'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 a great performer at what it does and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's bigger than other grinders that we've reviewed however, it's due to its larger burrs as well as the fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard set of burrs. It's also a bit simpler to operate than some of the other models we looked at and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four types 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, but require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping yourself but they have an electric pump that can provide the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you want in your coffee by stopping the coffee brewing. The majority of semi-automatics have steam wands to make froth. Super-automatics offer the highest level of convenience, featuring built-in grinders and tampers as well as brew cycles.
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 require the baristas to exert pressure and pull the shot which can be tiring and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. However this convenience comes with a price and the machines can be expensive to purchase or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is the best option for those who wish to control their coffee brewing but don't have the time or skill level to be a barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, compressing them into the shape of a hockey puck and pushing hot water through them at the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk or create latte art.
These types of espresso makers are costly and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. However for those who don't have the budget to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers are an affordable option.
Fully automated espresso machines guarantee an exact cup every time, with minimum effort. They take all of the steps involved in making espresso, from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all this at the touch of a button. This is a very popular choice for cafes that need to serve many customers in a brief period and require ease of use. These machines are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, you should consider purchasing or renting two, one to cover high-volume times and the other to handle the slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks with the push of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that are used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pod machines have consistently good results, are neat and quick, and create shots that are topped with crema.
While pod machines won't give you the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do but they're an excellent choice for those who prefer to skip grinding and tamping their own beans, and who prefer convenience over quality. Although they don't have the same flavor as freshly ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a wider selection of coffee varieties have made these machines better than ever.
The kind of coffee pods used by the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small disks with papers that resemble tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. These are referred to as soft pods, and the latter are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is important to check a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior buying a machine based on pods. A lot of these machines have a variety, so you can try different flavors and brands get more info before you decide on your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods for those who want to reuse their old ones.
It is important to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine regardless of the model. Many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful tool, that makes use of high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground into a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians discovered this in the late 1800s and used it to open up a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make espresso, however the basic principle is the same: heat the water to a temperature that is just below boiling, then push it through the tightly packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This method produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful cup of espresso within two minutes.
All espresso machines function this way, but the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some use piston designs that require you to press down a lever to generate the required pressure (8 to 10 bar or 116 to 145 psi). Certain machines utilize an electrical pump to generate pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive home-based machines, rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same effect.
No matter how your espresso machine works the quality of your ingredients is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted, dark-roasted espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping techniques to find the ideal recipe for home espresso machines.
Finally, use the right water in your espresso maker. Ideally, you should use tap water that has a moderate level of minerality. The minerals in water can help get a smooth and balanced cup of espresso while also preventing the formation of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can aid you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, consider purchasing additional equipment, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless tamper. These accessories can help you improve your coffee-making skills and develop an appreciation for the high-quality coffee that you can now produce at home.