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 consider--from measuring and grinding your own beans, to tamping and pressing properly, to pulling the right espresso. Many of the tasks can be automated using semi-automatic or in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment to make the best possible espresso at home. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. This is where some manufacturers have stripped it down, producing machines that don't even have boilers, instead relying on hand-pressure to produce some decent shots.
We've tried a few of them and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in its field. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you are getting a piece that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It is a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its construction. It's got a retro-futuristic style that will surely spark conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another worthy candidate. It's not cheap, but it does a great job in 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 and fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard set of burrs. It's a lot easier to use than the other models we looked at and comes with a long warranty.
There are four kinds: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are easier to use, but they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself However, they also have an electric pump that can provide the same flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you want in your cup by stopping the making. The majority of semi-automatics have a steam wand to create foam. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, featuring built-in grinders and tampers aswell as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is how much control you would like over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the touch of the button. However this convenience comes at a price and these machines can be costly to rent or purchase.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who would like to be in control of their coffee brewing, but don't have the time or expertise to become a professional barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork out of brewing shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, then compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck at the right amount of pressure. This kind of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk and make the latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However for those who don't have the money to purchase or rent a fully automatic espresso machine, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable alternative.
Fully automated espresso machines ensure an even cup every time, with minimal effort. They can handle all the steps required to make espresso starting from grinding beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all of it by pressing the button. This is a very popular choice for cafes that have to serve a lot of customers in a short period and require simplicity of use. However these machines are expensive and may not be an option for all cafes. If you're considering a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, consider purchasing or renting two. One machine to handle high-volume times, and another one for slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks at the touch of the button. They use disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to make your beverage. The best espresso pod machines provide consistent results, are neat and fast, and can produce shots that have a layer of crema.
While pod machines may not provide the same level of control as bean-to-cup models, they are still an excellent option for those who prefer to avoid grinding and tamping their own beans, and who prefer convenience over quality. While they won't produce the same flavor as freshly ground beans brewed with a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a wider variety of coffees have made these machines better than ever.
The machines make use of different coffee pods, but they all have the same basic design and shape. The majority of them are small disks that have papers that resemble tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are specifically made for espresso machines. Soft pods are the first, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is important to check the list of compatible pods prior to purchasing a pod-based machine. They are available in a variety of flavors and brands, so you can test them before you decide on your favorite. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old ones.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select it is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements. While many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling, 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 lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, particularly the Italians. They made use of this to create a new variety of coffee drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso but the fundamental principle remains the same heating the water to a temperature that is just below boiling, then push it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water is then poured into the container, below the grouphead. This process produces a thick and highly flavorful cup of espresso in just 2 minutes.
All espresso machines work this way, but the details of each differ slightly. Some machines employ a piston-style design which requires the user to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to create the necessary pressure. Others, including the more affordable home-based machines, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
No matter how your espresso machine performs, the quality of your ingredients is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Start with a top-quality, dark-roasted espresso bean. You can then experiment with different grinds and tamping techniques to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Also, make sure you are using the correct water in your espresso machine. You should ideally use tap water with moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee as well as helping to prevent the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee espresso coffee maker water that can aid you in determining the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you get more comfortable with your espresso maker at home It's a good idea to purchase additional equipment, such as the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These items will improve your brewing techniques and give you a sense satisfaction with the coffee you're able to make at home.