What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine
The espresso machine is among the most intricate coffee machines around the globe. It is comprised of three major components. The bottom holds the water and the middle is a basin for filtration with a filter made of metal.
This machine was a huge success and was instrumental in establishing the prosumer (home barista) espresso market. Its features include a low pressure pre-infusion with the 2.2L boiler, and the brewing pressure of 9 bars.
Pressure
If you're serious about coffee, then you know the pressure of your espresso machine is an essential factor in how well your drinks turn out. The pressure of your machine is crucial for making great coffee, whether you're looking for a thick layer or the perfect balance of acidity and flavor.
BARs (Barometric Pressure) refer to the force exerted on the grounds of your coffee when your espresso machine is pumping out its high-pressure water. The espresso machine is pushing heated water through the grounds of the coffee at a rate nine times Earth's current atmosphere pressure.
The pressure of your machine is vital because it allows water to pass through the coffee grounds at the right speed and intensity. If the pressure is too low the flavors and oils that are dissolved won't be extracted properly. On the other side, if the pressure is too high the water will be pushed through the coffee grounds too fast and you'll end up with a weak and over-extracted cup of espresso.
The pressure of your espresso machine can be adjusted by turning the screw on the espresso pump. Commercial and high-end home machines feature rotary pumps with adjustable pressure. For the less expensive home machines that utilize a vibration motor, it's not possible to adjust the pressure without DIY hacks. Companies such as Cafflano however, are developing technology which uses Pascal's Principle in order to maintain the pressure inside the portafilter throughout the making process.
Temperature
The temperature is one of the most important factors in brewing an excellent espresso shot. Hot water can cause burning of the grounds of the coffee, resulting in a bitter drink. The ideal temperature for extraction is 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This lets the water to extract all desired coffee flavors without scorching the grounds or over-extracting.
The best espresso machines feature the thermoblock, or thermocoil, which heats water and keeps it at an even temperature throughout the extraction. The Breville Barista Express, for example, has PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) system that continuously monitors the water temperature and adjusts it as needed to ensure that the brewhead remains at the right temperature to extract the coffee.
Most coffee lovers are aware that the temperature of the espresso machine is vital to brewing a great cup of coffee. The ideal temperature for espresso is between Fahrenheit between 190-196. To achieve this, your espresso machine should have a high-quality thermoblock or thermocoil and the boiler needs to be of the right size.
It is also crucial to warm your portafilter, machine, and cup before you make a shot. Espresso makers who are beginners often make the mistake of not preheating their machine. This is why you should always study the instruction manual before making espresso for the first time.
Grind
A barista espresso machine should provide a variety grind settings to give you the greatest control over the final cup of coffee. Some machines have an analog gauge that looks cool and helps you to improve your brewing skills. Ideally, you should get around nine bars of here pressure and keep it throughout the brewing process. This machine is close to hitting that target.
Another wonderful feature of this machine is a built-in burr grinder. This feature is ideal for novices because it doesn't mean the need to purchase a separate grinder. The stainless steel conical grinder features 18 settings, which range from "coarse to fine."
It's not as good as a standalone unit, but it's a solid start and will put you on the path to creating quality espresso shots. It's easy-to-clean and you can pause the grinder during the process of grinding to avoid creating a mountainous amount of ground in your portafilter when it's being stamped.
It's a beautiful and functional machine that will allow you to experience the thrill of being a barista at home. This is a great option for those who want to remember the thrill of pouring microfoam into their morning cup of coffee, locking the portafilter into the grouphead's head and tamping it with precision. For those who just want convenience, a bean-to- cup machine might be a better choice.
Water
Water can be a difficult thing to master. The trick is to find the right balance. Too much can cause mineral deposits to form inside your machine. But too little will result in an espresso cup that is weaker.
The ideal espresso water is low in hardness and high in alkalinity. This is best achieved by using a water filter system which removes chlorine and puts back a small amount of total dissolving solids (TDS) to add calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will create an optimal balance between hardness and alkalinity and will prevent the necessity to decalcify your equipment.
Using a high quality filtered water is essential to your machine's overall health and the flavor of the coffee it produces. Descaling products should be regularly used depending on the hardness and usage of your machine. These products are available in powder, liquid and tab forms and are available in all hardware stores.
The Breville Barista Express is a premium, high-end home espresso machine designed to bring the experience of a cafe inside your home. It has more advanced features than other machines for beginners and is designed for coffee enthusiasts who want refine their techniques and perfect their craft. The thermocoil heater with an integrated PID controller, placed on the group head that is continuously heated which makes it simple to regulate your brewing temperatures. This is a huge advantage over other entry-level models that will require you to spend lots of time "temperature-surfing" to get an even espresso shot.