How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your coffee-making at home to a whole new level. But how do you decide?
There are many aspects to consider including measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping your beans correctly to pulling the perfect espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated by semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll require top-quality equipment to make the finest espresso at home. The most crucial element of the system is an espresso maker that has an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. This is where a few manufacturers have taken it down, making machines that don't use boilers and instead rely on hand-pressure to produce some pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. It's not cheap but you're getting a piece of coffee machinery that will last for years, and has 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. It's a bit on the heavy side but that's expected considering its construction. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Another worthy candidate is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap but it does a great job at what it does, and you'll be able grind your own beans. It's bigger than the other grinders that we've reviewed, but it's because of its larger burrs and the fact that it can handle more than a standard burr set. It's easier to use than some of the models we tested and comes with a dependable warranty.
There are four kinds of levers: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also called Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are more easy to use, however they require more expertise and experience 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 consistent 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 let you to create foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics which take care of all the work for you and have built-in grinders, tampers and brew cycles and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automated machines comes down to the amount of control you desire over the making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso with the push of a single button. However, this convenience comes at a price and these machines can be expensive to purchase or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is the best alternative for those looking to control their coffee making but don't have time or the ability to be barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of making 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 type of espresso maker also lets you to steam milk and make latte arts.
These kinds of espresso machines are costly and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good alternative for those who do not have the funds to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the most recent technology in espresso makers, and they guarantee a consistent cup of coffee every time with minimal work. The machines can complete all the steps of making espresso with just one touch of a switch, from grinding the coffee beans, to making the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular choice for cafes who need to be able to serve a variety of customers in a short period of time and want ease of use. These machines are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you are interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, consider buying or renting two to cover the most busy times and the second to handle the slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks at the touch of a button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk which is used to brew the beverage. The top espresso pod machines are sleek, quick and provide very reliable results. Every shot will be crowned with a smooth layer of crema that is the signature of a high-quality espresso.
The pod machines might not provide the same level control like bean-to-cup machines however they are an excellent option for those who value convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. While they won't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from a good coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an increasing variety of coffees have made these models better than ever.
The type of coffee pods used in these machines varies between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. Most are small, paper-covered disks that look like tea bags that can be placed into a portafilter to brew. Some are designed for use with drip coffee makers, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are one of them and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is crucial to review the list of compatible pods before buying a machine based on pods. The machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands and you can try them out before deciding on the one you like best. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old pods.
Whatever type of coffee machine you select it is important to think about the cleaning espresso maker and maintenance requirements. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms, and descaling regularly Some pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that uses high pressure to push water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is ideal for making cappuccinos, lattes 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 brand new variety of coffee drinks.
There are a variety of ways to make espresso, but the fundamental principle remains the same: heat the water to just below boiling, and then push it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This produces a richly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function in the same way, but their specifics differ. Some machines use piston-style designs which requires the user to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Some machines employ an electric pump to create pressure. Some, including the home-based machines that aren't expensive rely on heated water and high temperatures to produce the similar effect.
The quality of the ingredients is crucial regardless of how your espresso machine performs. Begin with a high-quality, dark roast espresso bean. Explore different grinds and tamping techniques to find the ideal recipe for home espresso machines.
Also, make sure you are using the correct water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water with moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in water can help get a smooth and balanced cup of espresso while helping to prevent the growth of scale. You can learn about your water's mineral content by reading La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, consider investing in additional accessories like portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These tools will aid in improving your coffee making skills, while also fostering a a sense of pride in the high-quality coffee that you can now produce at home.