How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-end espresso maker, you can take your home-brewed coffee to a new level. How do you select the best machine?
There's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to tamping and pressing properly and obtaining the proper espresso shot. A lot of the work can be automated with semi-automatic or in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment if you want to make the finest espresso at home. The most important component of the system is a well-designed and high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, resulting in machines that don't use boilers and rely instead on hand-pressure for some decent shots.
We've tested a variety of them and concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for years and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to stand behind it. It is a bit heavy however that's to be expected given its construction. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation starter.
Another option that is worth considering is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap, but it does a great job at what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we reviewed but that's due to the fact that it has a much larger burr set, and it's able to handle more than the standard burr set could. It's a little easier to operate than some of the other grinders we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) 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 do the grinding and tamping yourself However, they also have an electric pump that provides consistent pressure and flow. You can control how much espresso you'd like in your coffee by stopping the coffee brewing. Most semi-automatics also have steam wands that can create foam. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, and come with grinders and tampers, as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is how much control you desire over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to push the button and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso with the click of the button. However this convenience comes at cost and these machines can be expensive to rent or purchase.
A semi-automatic machine is a great alternative for those looking to control the coffee they make but don't have the time or skill level to be a barista. This type of machine takes the guesswork out of brewing a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into the shape of a hockey puck and forcing hot water through them with just the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This kind of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk, and then make the latte art.
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 don't have the funds to purchase or rent a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the most recent invention in the world of espresso makers and they promise the same cup of coffee every time with little effort. They can handle all the steps involved in making espresso, from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming milk, and do it all with just one push of an button. This is a popular choice for cafes that need to serve a lot of customers in a short time period and want ease of use. Coffeee are costly and 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, one to cover the peak times and the other to manage the slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to make espresso-based drinks with the touch of a button. They make use of disposable coffee capsules that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The top espresso pod machines offer consistently good results, are neat and fast, and can produce shots with a layer of crema.
While pod machines may not give you the same level of control as bean-to-cup models but they're an excellent option for those who want to do away with grinding and tapping their own beans and who prefer convenience over quality. While they may not have the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a good coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an increasing selection of coffee varieties have made these models better than ever.
The machines make use of different coffee pods, however all share the same basic design and shape. The majority of them are small disks that have paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be put 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. Soft pods are the former, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
When shopping for an espresso machine that uses pods, it is important to check the recommended list of compatible pods. These machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them before settling on the one you like best. Some brands sell refillable pods for those who wish to reuse their old ones.
It is important to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the model. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However some espresso machines that are based on pods have built-in self-cleaning capabilities which reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that makes use of high pressure to push water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is ideal for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians, figured this out in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open up an entirely new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of ways to make a cup of espresso, but the main idea is to heat the water until it is just below boiling and then press it through tightly packed grounds in a portafilter which then flows into a container below the group head. This process produces a thick and highly flavorful cup of espresso in just two minutes.
Espresso machines work the same way, however their details vary slightly. Certain machines utilize a piston-style design, which requires the user to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars or 116 to 150 psi). Some machines use an electric pump to create pressure. Some, including the home-based machines that aren't expensive rely on heated water and high temperatures to generate the similar effect.
The quality of the ingredients is crucial regardless of how your espresso machine performs. Start with a good-quality dark roast espresso beans. Test different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Make sure you use the correct water in your espresso maker. Ideally you should use tap water that has moderate levels of mineral content. Minerals in water can help extract a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while helping to prevent the growth of scale. You can find out more about the water supply in your area's mineral content by referring to La Marzocco's downloadable coffee water guidelines.
As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, consider purchasing additional equipment, such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These items will help you improve your brewing skills while developing an appreciation for the high-quality coffee that you can now produce at home.