How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. How do you pick?
There are many aspects to think about from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans correctly, to obtaining a good shot of espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated with semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most essential element of the system is an espresso maker that has an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. This is where a handful of manufacturers have stripped it down, making machines that don't even have boilers and instead rely on hand-pressure to create pretty decent shots.
We've tested a few of them and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top at what it does. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you're getting a piece that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's heavier than the average, but that's to be expected considering its construction. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic design that's sure be a conversation starter.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a suitable option. It's not cheap but it's a great performer in what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's a bit larger than the other grinders we examined, however that's because it has an incredibly large burr set and can handle more than the standard burr set could. It's a little easier to operate than some of the other models we looked at and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of levers: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, but require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself but they also have an electric pump that can provide 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 make foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics that can take care of all the work for you, with integrated grinders, tampers, the brewing process and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines is the degree of control you wish to have over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines depend on the barista to create pressure and pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso with the click of a button. These machines are expensive to lease or purchase but they provide convenience.
A semi-automatic machine is a great option for those who wish to have some control over their coffee making but don't have the time or the skills to become barista. This kind of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into a hockey puck shape and then forcing hot water through them at just the right pressure to make an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also lets you to steam milk or create latte arts.
These types of espresso machines can be costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who aren't able to buy or rent a fully automatic espresso machine, semi-automatic espresso makers are an affordable solution.
Fully automatic espresso machines promise an even cup every time, and require minimal effort. The machines can complete all the steps of making espresso with a single push of a button from grinding the coffee beans to making the shot and steaming the milk. This is a preferred option for cafes who need to be able to serve a variety of customers in a short amount of time and are looking for simplicity of use. These machines are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, you should consider renting or buying two. One for the peak times, and another one to handle slower periods.
Pods
The pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks with just the press of a button. They make use of disposable coffee capsules that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to make your beverage. The best espresso pod machines have reliable results, are sleek and fast, and can produce shots with a layer of crema.
Pod machines might not have the same level of control like bean-to-cup machines, but they are an excellent alternative for people who prefer convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans on their own. While they may not have the same flavor as fresh ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an increasing variety of coffees have made these machines better than ever before.
The kind of coffee pods used in these machines varies between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. cafe espresso machine are typically small disks with paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically 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.
It is essential to look through a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior to purchasing a pod-based machine. These machines are available in a wide range of flavors and brands, so you can test them before you decide on the one you prefer. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old pods.
No matter what type of coffee machine you select, it's essential to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling them Some pod-based espresso machines are equipped with self-cleaning features that make it easier to clean.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful device 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 to make lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The Europeans particularly the Italians discovered this in the late 1800s and used it to open an entirely new world of cafe 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 press it through the tightly packed grounds of the portafilter. The water is then poured into the container, below the grouphead. This technique produces a dense and highly flavorful espresso cup in less than two minutes.
All espresso machines operate in the same manner, but their details vary slightly. Certain machines utilize a piston-style design that requires the user to press a lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Some machines use an electric pump to produce pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home 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 essential to making a good cup of espresso. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping strategies to find the perfect recipe for home espresso machines.
Make sure you use the correct water in your espresso machine. Ideally you should use tap water with moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water can help create a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can help you determine the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional equipment such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These tools will enhance your brewing techniques and provide you with a sense of pride in the coffee you're now able to make at home.