The 10 Most Infuriating Machine Espresso Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
How to Choose a Good Espresso Maker
Manual espresso makers differ from super-automatic machines that perform everything for you. You need to grind the coffee beans, tap the beans and then pull every shot with the press of the button. Some models also come with a milk frother, which lets you make espresso and foamed milk at the same time.
You should look for the one that has between nine and 15 bars of pressure. This is the best pressure for a great shot. Some models have automatic pressure regulation, which is a good option for those who are new to the sport.
Easy to Use
A good machine should have a simple interface, says Nicole Papantoniou, the director of Good Housekeeping's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. "If Coffeee 're someone who wants to play around with settings you might prefer a more flexible machine," she says. "But when you're trying to get the basics down it shouldn't be too difficult to understand how to use the machine."
The majority of espresso machines fall into three categories: automatics, semi-automatics, and super-automatics. Automatics, with a push-button for brewing, allow you to select the size of your coffee you want Some are also programmable, which can aid in the development and refinement of a recipe over time. These machines scored the highest in our laboratory tests.
Semi-automatics have a lever to start and stop the brewing. You can grind and tamp the beans by yourself. Certain models also have a built-in mill for grinding and tamping. They're less expensive than fully automated models and can produce several small espressos or coffee drinks at the same time. Some models have steam wands that can be used to heat and froth milk. This is helpful for lattes or cappuccinos. These machines tend to have a slight learning curve and could require a bit of manual effort, but they generally have more consistency than an automated model.
To make a shot of espresso coffee, you put ground beans in a portafilter that locks into the group head--a handle-attached piece on the front of the machine. You then tamp the grounds, which ensures that all beans are evenly distributed and pressed together under pressure, creating a rich, flavorful cup. Some models have an in-line filter that allows the grounds settle into an even layer. Others have a double-walled, thicker filter.
Steam-driven machines heat water simultaneously to steam and brew which can lead to over-extraction. Pump-driven machines, that use an electric motor to push the water through the grounds, will not have this issue because they generate lower temperatures. The result is a balanced, sweet and smooth espresso.
Ease of Cleaning
To make great coffee, you need a clean espresso machine. Coffee oils can cling to metal surfaces and turn rancid over time, imparting musty, bitter flavors to your brew. They can also block water lines, leading to costly repairs and replacements. Keep your espresso machine clean to avoid these problems, prolong its life, and enhance the taste and quality of every cup you make.
To ensure that your espresso machine is in top shape, we recommend cleaning the brewing chamber and other parts that are removable from the machine with cleaning products designed specifically for espresso machines. We also suggest using filtered water to help minimize the build-up of mineral deposits inside your espresso machine. Urnex Cafiza tablets can be used to perform a regular backflushing, especially for machines with a group head.
Cleaning your espresso machine is an simple and quick process. After each use, wipe down the brew tray, drip tray and steam wand with a damp cloth that has been specifically crafted for this task.
We also recommend cleaning/wiping your portafilter and group head daily using a toothbrush and backflushing at least once a week, or as advised by the manufacturer. Backflushing involves taking the portafilter out, replacing it with a blind filter, and then running a cycle to give out cleaning chemicals or water until you see clear. Some machines come with backflushing features while others require you to take out the portafilter, fill it with cleaning and water and then run a sequence of dispensing them until they're clear.
The quality of your espresso maker depends on the cleaning solution you choose. You should look for a formula that is powerful enough to penetrate and dissolve the coffee oils grimes, calcium and limescale. Be sure to consider compatibility with the brand of your espresso machine, as well as the ability to wash off without leaving harmful residue.
These simple tasks will improve the experience of your espresso, and prolong the life of your machine. Regular cleaning and maintenance, including the use of a descaling agent every few months, can help to prevent damage from mineral deposits. You will also get consistently excellent espresso by keeping the brew chamber, tamper and shower screen clean.
Ease of Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance is vital as espresso machines become more readily available to customers. This helps prevent the accumulation of minerals, which could damage and interfere with the performance of your machine. It also helps extend the life of the machine and prevents it from needing expensive repairs or replacement parts. Proper maintenance can also improve the quality and flavor of the espresso produced by the machine.
Whether you're purchasing an espresso machine for your home or for use in a coffee shop, it's important to understand the process of maintenance like for each model. Most models require a regular cleaning and a descale every 2 to 4 weeks. Cleaning involves cleaning the brew group and steam wand with a soft cloth or brush to get rid of any dust. It's also a good idea to backflush your machine every week to eliminate any residue that has accumulated from previous coffee drinks.
Some models require lubrication addition to cleaning to function effectively. A brew group that requires lubrication should be greased with silicone oil to ensure that it continues working properly and to reduce wear. In certain models, you may also require changing the filter. If the filter requires replacement it must be done on a monthly basis.
A basic fully automatic machine is more difficult to maintain than a professional or premium model. If you're using a basic model, you'll need to clean and descale the brew groups and the water tank on a regular basis, and clean the milk system on a daily basis. Additionally, you'll need to backflush the machine every week and clean it with a special cleaner.
With a high-end or professional espresso machine, you won't have to clean the brew group or steam wand as frequently. In addition, the majority of these models come with a smart water filter that makes decaling unnecessary, which saves your time and effort. It is still necessary to clean the machine, but to eliminate any oil that remains in the pipes of the machine. If you're buying an appliance for your at-home use or for a coffee shop that is commercial it is crucial to plan ahead and develop a maintenance plan to avoid costly repairs or replacement parts.
Easy of Service
Making espresso is a finicky process starting with the weighing of the beans, to grinding them in a proper manner to tamping them at the right pressure. So any device that makes it simpler and more reliable is a plus. It could be a short heating time or the ability to set a specific time for brewing or a simple to control steam wand for texturing milk.
If you're a beginner or simply want to speed up the process, you should consider purchasing a super-automatic machine, which does everything for you. All you have to do is press a button and wait. These machines are particularly appealing for newer baristas, because they let you look like a professional, without requiring a high level of expertise.
There are a variety of espresso machines, but the type that's right for you depends on your personal preferences and the amount of work you'd like to complete. Manual espresso machines require you to do all the work, but are often smaller and easier to transport. They also tend to have better temperature control because you are in control of every stage of the making process.
Semi-automatics are also the main kind of espresso machine. These machines are bigger and more efficient than manuals, but not as sleek as super-automatics. You can make a large number of drinks with these machines, and most have built-in grinders and tampers.
If you're looking for an espresso machine, check to see what types it can make at the same time. Also, examine the brewing capacity and whether it has an integrated coffee grinder or requires one. Look for features that allow you to make milk-based beverages, such as the ability to remove a cup or frothing arm.
Finally, take a look at the machine's filtration system and how it's set up. It's crucial to select an filtration system that can manage your water's hardness. You may have to clean the portafilter more frequently, and flush the system more often if you don't. A good filter can allow you to get amazing images, and a camera equipped with an AquaClean filter to reduce water hardness can help in reducing limescale.