The Most Successful Espresso Coffee Machine Home Gurus Are Doing Three Things
How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-end espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. But how do you choose?
There are many things to consider, from measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping the beans correctly to pulling a good shot of espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks can be automated with semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
If you'd like to to make the finest espresso you can make at home, you'll have to invest in high-quality equipment. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped the system to a minimum, making machines that don't have boilers and rely on hand-pressure to get some pretty decent shots.
We've tested a number of these and found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in what it does. You're not getting a bargain machine, but you are getting a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit heavier than average, but that's to be expected due to its build. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation-starter.
Another worthy candidate is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive, but it does a great job at what it does and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. cafe espresso machine than other grinders we've examined, but it's because of its larger burrs and fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard burr set. It's easier to use than the other models we looked at and comes with a dependable warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and provide a more familiar design, but they are also the most difficult to learn how to use and require more experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself however they come with an electric pump that gives the same flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process, and most semi-automatics have steam wands that let you to create foam. There are also super-automatics that complete the job for you and have built-in grinders, tampers and Brew cycles, and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is the degree of control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to push the button and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. However this convenience comes with a price and the machines can be expensive to rent or purchase.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who wish to control their coffee making but don't have the time or the ability to be barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into the shape of a hockey puck and forcing hot water through them at just the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also gives you the option to steam milk and create Latte art.
These types of espresso makers can be expensive and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. However, for those who aren't able to purchase or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers are an affordable alternative.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the latest invention in the world of espresso makers, and they guarantee the same cup of coffee each time with little effort. They take all of the steps involved in making espresso from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming milk and all of it at the touch of a button. This is a popular option for cafes that need to be able to serve a variety of customers in a short amount of time and are looking for user-friendly. These machines are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're considering an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, consider renting or buying two. One for peak times, and the other one to manage slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks with the click of a button. They make use of disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to make your beverage. The best espresso pod machines are quick, neat and provide very consistent results--shot after shot is topped with a creamy layer of crema that is the hallmark of a top espresso.
While pod machines won't provide the same level of control as bean-to-cup models, they are still an excellent choice for those who want to skip grinding and tamping their own beans, and who value convenience over quality. Although they don't provide the same taste as freshly ground beans from a high-quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an expanding variety of coffees make these machines more efficient than ever before.
The type of coffee pods utilized by these machines differs between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. Most are small, paper-covered disks that are similar to tea bags that can be placed into a portafilter to make brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers, while others are designed specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
When you are looking for a pod-based espresso machine, it is crucial to review the manufacturer's recommended list of compatible pods. A lot of these machines have a variety, so you can try out different flavors and brands before you decide on your preferred. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old pods.
It's important to consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine regardless of the design. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However some espresso machines that are based on pods have built-in self-cleaning capabilities which reduce the hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely powerful device, which uses high pressure to push coffee that has been finely ground into a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They utilized this to create a brand new range of café drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso however the basic principle is the same heating the water to a temperature that is just below boiling, then push it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This process creates a highly delicious, rich cup of espresso in just two minutes.
All espresso machines function similarly, but the details of each differ slightly. Some machines use a piston-style design which requires you to press a lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars or 116 to 150 psi). Some machines employ an electric pump to create pressure. Others, particularly the inexpensive at-home machines rely on heated water and high temperatures to generate the similar effect.
No matter how your espresso machine performs, the quality of your ingredients is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. Try different grinds and tamping techniques to find the perfect recipe for home espresso machines.
Finally, use the right water for your espresso machine. You should ideally use tap water with a moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee while also stopping 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 familiar with the espresso machine at home It's an excellent idea to invest in a few additional accessories, like a portafilter and a steel tamper. These accessories will help improve the brewing process and will give you a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you can now make at home.