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Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The most effective espresso machines will be simple to use, clean, and produce balanced shots. But how do you know which one is the right one for your home?
This Breville model is ideal for those who don't want to learn barista skills but still want to enjoy great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines depend on an electric motor for the force required to brew espresso. They typically accept water from a mains supply, which is common in commercial installations or a reservoir that is filled manually (common with smaller and household commercial espresso machines). Pumps are usually solenoid pistons that can generate high pressure. Certain espresso machines that are driven by pump systems have fixed flow rates, while others allow you to alter the pre-infusion or brewing pressure.
The most well-known type of machine, these are a great option for those looking to make high-quality coffee quickly and consistently. Coffeee are also simpler to clean and maintain than other types of equipment however, they require some electrical power and a space near an outlet.
They are available in two fundamental types: semi-automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatics let you control the amount of time the shot is pulled for with the manual switch or programmed function. You can also alter the grind setting and tamp down the coffee. Some semi-automatics have rotary motors, while others vibrate. Rotary pumps are quieter and more consistent however they require a constant flow of pressurized water.
In contrast, a vibration pump can start off quiet but can eventually sound like a scream once the machine has to be fed water. Both types have pros and cons, and you must pick one that best suits your needs.
Pump-driven machines are also available in a range of sizes and costs. The most expensive machines are usually super-automatic and come with multiple boilers that separate the water for brewing and steaming. These models come with heat exchangers which can be set at different temperatures to provide a variation in the flavor. This is a great feature for the busy barista working at home, but it increases the cost of their products. The middle ground is a semi-automatic, which is a great value but does not offer the same level of consistency and versatility as other options.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines employ an easy system to make a powerful espresso. In an airtight container, hot water is heated to create pressure that is then absorbed into the coffee grounds. This is similar to what happens inside the stovetop moka pot, and these machines are used today for their affordability and compact size. However, these machines do not have the ability to reach 9 bars of pressure needed for authentic espresso. This makes them best for those just starting out with making espresso at home or aren't concerned about making the perfect espresso.
The 1878 compensation siphon balancer developed by German engineer H. Eicke is a very early steam-driven machine. The steam generated by this device pushes boiling water through a filter of ground beans, which is then depressurized by the heat from an open flame spirit burner. This process produces a powerful shot, but doesn't meet the high standards of consistency that many espresso drinkers prefer.
The next breakthrough came with Luigi Bezzera's 1901 inventions. His design allowed him to lower the temperature of the boiler. This enables more constant temperature and pressure control. Bezzera also had an engine-driven device that helped make the machine semi-automatic. The only problem was that it required the barista time to grind, measure and tamp the beans by hand.
This led to the creation of a pump driven espresso machine. This type of espresso machine, as opposed to those older steam-driven machines that were heated by an open flame, is equipped with an electric pump capable of generating high levels of pressure needed for the brewing of espresso. These machines can either accept water directly from an existing cold water line which is common in commercial establishments or they can utilize a separate tank that is filled with water manually.
They also have two temperature settings that are controlled by a button. One button activates the brew thermostat while the other switches on the steam thermostat. This kind of machine is able to make consistent shots at only a fraction of the price it costs as compared to steam-driven models.
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the best option for those who want to make espresso quickly and efficiently. It eliminates the need for barista-level instruction by automating the grinding, tamping and extraction process to provide consistently good results. It doesn't do all the work for you. You still have to grind the beans, tamp them down in the portafilter, then push the water through.
Many coffee lovers, both professional and amateur, prefer a semi-automatic machine because they enjoy the feeling of being more involved in the process of making coffee. They are also less costly than their fully-automatic equivalents and tend to be more reliable.
These espresso machines are typically found in non-specialty shops and in the homes of casual coffee drinkers who are willing spend more money for convenience. Dual boilers allow steam and brewing to remain separate. One is used for heating while the other is used to make your preferred beverage. Some even have a built-in grinder, which can be a huge time saver for the user.
However, the built-in grinder often has a limited selection of settings, which can be frustrating for those who are more than interested in playing around with the espresso-brewing process to create their own personal favorites. It is best to combine a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to ensure full control over the size of the grinder.
If you're interested in an espresso machine semiautomatic be sure to choose one that has an extremely quiet electric pump, and a temperature controller that can provide precise temperature control. The PID controller is a piece of technology commonly used in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens. It helps stabilize a brewing kettle by monitoring the temperature changes throughout the heating process.
Furthermore, a high-quality semi-automatic machine must have a sufficient steam wand to produce microfoam and be capable of switching between steaming and brewing modes easily (if it doesn't have two boilers). With all of these options, a top-quality semi-automatic espresso maker could be an excellent choice for those who want to save the time and money of learning how to make coffee of a high-quality, but enjoy some degree of tinkering with the process.
Manual
Manual espresso machines operate with levers that push coffee grounds pressurized through a bed. This produces high-quality shots. They are typically cheaper than their semi-automatic and fully automated counterparts, making them a favorite for those who appreciate a fine cup of coffee.
Manual espresso machines require greater attention and experience from the operator to maximize their potential. Selecting the right grinder, ensuring that the brew ratio is in order and knowing how to dose and make sure your grounds are tamping properly are some of the things you'll need to know prior to using a manual espresso machine.
While some find the learning curve of manual machines frustrating and difficult, those with the right knowledge can make it worth the effort. Adrian Lini, CHOICE's expert barista says that if one has patience and the right equipment, a manual machine will make the finest espresso.
In recent years, espresso machines that are operated by hand have seen a rise in both design and function with more sophisticated features such as digital pressure gauges that allow users to monitor the pressure of extraction. Charles who works for Flair Espresso, says that these machines can be used with Bluetooth devices to draw graphs of flow rate. This helps users understand how changing variables in extraction can affect the final outcome.
There are two types of manual espresso machine: direct and spring-piston. Direct levers include a spring in their group heads to increase pressure during the brewing process. Although they cost more and more difficult to use than spring-assisted machines.
Springs piston machines have only the steam valve within their group head. They are more user-friendly however they do not provide as much control of the brewing process. The right machine for you will be based on your budget and your personal preferences. Whichever one you choose, the manual espresso machine will require a few basic accessories, including kettles, a coffee grinder and a portafilter equipped with the option of removing a dispersion filter made of metal.