Why All The Fuss? Espresso Coffee Machine Home?
How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a top-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your coffee-making experience at home to a whole new level. But how do you decide?
There are many aspects to consider from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans properly to getting a good shot of espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated using semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment to make the best possible espresso at home. The most important element of the system is an espresso maker with a good design that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to the bare minimum, creating machines that don't require boilers at all and rely on hand-pressure to get some decent shots.
We've tried a few and concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. You're not getting a bargain machine, but you're getting a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its construction. It's got a retro-futuristic design that is sure to spark conversations.
Another good option is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive however it's a fantastic grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we looked at, but that's because it's got a much larger burr set, and it's able to handle more than the average burr set can. It's a bit easier to use than the other grinders we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds that are available: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also called Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are easier to use, however they require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself They also come with an electric pump that can provide consistent pressure and flow. You can control how much espresso you would like to put in your cup, by stopping the making. Most semi-automatics also have a steam wand to create froth. Super-automatics offer the highest level of convenience, with built-in grinders and tampers aswell as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automatic machines is how much control you want over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines depend on the barista to generate pressure and pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the touch of an button. They are expensive to buy or rent however they are a great way to save money and time.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who would like to be in control of their coffee making but don't have the time or the skills to become a professional barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from brewing a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into a hockey puck shape and then forcing hot water through them at just the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also gives you the option to steam milk and make Latte art.
They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However for those who don't have the budget to purchase or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers are an affordable option.
Fully automated espresso machines ensure an even cup every time, with minimum effort. The machines can complete all the steps required to make espresso with just one touch of a button that includes grinding the coffee beans, to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a popular choice for cafes who need to be able to serve a variety of customers in a short amount of time and require ease of use. However they can be very expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, consider buying or renting two to cover most busy times and the second to handle the slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks with the click of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk which is used to make the beverage. The best espresso pod machines are sleek, quick, and offer very consistently good results. Each shot comes out with a smooth layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a top espresso.
Pod machines may not offer the same level control like bean-to-cup machines however they are a great alternative for those who value convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from an excellent coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee types make these models better than ever before.
The type of coffee pods used in the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer however, they all have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small, paper-covered disks that resemble tea bags that can be put into a portafilter to 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. A lot of these machines come with several options, so you can try different flavors and brands before you decide on your preferred. Some brands also offer refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old ones.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select it is important to think about cleaning and maintenance requirements. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms, and descaling regularly some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning features that make it easier to clean.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful device that uses high pressure to push water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. The Europeans particularly the Italians, figured this out in the late 1800s and used it to create an entire new world of cafe drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso, but the fundamental principle remains the same boil the water until it is to a temperature that is just below boiling, then press it through the densely packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This produces a richly delicious, rich cup of espresso in under 2 minutes.
espresso machines home work the same way, but their details vary slightly. Some machines use a piston-style design, which requires the user to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Certain machines utilize an electrical pump to generate pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same 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. Then experiment with different grinds and tamping techniques to find the perfect recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Make sure you use the correct water in your espresso maker. Ideally, you should use tap water that has moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water can help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also stopping the buildup 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, it's worth investing in additional equipment such as portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will aid in improving your coffee-making skills and develop confidence in the top-quality coffee you can now make at home.