Why Espresso Coffee Machine Home Is Your Next Big Obsession
How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. How do you choose the right machine?
There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping properly to get the perfect shot of espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated using semi-automatic machines and, in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
If you'd like to be able to make the best espresso you can make at home, you'll require top equipment. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. This is where a few manufacturers have stripped the system down to make machines that don't use boilers and instead rely on hand pressure to make pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not a cheap machine, but you're getting a machine that will last for decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It is a bit heavy however that's to be expected given its construction. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to stir conversations.
Another worthy candidate is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive, but it's a great grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we've looked at and it's due to its larger burrs and the fact that it's able to handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's a lot easier to use than the other models we tested and comes with a long warranty.
There are four kinds of levers: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also called Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and provide an easier design, but they are also the most difficult to master and require more skill 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 constant flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you'd like in your cup by stopping the coffee brewing. Most semi-automatics also have steam wands that can create froth. There are also super-automatics that take care of all the work for you, and come with integrated grinders, tampers, brew cycles and more.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is the degree of control you would like over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso with the press of a button. These machines are costly to lease or purchase, but they offer convenience.
A semi-automatic machine is a great alternative for those looking to have some control over the coffee they make but don't have time or the ability to be barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork from brewing a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck with the perfect amount of pressure. This kind of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk, and then make the latte art.
These types of espresso machines can be costly and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who do not have the funds to purchase or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automated espresso machines guarantee an exact cup every time, and require minimal effort. They take all of the steps involved in making espresso from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all this by pressing an button. This is a popular option for cafes who need to be able serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and want user-friendly. They are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, you should consider purchasing or renting two to handle the peak times and the other to manage the slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks at the press of a button. They use disposable capsules filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The top espresso pods provide reliable results, are sleek and quick, and create shots with a layer of crema.
The pod machines might not provide the same level control like bean-to-cup machines, but they are a great alternative for those who value convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. Although they don't produce the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee varieties make these models better than ever before.
The machines make use of different coffee pods, but all share the same basic design and shape. Most are small disks with papers that resemble tea bags. They can be inserted in a portafilter to brew. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are designed for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine it is important to check the list of recommended by the manufacturer of compatible pods. A lot of these machines have many different flavors of pods, which means you can test out various flavors and brands before you decide on your preferred. Some brands offer refillable pods for those who wish to reuse their old ones.
Whatever type of coffee machine you select, it's essential to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful device that makes use of high pressure to push water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is perfect for making lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the late 1800s, particularly the Italians. They utilized this to create a new range of café drinks.
There are several different methods to make a cup espresso, but the fundamental principle is to heat water to just below boiling, and then press it through a tightly packed coffee grounds in a portafilter, which then flows into an insulated container beneath the head of the group. This creates a strongly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under two minutes.
Espresso machines operate in similarly, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Some utilize piston designs that require you to press down on the lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). coffee machines espresso use an electric pump to create the required pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper at-home machines rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same result.
No matter how your espresso machine performs, the quality of your ingredients is vital to a good cup of espresso. Start with a top-quality, dark-roasted espresso bean. Test different grinds and tamping methods to find the best recipe for home espresso machines.
Make sure you use the correct water in your espresso maker. Ideally you should choose tap water with moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water 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 will assist you in determining the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you get more comfortable with your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional equipment such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These accessories will help improve your brewing techniques and provide you with a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're now able to make at home.