How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. How do you pick?
There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping properly, to pulling the right espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks can be automated using semi-automatic equipment and, in certain cases, fully automated models.
Manual
If you'd like to to make the finest espresso you can make at home, you'll require top equipment. The most important component of the system is an espresso maker with well-designed and sturdy design that can handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, resulting in machines that don't have boilers and rely instead on hand-pressure for some pretty decent shots.
We've tested a few of them and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the best at what it does. It's not a cheap machine, but you are receiving a machine that will last for decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit heavier than average, but that's expected considering its construction. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation starter.
Another good option is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap but it's a great performer at what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's bigger than other grinders we reviewed however that's because it has a much larger burr set, and it's able to handle more than the average burr set can. espresso machines uk 's also a bit simpler to operate than some of the other models we looked at and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes known as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most common and have the most familiar design however, they are the most difficult to master and require more expertise to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping by yourself but they also have an electric pump that provides consistent flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you want in your cup, by stopping the coffee brewing. The majority of semi-automatics have a steam wand to create foam. Super-automatics offer the highest level of convenience, featuring built-in grinders and tampers as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is the degree of control you want over the making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the push of a button. They are expensive to rent or purchase but they provide convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who like to be in control of their coffee brewing, but do not have the time or skills to become a professional barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork out of brewing shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, then compresses them and then forces hot water through the puck with the right amount of pressure. This kind of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk and make Latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great option for those without the budget to purchase or rent a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automated espresso machines are the most recent technology in espresso makers and they promise an even cup of coffee every time with minimal work. They handle all the steps involved in making espresso from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk, and do it all by pressing a button. This is a preferred option for cafes who need to be able to serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and want user-friendly. These machines are costly and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, you should consider buying or renting two, one to cover high-volume times and the other to manage the slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks with the click of the button. The capsules are pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The best espresso pods are quick, neat and give consistently good results. Each shot will be crowned with a smooth layer of crema, which is the signature of a top-quality espresso.
Pod machines may not offer the same level of control like bean-to-cup machines however they are an excellent alternative for people who prefer convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. While they may not have the same flavor as fresh ground beans from a good coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and an increasing selection of coffee varieties have made these machines better than ever.
The machines make use of various coffee pods, but all have the same basic design and shape. The majority are covered in paper, they are similar to tea bags and can be put into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically designed to work with drip coffee makers and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is essential to look through a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior to purchasing a pod-based machine. A lot of these machines come with several options of flavors, so you can test out different brands and flavors before settling on your preferred. Some brands offer refillable pods to people who want to reuse their old pods.
It's important to consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee maker, regardless of the design. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that ease the burden.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely powerful tool, which uses high pressure to push coffee that has been finely ground through a tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is ideal for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. The Europeans particularly the Italians, figured this out in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make espresso, but the 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 is then poured into the container, below the grouphead. This process produces a thick, highly flavored cup of espresso within 2 minutes.
Espresso machines work the same way, however their details vary slightly. Some machines use piston-style designs, which requires the user to press a lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Certain machines utilize an electric pump to produce pressure. And still others, especially the home-based machines that aren't expensive, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to generate the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is vital regardless of how well your espresso machine works. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Test different grinds and tamping methods to find the ideal recipe for home espresso machines.
Finally, use the right water in your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water will help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also helping to prevent 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 get more comfortable with your espresso machine, it's worth purchasing additional equipment, such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These tools will enhance your brewing techniques and provide you with a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you can now make at home.