How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your home-brewed coffee to a whole new level. But how do you choose?
There's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping properly to get the perfect espresso shot. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated with semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment if you wish to make the finest espresso at home. The most important component of the system is a well-designed, quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a minimum, creating machines that don't use boilers and rely on hand pressure to make some 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. It's not a cheap machine, but you're getting a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's heavier than average, but that's expected given its build. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to spark conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a worthy candidate. It's not cheap but it's an excellent grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's larger than other grinders that we've reviewed, but it's because of its larger burrs and the fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard burr set. It's easier to use than some of the models we looked at and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of levers: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are more easy to use, however they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself They also come with an electric pump which provides consistent pressure and flow. You can adjust the amount of espresso that you put into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that let you to make froth. Finally, there are super-automatics that can complete the job for you and have built-in grinders, tampers and Brew cycles, and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is the degree of control you would like over the making process. Manual espresso machines depend on the barista to produce pressure and then pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. However, this convenience comes at an expense and these machines can be costly to rent or purchase.
Semi-automatic machines are a great option for those who would like to be in control of their coffee making but don't have the time or expertise to become a professional barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork out of brewing a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck at the perfect amount of pressure. This espresso maker also allows you to steam milk and create latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good alternative for those who do not have the money to buy or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automatic espresso machines promise an exact cup every time, with minimum effort. The machines can complete all the steps needed to make espresso with a single push of a button from grinding the coffee beans, to pulling the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular option for cafes that must be able serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and require ease of use. However they are 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, you should consider purchasing or renting two to cover the high-volume times and the other to manage the slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines permit you to prepare espresso-based drinks at the press of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk which is used to make the beverage. The top espresso pods offer reliable results, are sleek and fast, and can produce shots with a layer of crema.
While pod machines may not give you the same level of control as bean-to-cup machines however they are an excellent option for those who wish to do away with grinding and tapping their own beans and who value convenience over quality. Although they don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee varieties have made these models better than ever before.
espresso machines for home make use of different coffee pods, however all have the same basic design and shape. They are typically small disks with paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be placed in a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. They are also known as soft pods, and the latter are called Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is important to check a manufacturer's list of compatible pods before purchasing a pod-based machine. The machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands, so you can test them before settling on your favorite. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old ones.
Whatever type of coffee maker you pick it is important to think about cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning capabilities which reduce the hassle.
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 a concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the late 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They utilized this to create a brand new variety of coffee drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make espresso, but the principle is the same: heat the water to just below boiling, and then press it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This process creates a highly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under 2 minutes.
All espresso machines function like this, however the details of each differ slightly. Some use pistons that require you to press down on a lever to generate the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Some machines employ an electrical pump to generate pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result.
Whatever way your espresso machine works the quality of the ingredients you use is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Begin with a premium dark-roasted espresso bean. You can then experiment with different grinds and tamping techniques to find the perfect recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Choose the right water for your espresso maker. Ideally you should use tap water that has a moderate level of minerality. The minerals in the water can help create a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while also stopping the buildup of scale. You can find out about your local water supply's mineral content by reading La Marzocco's downloadable coffee water guidelines.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional equipment such as portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will help improve your coffee making techniques and will give you a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you're able to make at home.