How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. What are the best ways to choose the right machine?
There are a myriad of things to consider, from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping your beans correctly to pulling an espresso shot that is perfect. A lot of the work can be automated with semi-automatic, and sometimes fully automatic machines.
Manual
If you want to be able to make the highest quality espresso you can make at home, then you'll need to invest in some good equipment. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. This is where a handful of manufactures have really stripped it down, producing machines that don't use boilers but instead rely on hand pressure to make decent shots.
We've tested a variety of them and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you're getting a piece that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's heavier than average, but it's normal due to its build. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation-starter.
Another option that is worth considering is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive, but it's very effective at what it does and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's bigger than other grinders we've looked at however, it's due to its larger burrs and fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard burr set. It's a lot easier to use than some of the models we tested and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of levers: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also called Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the oldest and offer a more familiar design, but they are the hardest to learn how to use and require more experience 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 the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process and most semi-automatics have a steam wand that allows you to make froth. There are also super-automatics which complete the job for you and have built-in grinders, tampers, the brewing process and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is the degree of control you want over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to exert 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 single button. However, this convenience comes at an expense and these machines can be costly to buy or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who want to control their coffee brewing but don't have time or skill level to be barista. This type of machine removes 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 at the right amount of pressure. This espresso maker also enables you to steam milk or make latte arts.
Learn Additional are more costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However, for those who don't have the money to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable option.
Fully automatic espresso machines promise an exact cup every time, and require minimal effort. The machines can do all the steps required to make espresso with a single push of a button that includes grinding the coffee beans to pulling the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular choice for cafes who need to be able to serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and require user-friendly. However these machines are expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, think about purchasing or renting two. One for high-volume times, and another one to handle slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks at the touch of a button. The capsules are pre-ground coffee and powdered milk which is used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pod machines provide reliable results, are sleek and fast, and can produce shots that are topped with crema.
The pod machines might not provide the same level control as bean to cup models, but they are a great alternative for those who value convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. While they won't produce the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a good coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a growing number of coffee types have made these models better than ever.
The machines make use of different coffee pods, but all have a similar basic design and shape. The majority of them are small disks that have papers that resemble tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are specifically made for espresso machines. These are referred to as soft pods, while the latter are called are called Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine it is crucial to review the list of recommended by the manufacturer of compatible pods. These machines are available in a wide range of flavors and brands and you can try them before settling on the one you like best. Some brands offer refillable pods for those who wish to reuse their old pods.
No matter what type of coffee machine you choose, it's essential to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that reduce hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful device that uses high pressure to force water through finely packed, tightly ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. The Europeans particularly the Italians, figured this out in the late 1800s and used it to open up a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are several different methods to make a cup espresso, but the basic idea is to heat water to just below the point of boiling, then press it through tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, that is then transferred to an insulated container beneath the head of the group. This technique produces a dense, highly flavored cup of espresso within 2 minutes.
Espresso machines operate in this way, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Some machines use piston-style designs that requires the user to press a lever to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Some machines use an electrical pump to generate pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home models, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is crucial regardless of how your espresso machine performs. Begin with a premium dark-roasted espresso bean. Test different grinds and tamping strategies to find the best recipe for your home espresso machine.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso machine. You should ideally choose tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can help get a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while helping to prevent the growth of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can aid you in determining the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, you should consider investing in additional equipment such as portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will help you improve your coffee making skills, while also fostering a an appreciation for the top-quality coffee you can now make at home.