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 select the best machine?
There are many aspects to consider including measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping your beans properly to getting an espresso shot that is perfect. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated using semi-automatic equipment and, in certain cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment if you want to make the best possible espresso at home. The most crucial element of the system is an espresso maker that has an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to the bare minimum, creating machines that don't use boilers at all, and rely on hand-pressure to get some decent shots.
We've tried a few of these and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the best in what it does. It's not a cheap machine, but you're getting a piece that will last for decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its construction. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to spark conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another suitable option. It's not cheap but it's very effective at what it does and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's a bit bigger than some of the other grinders we looked at, but that's due to the fact that it has a much larger burr set and can handle more than the average burr set can. It's a little easier to use than the other models we looked at and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and provide an easier design, however, they are the most difficult 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 yourself however they come with an electric pump that can provide the same flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you would like to put in your coffee by stopping the coffee brewing. Most semi-automatics also have steam wands that can create foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics that can do all the work for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers and brew cycles and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automatic machines is the degree of control you wish to have over the making process. Manual espresso machines depend on the barista to generate pressure and pull the shot. This can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso with the click of the button. However this convenience comes at an expense and these machines can be expensive to purchase or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who want to have some control over their coffee making but don't have the time or the ability to be barista. This kind of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into the shape of a hockey puck and forcing hot water through them at the right pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso machine also allows you to steam milk and make the latte art.
These kinds of espresso machines can be expensive and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. However for those who don't have the money to purchase or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable alternative.
Fully automatic espresso machines promise an even cup every time, with minimal effort. They take all of the steps required to make espresso starting from grinding beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all this at the touch of an button. This is a popular choice for cafes who need to be able to serve multiple customers in a short period of time and are looking for ease of use. However, these machines can be very expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you are interested in a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, you should consider buying or renting two, one to cover most busy times and the second to cover the slower times.
Pods
The pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks with just the touch of the button. They use disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The best espresso pods are simple, sleek and provide very reliable results. Every shot is topped with a creamy layer of crema that is the signature of a high-quality espresso.
While pod machines won't provide the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do, they are still an excellent choice for those who prefer to skip grinding and tamping their own beans, and who prioritize convenience over quality. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from a quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a growing variety of coffees make these models better than ever before.
The machines make use of various coffee pods, but they all have a similar basic design and shape. They are typically small, paper-covered disks that look like tea bags and can be placed into a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, while the latter are called, Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
When you are looking for an espresso machine that uses pods, it is important to check the manufacturer's recommended list of compatible pods. Coffeee of these machines come with a variety of pods, which means 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 ones.
Whatever type of coffee machine you select, it's essential to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the brewing and grinder mechanisms and regularly descaling them some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely powerful device, which uses high pressure to push coffee that is finely ground through a tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect for making lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They made use of this to create a new variety of coffee drinks.
There are many different ways to make a cup of espresso, but the basic principle is that you heat the water until it is just below boiling and then press it through a tightly packed coffee grounds in a portafilter which then flows into a container that is below the head of the group. This creates a strongly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in just two minutes.
Espresso machines operate in like this, however the specifics of each differ slightly. Some machines use piston-style designs that requires the user to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Other machines use an electric pump to create the required pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result.
No matter how your espresso machine works, the quality of your ingredients is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Start with a good-quality dark roast espresso bean. Then experiment with different grinds and tamping techniques to find the ideal recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Finally, use the right water in your espresso maker. Ideally, you should use tap water that has moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in water can assist you to make a smooth and balanced cup of coffee 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 with the espresso machine at home, it's recommended to invest in some additional equipment, such as the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These accessories can help you improve your coffee making skills, while also fostering a a sense of pride in the top-quality coffee you can now make at home.