How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a top-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your home-brewed coffee to a whole new level. But how do you decide?
There's espresso coffee machine home Coffeee to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to tamping and pressing properly, to pulling the right shot of espresso. Many of the tasks can be automated using semi-automatic or in some cases fully automated machines.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment to make the best possible espresso at home. The most crucial component of the system is a well-designed, quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped the system to a minimum, making machines that don't require boilers and rely instead on hand-pressure for some decent shots.
We've tested several of these and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you are getting a machine that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's on the heavy side but that's expected considering its construction. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation starter.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is yet another good choice. It's not inexpensive however it's a fantastic grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's larger than other grinders we've looked at and it's due to its larger burrs and fact that it's able to handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's easier to use than some of the models we looked at 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 oldest and provide an easier 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 yourself However, they also have an electric pump that provides the same flow and pressure. 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 allow you to make froth. Finally, there are super-automatics that can do all the work for you and have built-in grinders, tampers, Brew cycles, and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is the degree of control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to exert pressure and pull the shot which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso at the push of an button. These machines are expensive to rent or purchase but they provide convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who like to have some control of the coffee they make, but do not have the time or expertise to be a professional barista. This type of machine takes the guesswork out of brewing a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into the shape of a hockey puck and then forcing hot water through them with just the right pressure to create an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk, and then make latte art.
These machines are more costly and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However for those who aren't able to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers are an affordable solution.
Fully automatic espresso machines promise a consistent cup every time, with minimal effort. They handle all the steps needed to make espresso from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming milk, and do it all by pressing the button. This is a popular choice for cafes that need to serve a large number of customers in a short time period and want convenience. However these machines can be very expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, think about buying or renting two, one to cover most busy times and the second to handle the slower periods.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks with just the push of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that is used to brew the beverage. The top espresso pod machines are quick, neat, and offer very consistent results--shot after shot is topped with a creamy layer of crema, which is the signature of a high-quality espresso.
Pod machines may not offer the same level of control as bean to cup models, but they are an excellent option for those who prefer convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans made from a quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee varieties make these models better than ever.
The machines make use of various coffee pods, however all share the same basic design and shape. The majority of them are small disks that have paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are designed for espresso machines. They are also known as soft pods, while the latter are called, Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
When you are looking for a pod-based espresso machine, it is crucial to review the list of recommended by the manufacturer of compatible pods. A lot of these machines have a variety of flavors, so you can test out various brands and flavors before settling on your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods to those who want to reuse their old pods.
It is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the design. A majority of 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 capabilities that reduce hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful device, which makes use of high pressure to push coffee that is finely ground through a tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is ideal to make lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, particularly the Italians. They used this to create a new range of café drinks.
There are a variety of ways to make espresso but the fundamental principle remains the same heating the water to a temperature that is just below boiling, then push it through the densely packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This produces a richly delicious, rich cup of espresso in just 2 minutes.
All espresso machines work similarly, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Certain machines utilize a piston-style design which requires the user to press a lever to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Other machines use an electric pump to produce the required pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same effect.
Whatever way your espresso machine functions the quality of your ingredients is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Test different grinds and tamping techniques to find the ideal recipe for your home espresso machine.
Finally, use the right water in your espresso maker. Ideally, you should use tap water with a moderate level of minerality. The minerals in water can assist you to make 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 assist you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more comfortable using your espresso machine, you should consider investing in additional accessories like portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These items will aid in improving your coffee making skills, while also fostering a an appreciation for the premium coffee you can now make at home.