How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A top-quality espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. But how do you choose?
There are many aspects to consider, from measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping your beans properly to getting the perfect espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks that need to be done can be automated using semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automatic models.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment to make the finest espresso at home. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to the bare minimum, making machines that don't have boilers and rely on hand pressure to make some pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. It's not cheap but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for decades and comes with 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. It's a little on the heavy side but that's expected considering its construction. It has a retro-futuristic look that will surely spark conversations.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a worthy candidate. It's not inexpensive however it's a fantastic grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit bigger than some of the other grinders we examined, but that's because it's got a much larger burr set and can handle more than a standard burr set can. It's easier to use than the other models we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most common and have the most familiar design but they are the hardest to master and require more skill to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping yourself but they also have an electric pump that gives consistent flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics come with a steam wand that allows you to create froth. Additionally, there are super-automatics which complete the job for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers and the brewing process and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is the degree of control you would like 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 with the click of an button. These machines are expensive to rent or purchase, but they offer convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are a great option for those who like to be in control of their coffee making but do not have the time or expertise to become a professional barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork from brewing shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, compresses them, and then forces hot water through the puck with the right pressure. This type of espresso maker also lets you to steam milk or make latte arts.
They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However, for those who don't have the money to buy or rent an espresso machine fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable alternative.
Fully automated espresso machines guarantee an exact cup every time, with minimum effort. They take all of the steps required to make espresso, from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all of it by pressing a button. This is a popular choice for cafes that need to be able to serve multiple customers in a short period of time and require user-friendly. However these machines can be expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, you should consider purchasing or renting two. One for peak times, and another one to handle slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks at the touch of one button. They use disposable capsules filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to make your beverage. The top espresso pod machines are simple, sleek and provide very consistently good results. Each shot will be crowned with a smooth layer of crema that is the hallmark of a top espresso.
Pod machines may not offer the same level of control as bean-to-cup models however they are an excellent option for those who value convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. Although they don't produce the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a wide selection of coffee varieties make these machines better than ever before.
The kind of coffee pods utilized by the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. The majority are covered in paper, they are similar to tea bags and can be put into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are one of them and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is important to check the list of compatible pods before purchasing a pod-based machine. The machines are available in a wide range of flavors and brands which means you can try them before settling on the one you prefer. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old pods.
It is crucial to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements of your coffee maker, regardless of the design. While many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the brewing mechanism and grinder, and descaling regularly some pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that make it easier to clean.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that uses high pressure to force water through finely packed, tightly ground coffee. The espresso shot is concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. The Europeans particularly the Italians discovered this in the late 1800s and used it to create a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are several different ways to make a cup of espresso, but the main principle is that you heat the water until it is just below boiling and then press it through tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, which is then poured into a container below the group head. This method produces a dense, highly flavored cup of espresso within two minutes.
All espresso machines function in the same way, however their specifics differ. Some machines employ pistons that require the user to press down on the lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Some machines employ an electrical pump to generate pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper at-home models, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same result.
Whatever way your espresso machine performs, the quality of your ingredients is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Start with a good-quality dark roast espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping techniques to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso maker. You should use tap water with a moderate mineral content. Minerals in water can help extract a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while helping to prevent the growth of scale. espresso machine with frother 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, consider investing in additional accessories like portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These tools will aid in improving your brewing skills while developing a sense of pride in the premium coffee you can now make at home.