How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-end espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. How do you pick?
There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping properly, to pulling the right espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks can be automated using semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
You'll require top-quality equipment if you wish to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most important element of the system is an espresso maker that has an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a minimum, creating machines that don't use boilers at all, and rely on hand pressure to make some decent shots.
We've tested a few of them and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the best in its field. It's not a cheap machine, but you are getting a machine that will last for decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a little heavier than average, but that's to be expected given its build. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is yet another good choice. It's not inexpensive, but it's a great grinder that lets you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit larger than other grinders we reviewed however that's because it has an incredibly large burr set, and it's able to handle more than the standard burr set could. It's also a bit simpler to use than the other grinders we reviewed and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four types 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 also the most difficult to master and require more skill to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping yourself They also come with an electric pump that can provide constant flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process and most semi-automatics have steam wands that let you to make froth. Finally, there are super-automatics which take care of all the work for you, and come with integrated grinders, tampers, Brew cycles, and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is how much control you desire over the making 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 can brew professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. They are expensive to rent or purchase, but they offer convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are the best choice for those who would like to control some aspects of their coffee brewing, but do not have the time or the skills to become a professional barista. This kind of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, compressing them into a hockey puck shape and forcing hot water through them with just the right pressure to make an espresso. This espresso maker also enables you to steam milk and make latte arts.
These types of espresso makers can be costly and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who don't have the money to purchase or lease an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable solution.
Fully automated espresso machines are the most recent innovation in the world of espresso makers, and they guarantee a consistent cup of coffee each time, with minimal effort. They can perform all the steps required to make espresso with just a touch of a switch that includes grinding the coffee beans, to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a preferred option for cafes that must be able serve multiple customers in a short period of time and require ease of use. However they can be very expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, consider purchasing or renting two to cover high-volume times and the other to handle the slower periods.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to prepare espresso-based drinks with just the press of a button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The top espresso pod machines are simple, sleek and provide very consistently good results. Each shot is topped with a smooth layer of crema, which is the signature of a high-quality espresso.
The pod machines might not provide the same level control as bean to cup models however they're an excellent option for those who value convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans on their own. Although they don't provide the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee varieties make these machines more efficient than ever before.
The type of coffee pods used in these machines differs between manufacturers, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small, covered in paper, they look like tea bags that can be placed into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are designed for espresso machines. Soft pods are the first and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is essential to look through a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior buying a machine that is based on pods. These machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands, so you can test them out before deciding on your favorite. Some brands offer refillable pods for those who want to reuse their old ones.
espresso machine sale to consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the model. 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 functions which reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful tool, which uses high pressure to force coffee that is finely ground through an extremely tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians discovered this in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open an entire new world of cafe drinks.
There are many methods to make espresso, but the fundamental principle remains the same boil the water until it is just below boiling, then press it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This creates a strongly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in just two minutes.
All espresso machines function like this, however the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some machines employ a piston-style design that requires the user to press a lever in order to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Some machines use an electric pump to produce pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper at-home models, rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result.
No matter how your espresso machine functions the quality of your ingredients is vital to a good cup of espresso. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted, dark-roasted espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping techniques to find the ideal recipe for your home espresso machine.
Make sure you use the correct water in your espresso machine. You should ideally use tap water with a moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can help you get a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while helping to prevent the growth of scale. You can learn about your local water supply's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines.
As you get more comfortable with using your espresso machine at home, it's recommended to purchase other accessories, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will help improve your coffee making techniques and provide you with a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you're now able to make at home.