How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-end espresso maker, you can elevate your home-brewed coffee to a whole new level. But how do you choose?
There are a myriad of things to think about including measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping your beans properly to getting an espresso shot that is perfect. Many of the tasks can be automated with semi-automatic and in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most important component of the system is a well-designed, high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to a bare minimum, making machines that don't use boilers at all, and rely on hand-pressure to get some pretty 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 cheap but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for years and comes with 35 years of Lelit support and service to back it. It's a little heavier than the average, but it's normal considering its construction. It's got a retro-futuristic design that will surely spark conversation.
Another option that is worth considering is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. 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 bigger than other grinders we've examined however, it's due to its larger burrs and the fact that it's able to handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's a lot easier to use than the other models we reviewed and comes with a long warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most common and provide a more familiar design, but they are the hardest to master and require more expertise 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 you'd like in your coffee by stopping the coffee brewing. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands to make foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics that do all the work for you and have built-in grinders, tampers and Brew cycles, and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automated machines is how much control you want over the making 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 make professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. These machines are costly to lease or purchase however they are a great way to save money and time.
A semi-automatic machine is a great option for those who want to control the coffee they make but don't have time or the skills to become a barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork of making a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, then compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck with the right pressure. This espresso maker also enables you to steam milk or create latte arts.
These types of espresso makers can be expensive and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good alternative for those who don't have the budget to purchase or lease a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automatic espresso machines promise an even cup every time, with minimum effort. They can handle all the steps required to make espresso, from grinding the beans to pulling a shot and steaming milk, and do it all with just one push of a button. This is a popular option for cafes that need to be able to serve a variety of customers in a short amount of time and want user-friendly. These machines are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're considering an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, think about hiring or purchasing two. One machine to handle high-volume times, and the other one to handle slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks with the click of a button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The best espresso pod machines are simple, sleek and provide very consistent results--shot after shot comes out with a creamy layer of crema that is the signature of a high-quality espresso.
Although pod machines might not offer the same degree of control that bean-to-cup models do, they are still a great option for those who want to skip grinding and tapping their own beans and who prefer convenience over quality. While they won't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from a good coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a growing number of coffee types have made these machines more efficient than ever.
These machines use various coffee pods, but they all share the same basic design and shape. They are typically small disks with paper coverings that look like tea bags. They can be put in a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are designed for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is essential to look through the list of compatible pods prior purchasing a pod-based machine. Many of these machines have many different flavors, so you can try different brands and flavors before settling on your preferred. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old ones.
No matter what type of coffee machine you choose it's important to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However some espresso machines that are based on pods have built-in self-cleaning capabilities that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful device, which makes use of high pressure to push coffee that is finely ground through an extremely tightly packed container. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians, figured this out in the late 1800s and utilized it to open an entirely new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of ways to make espresso however the basic principle is the same boil the water until it is to just below boiling, and then push it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This process produces a thick, highly flavored cup of espresso in just 2 minutes.
Espresso machines work the same way, but their specifics differ. Some machines employ a piston-style design that requires you to press a lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Others use an electric pump to generate the necessary pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same effect.
Whatever way your espresso machine works the quality of the ingredients you use is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Begin with a high-quality dark roast espresso bean. Try smeg espresso machine and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Use the right water for your espresso maker. You should ideally use tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also preventing scale buildup. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will assist you in determining the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you become more comfortable using your espresso machine, consider investing in additional equipment such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These items will aid in improving your coffee making skills, while also fostering a a sense of pride in the top-quality coffee you can now produce at home.