How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. How do you pick?
There are a myriad of things to consider, from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans properly to getting an espresso shot that is perfect. Fortunately, many of the tasks can be automated by semi-automatic machines and, in certain cases, fully automated models.
Manual
If you'd like to be able to make the finest espresso make at home, you'll need to invest in some top equipment. The most important element of the system is an espresso maker with an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to a minimum, creating machines that don't require boilers at all, and rely on hand-pressure to get some decent shots.
We've tested a number of them and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the best at what it does. It's not cheap, but you're getting a piece of coffee machinery that will last for decades and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to stand behind it. It's a little heavier than the average, but it's normal given its build. It has a retro-futuristic look that is sure to spark conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is yet another worthy candidate. It's not cheap but it's an excellent grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than other grinders that we've reviewed however, it's due to its larger burrs as well as the fact that it's able to handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's a little easier to operate than some of the other models we looked at and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes known as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are more easy to use, but they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping by yourself, but they also have an electric pump that can provide consistent pressure and flow. You can control how much espresso you would like to put in your cup by stopping the making. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands to make froth. Finally, there are super-automatics which do all the work for you, with built-in grinders, tampers, brew cycles and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is how much control you would like over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista's ability to generate pressure and pull the shot. This can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso with the push of a single button. However, this convenience comes at a price and these machines can be expensive to buy or rent.
Semi-automatic machines are the best option for those who like to have some control of their coffee making but don't have the time or the skills to become a professional barista. This kind of machine removes the guesswork from brewing a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into a hockey puck shape and pushing hot water through them at just the right pressure to create an espresso. Coffeee of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk and make latte art.
These kinds of espresso machines can be expensive and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. However, for those who don't have the budget to purchase or rent an espresso machine fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable option.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the newest innovation in the world of espresso makers and they promise an even cup of coffee each time, with minimal effort. They handle all the steps needed to make espresso starting from grinding beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk, and do it all by pressing an button. This is a popular option for cafes who need to serve a large number of customers in a brief period and want ease of use. These machines are costly and not suitable for all cafes. If you are interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, you should consider purchasing or renting two to cover the peak times and the other to manage the slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks at the touch of the button. They use disposable coffee capsules that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to brew your beverage. The top espresso pod machines offer reliable results, are sleek and quick, and create shots that are topped with crema.
The pod machines might not provide the same level control like bean-to-cup machines however they are an excellent alternative for people who prefer convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't provide the same flavor as freshly ground beans made from a high-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wide selection of coffee varieties make these machines more efficient than ever before.
These machines utilize different coffee pods, but all have a similar basic design and shape. They are typically small disks with paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, and the latter are called Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is crucial to review a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior purchasing a pod-based machine. They are available in a variety of flavors and brands and you can try them out before deciding on your favorite. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old ones.
Regardless of which style of coffee maker you pick, it's essential to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful instrument that uses high pressure to force water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the late 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They used this technique to create a new variety of coffee drinks.
There are several different ways to make a cup espresso, but the basic principle is that you heat water to just below the point of boiling, then press it through tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, that is then transferred to a container below the group head. This method produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful espresso cup in less than 2 minutes.
Espresso machines operate in like this, however the details of each differ slightly. Some machines use a piston-style design, which requires you to press a lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Other machines use an electric pump to create the required pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is vital regardless of how the espresso machine is working. Start with a top-quality dark-roasted, dark-roasted espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Also, make sure you are using the correct water in your espresso machine. You should choose tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee as well as stopping the buildup of scale. You can learn about your water's mineral content by reading La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines.
As you get more comfortable with your espresso maker at home, it's an excellent idea to purchase additional equipment, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These items will improve your coffee making techniques and provide you with a sense of pride in the coffee you're now able to make at home.