What Espresso Coffee Machine Home Experts Want You To Know
What Espresso Coffee Machine Home Experts Want You To Know
Blog Article
How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-end espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. But how do you choose?
There are many things to think about from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans correctly to pulling a good shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks that need to be done can be automated with semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment if you wish to make the best possible espresso at home. The most crucial component of the system is a well-designed, high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. This is where a handful of manufactures have really stripped the system down to make machines that don't use boilers and instead rely on hand pressure to make pretty decent shots.
We've tested a variety of them and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not cheap but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for a long time and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to back it. It's heavier than average, but that's expected given its build. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Another good option is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not expensive, but it's a great 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 capable of handling more than a standard set of burrs. It's a lot easier to use than some of the models we looked at and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes known as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the oldest and provide 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 let you do the grinding and tamping yourself however they come with an electric pump that provides consistent flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you pour into your cup by stopping the brewing process and the majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that let you to create froth. There are also super-automatics which complete the job for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers, Brew cycles, and more.
Semi-Automatic
The distinction between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines comes down to the amount of control you desire over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista to produce pressure and then pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, making professional-quality espresso with the click of the button. These machines are expensive to rent or purchase however they are a great way to save money and time.
Semi-automatic machines are a great option for those who like to be in control of their coffee making but don't have the time or skills to become a professional barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork of making a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, compresses them, and then forces hot water through the puck with the right amount of pressure. This kind of espresso maker also gives you the option to steam milk, and then make latte art.
They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However for those who aren't able to purchase or lease a fully automatic espresso machine, semi-automatic espresso makers are an affordable alternative.
Fully automatic espresso machines promise a consistent cup every 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 all of it by pressing an button. This is a popular choice for cafes that have to serve a large number of customers in a short period and want ease of use. However they can be expensive espresso machine with milk frother and might not be an option for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, think about renting or buying two. One machine to handle peak times, and another one to handle slower periods.
Pods
The pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks at the push of a button. They use disposable coffee capsules that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The top espresso pod machines have consistent results, are neat and quick, and create shots with a layer of crema.
Although pod machines might not offer the same degree of control as bean-to-cup models but they're an excellent choice for those who want to skip grinding and tapping their own beans, and who prefer convenience over quality. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a wide variety of coffees make these machines better than ever before.
These machines use a variety of coffee pods, but they all have the same basic design and shape. They are typically small disks with paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be placed into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are specifically designed to work with drip coffee makers while others are designed specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are the first, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is important to check the list of compatible pods prior to purchasing a pod-based machine. The machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them before settling on your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who want to reuse their old ones.
Whatever type of coffee machine you choose it's important to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning capabilities that reduce hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are a powerful tool which uses high pressure to force coffee that is finely ground through a tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect for making lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The Europeans particularly the Italians came up with this idea in the late 1800s and used it to open an entire new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of methods to make a cup espresso, but the fundamental idea is to warm water until just below boiling and then press it through tightly packed grounds in a portafilter, which then flows into an insulated container beneath the group head. This process produces a thick and highly flavorful cup of espresso within 2 minutes.
All espresso machines work this way, but the details of each differ slightly. Some machines employ piston designs that require the user to press down on a lever to generate the required pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Some machines use an electric pump to produce pressure. Others, particularly the home-based machines that aren't expensive rely on heated water and high temperatures to produce the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is important regardless of how the espresso machine is working. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted, dark-roasted espresso beans. Try different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Use the right water for your espresso maker. Ideally, you should use tap water that has a moderate level of minerality. The minerals in the water can help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee while also preventing scale buildup. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will aid you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more familiar with the espresso machine at home It's recommended to invest in some additional equipment, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These tools will enhance the brewing process and will give you a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're now able to make at home.