How to Choose espresso coffee machine
With a top-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your home-brewed coffee to a new level. But how do you choose?
There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping properly to get the perfect espresso. Many of the tasks can be automated with semi-automatic, and sometimes fully automatic machines.
Manual
If you want to to make the best espresso you can at home, you'll have to invest in top equipment. The most essential component of the system is an espresso maker with a good design that can handle pressure. This is where a few manufacturers have taken the system down to make machines that don't use boilers, instead relying on hand pressure to make pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few of them and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in what it does. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you're receiving a machine that will last for decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's not the most lightweight, but that's expected considering its build. It's got a retro-futuristic design that is sure to stir conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a worthy candidate. It's not cheap, but it's a great performer in what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's a bit larger than some of the other grinders we looked at, but that's due to the fact that it has the largest burr set, and it's able to handle more than the average burr set could. It's a little easier to operate than some of the other grinders we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are more easy to use, however they require more skill and understanding to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself but they have an electric pump that gives constant flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you want in your cup by stopping the making. Most semi-automatics also have steam wands to make froth. Finally, there are super-automatics which complete the job for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers and brew cycles and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automatic machines is how much control you want over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to push the button and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso with the click of the button. They are expensive to rent or purchase but they provide convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are a great option for those who like to have some control of the coffee they make, but don't have the time or the skills to be a professional barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into an hockey puck shape, and pushing hot water through them at the right pressure to create an espresso. This kind of espresso maker can also allow you to steam milk and make Latte art.
These types of espresso makers can be expensive and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who don't have the funds to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the latest technology in espresso makers, and they guarantee a consistent cup of coffee every time with little effort. The machines can do all the steps of making espresso with a single push of a switch from grinding the coffee beans to making the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular option for cafes that need to serve a lot of customers in a short period and need ease of use. However these machines can be expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, consider hiring or purchasing two. One machine to handle peak times, and the second one to manage slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks with the click of one button. They make use of disposable coffee capsules that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The top espresso pod machines provide consistently good results, are neat and quick, and produce shots with a layer of crema.
Pod machines might not have the same level of control as bean to cup models however they are an excellent alternative for people who prefer convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from a high-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wide selection of coffee types make these machines better than ever before.
The type of coffee pods used by these machines differs between manufacturers however they usually have the same basic shape and design. The majority of them are small disks that have paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is important to check the list of compatible pods before buying a machine based on pods. A lot of these machines have many different flavors of flavors, so you can test different brands and flavors before settling on your favorite. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old pods.
It's important to consider the cleaning and maintenance needs of your coffee machine, regardless of the model. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the brewing mechanism and grinder and regularly descaling Some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning features that make it easier to clean.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful device that uses high pressure to push water through finely packed, tightly ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect to make lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the late 1800s, particularly the Italians. They made use of this to create a new variety of coffee drinks.
There are many methods to make espresso, but the principle is the same boil the water until it is just below boiling, then push it through the densely packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This method produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful cup of espresso within 2 minutes.
Espresso machines work the same manner, but their details vary slightly. Some utilize piston designs that require you to press down on an lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar or 116 to 145 psi). Other machines use an electric pump to generate the necessary pressure. Others, particularly the home-based machines that aren't expensive rely on heated water and high temperatures to produce the similar effect.
The quality of the ingredients is crucial, no matter how well your espresso machine works. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso maker. Ideally you should choose tap water that has moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can aid you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you become more comfortable with the espresso machine at home, it's recommended to purchase additional accessories, like an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These tools will enhance the brewing process and provide you with a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're now able to make at home.