What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine
The espresso machine is among the most complex coffee machines in the world. It is made up of three primary components. The bottom houses the water and the middle is the filter-basket.
This machine was a huge success and helped popularize the prosumer (home barista) espresso market. Its features include a low pressure pre-infusion as well as the 2.2L boiler and brewing pressure of 9 bar.
Pressure
If you're serious about your coffee, then you know the pressure of your espresso machine is an important factor in how your drinks turn out. The pressure of your machine is crucial for making great coffee, whether you're looking for a dense layer or a perfect balance of acidity and flavor.
BARs (Barometric pressure) is the force your espresso machine applies to the grounds of coffee while pumping high-pressure water. 9 BARs mean that your espresso machine is pushing heated water through the ground coffee at a an amount of nine times the Earth's current atmospheric pressure.
The pressure of your machine is essential because it allows the water to move through coffee grounds at a proper speed and intensity. If the pressure is too low the flavors and oils that are dissolved won't be extracted properly. On the other hand, if the pressure is too high the water will be forced through the coffee grounds too quickly and you'll end with a weak, over-extracted cup of espresso.
The pressure of your espresso machine can be adjusted by turning the screw that is located on the espresso pump. Commercial machines and some of the top-end home appliances use the rotary pumps, which are adjustable. For home-based machines, which use a vibrating motor, it's impossible to alter the pressure without hacks. However, companies like Cafflano are developing technology that uses Pascal's Principle to maintain pressure inside the portafilter during the fermentation process.
Temperature
The temperature is among the most important aspects for an excellent espresso shot. If the water is too hot, it will scorch the coffee grounds and create an over-extracted bitter espresso. The ideal temperature for extraction is 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This lets the water to extract all desired coffee flavors without burning the grounds or over-extracting.
The best espresso machines feature a thermoblock, or thermocoil that will heat the water, and keeps it at a constant temperature throughout the whole extraction process. The Breville Barista Express, for example, features a PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) system that constantly checks the temperature of the water and adjusts it as needed making sure that the brewhead stays at a perfect temperature to extract the coffee.
Many coffee drinkers are aware that the temperature of the espresso maker is vital to brewing a great cup of coffee. The ideal temperature for brewing espresso is between 190 to 196 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to get this temperature, your machine must have a quality thermoblock or thermocoil and the boiler must be of the right size.
It is also important to heat your machine or portafilter before making shots. The failure to preheat is one of the most common mistakes that can be made by novice espresso makers. Always read the espresso machine's manual prior to attempting to begin using it for the first time.
Grind
A barista espresso machine should provide a variety grind settings to give you the greatest control over your final cup of coffee. Some machines include an analog pressure gauge which is cool and can help you learn about the brewing process. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to reach around nine bars of pressure, and keep that throughout the brew cycle. This machine is getting close to reaching that goal.
Another wonderful feature of this machine is the built-in burr grinder. This is an excellent feature for newbies coffee and espresso machine to espresso as it eliminates the need to purchase an additional burr grinder. The stainless steel conical grinder comes with 18 settings, which range from "coarse to fine."
This grinder isn't as powerful as a standalone but it can get you going in the right direction to making excellent espresso shots. It's easy to clean and you can even pause it during the grinding process to avoid the creation of a mountain of grounds that will spill across your portafilter as it makes its way to tamping.
This is a stunning and practical machine that allows you to experience the joy of being a barista at home. This is a great option for anyone who wants to remember the thrill of pouring microfoam in their morning coffee by locking the portafilter to the grouphead's head and tamping with accuracy. If you're looking for convenience, a bean-to- cup machine could be a better fit.
Water
It is a challenge to master. Finding the right balance is vital. Too much can cause mineral deposits to build up in your machine, however too small and you'll struggle to get a good cup of espresso.
The best espresso water has low alkalinity and hardness level. This is best achieved by using a water filter system that does away with chlorine and then adds an amount of total dissolving solids (TDS) to add calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will create a balanced balance of alkalinity and hardness and reduce the necessity of decalcifying your machine.
It is essential to use water filtered of good quality to ensure the health and taste of your machine. Descaling products should be utilized on a regular basis according to the hardness and frequency of use of your machine. They are available in liquid, powder and tab forms and are available at most hardware stores.
The Breville Barista Express is a premium, high-end home espresso machine designed to bring the experience of a cafe into the home. It has more advanced features than other machines for beginners and is targeted at coffee lovers who want to refine their techniques and perfect their craft. The thermocoil heating mechanism with a built-in PID controller centered on the active heated group head makes it easy to regulate your brewing temperature. This can be a huge advantage over other entry-level models that require longer "temperature surfing" to achieve an even shot of espresso.