How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a top-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your home-brewed coffee to a whole new level. How do you select the best machine?
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 automatic models.
Manual
If you want to to make the highest quality espresso make at home, you'll need to invest in some high-quality equipment. The most important element of the system is an espresso maker with a good design that can handle pressure. This is where a handful of manufacturers have stripped it down, producing machines that don't even have boilers and instead rely on hand-pressure to create pretty decent shots.
We've tested several of these and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. It's not cheap, but you're getting coffee equipment that will last for decades, and has 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. It's a bit heavier than the average, but it's normal due to its build. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic design that's sure be a conversation starter.
Another worthy candidate is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not expensive however it's a fantastic grinder that lets you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit bigger than some of the other grinders we looked at, however that's because it has the largest burr set and it can handle more than the average burr set can. It's more user-friendly than some of the models we reviewed and comes with a long warranty.
There are four types of levers: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, but require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping yourself but they also have an electric pump that can provide the same flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso you pour into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and most semi-automatics have a steam wand that allows you to make foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics that do all the work for you and have integrated grinders, tampers, Brew cycles, and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines comes down to the degree of control you wish to have over the making process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista to produce pressure and then pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can do everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso with the click of a button. They are expensive to rent or purchase but they provide convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are the best option for those who would like to be in control of their coffee brewing, but don't have the time or expertise to become a professional barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of brewing a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into the shape of a hockey puck and pushing hot water through them with just the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also gives you the option to steam milk and create the espresso machine with grinder latte art.
They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who aren't able to purchase or rent an espresso machine fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable alternative.
Fully automated espresso machines ensure an even cup every time, with minimal effort. They take all of the steps required to make espresso starting from grinding beans to pulling a shot and steaming milk and all this with just one push of a button. This is a popular option for cafes who need to serve a large number of customers in a short period and need convenience. However they can be very expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're considering a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, consider purchasing or renting two. One to cover high-volume times, and the other one to manage slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines permit you to prepare espresso-based drinks with just the touch of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The top espresso pods offer reliable results, are sleek and quick, and produce shots with a layer of crema.
While pod machines won't give you the same level of control as bean-to-cup machines however they are a great option for those who wish to avoid grinding and tapping their own beans and who prioritize convenience over quality. While they don't have the same flavor as freshly ground beans made from an excellent coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee varieties make these models better than ever before.
The kind of coffee pods used in the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. The majority are covered in paper, they resemble tea bags that can be placed into a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers, and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, and the latter are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
When you are looking for a pod-based espresso machine it is crucial to review the recommended list of compatible pods. Many of these machines have many different flavors of pods, which means you can test out different flavors and brands before buying your preferred. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old pods.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select it is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements. While many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful device that makes use of high pressure to push water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is perfect for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, particularly the Italians. They used this to create a brand new variety of coffee drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso, but the principle is the same boil the water until it is to just below boiling, and then press it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This produces a richly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in less than 2 minutes.
All espresso machines work this way, but the details of each differ slightly. Certain machines utilize piston-style designs that requires you to press a lever to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Other machines use an electric pump to produce the required pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result.
Whatever way your espresso machine functions, the quality of the ingredients you use is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted, dark-roasted espresso beans. Try different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Make sure you use the correct water in your espresso machine. You should use tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee as well as preventing scale buildup. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will assist 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 the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These tools will enhance the brewing process and will give you a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you can now make at home.