Speak "Yes" To These 5 Espresso Coffee Machine Home Tips
Speak "Yes" To These 5 Espresso Coffee Machine Home Tips
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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-end espresso maker, you can take your home-brewed coffee to a whole new level. How do you choose the best machine?
There's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping correctly to get the perfect shot of espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks can be automated using semi-automatic machines, and in certain cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
If you want to be able to make the highest quality espresso at home, you'll have to invest in high-quality equipment. The most crucial element of the system is an espresso maker that has a good design that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped the system to the bare minimum, resulting in machines that don't use boilers and rely on hand-pressure to get some pretty decent shots.
We've tested a few 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 coffee equipment that will last for decades and comes with 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. It is a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its build. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to spark conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a worthy candidate. It's not cheap however it's a fantastic grinder that lets you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than other grinders we've looked at and it's due to its larger burrs and fact that it can handle more than a standard burr set. It's more user-friendly than some of the models we looked at and comes with a long warranty.
There are four types: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also called Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are simpler 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 the same flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you want in your cup, by stopping the brewing. The majority of semi-automatics have steam wands that can create foam. Finally, there are super-automatics that can take care of all the work for you, with built-in grinders, tampers and the brewing process and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automatic machines comes down to the degree of control you wish to have over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines depend on the barista to create pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso with the click of a button. However this convenience comes at cost and these machines can be costly to buy or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is a great alternative for those looking to have some control over their coffee brewing but don't have time or the ability to be barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork out of making a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into a hockey puck shape and pushing hot water through them at just the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk and make the latte art.
These kinds of espresso machines are costly and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. However, for those who don't have the budget to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable alternative.
Fully automated espresso machines are the latest invention in the world of espresso makers. They promise the same cup of coffee every time, with minimal effort. They take all of the steps required to make espresso, from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all this with just one push of a button. This is a popular option for cafes that have to serve many customers in a brief period and require simplicity of use. These machines are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, you should consider buying or renting two to handle the peak times and the other to cover the slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can prepare espresso drinks with the push of the button. They make use of disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The best espresso pods are simple, sleek, and offer very consistent results--shot after shot is topped with a smooth layer of crema that is the hallmark of a top-quality espresso.
Pod machines may not offer the same level of control as bean to cup models however they are a great alternative for people who prefer convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans on their own. While they won't produce the same flavor as fresh ground beans brewed with a high-quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee varieties have made these machines better than ever.
These machines use different coffee pods, however all share the same basic design and shape. The majority of them are small disks that have papers 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 made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
It is essential to look through a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior buying a machine based on pods. A lot of these machines have many different flavors of pods, which means you can test out different flavors and brands before you decide on your favorite. Some brands offer refillable pods for those who wish to reuse their old ones.
It is important to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine regardless of its style. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling some pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that make it easier to clean.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful instrument that makes use of high pressure to push water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. The Europeans particularly the Italians discovered this in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open up an entirely new world of cafe drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso, however the basic principle is the same: heat the water to just below boiling, and then push it through the tightly packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This produces a richly delicious, rich cup of espresso in less than two minutes.
Espresso machines operate in this way, but the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some machines employ piston-style designs which requires the user to press a lever in order to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Certain machines utilize an electric pump to produce pressure. And still others, especially the inexpensive at-home machines rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the machines espresso machines similar effect.
Whatever way your espresso machine performs, the quality of your ingredients is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Start with a high-quality, dark-roasted espresso bean. You can then experiment with different grinds and tamping methods to discover 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. Minerals in water can help you make a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while also preventing the buildup of scale. 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 get more comfortable using your espresso machine, you should consider investing in additional equipment such as portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These items can help you improve your brewing skills while developing confidence in the top-quality coffee you can now make at home.