How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality espresso machine can take your home 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 top quality equipment to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, making machines that don't require boilers at all and rely on hand pressure to make some pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few of these and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in its field. 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 on the heavy side but it's normal due to its build. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to stir conversation.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another suitable option. It's not expensive but it's an excellent grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit larger than the other grinders we examined, however that's because it has a much larger burr set and it can handle more than the average burr set can. It's a bit easier to operate than some of the other grinders we reviewed and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most common and provide an easier design, but they are also the most difficult to master and require more expertise to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself but they have an electric pump that provides consistent flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso that you put into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and most semi-automatics have a steam wand that allows you to make froth. Additionally, there are super-automatics that complete the job for you, with built-in grinders, tampers, the brewing process and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automatic machines comes down to the degree of control you wish to have over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista's ability to generate pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the touch of an button. They are expensive to lease or purchase but they provide convenience.
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who like to have some control of the coffee they make, but do not have the time or expertise to become a professional barista. This type of machine takes the guesswork out of brewing a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into an hockey puck shape, and pushing hot water through them at just the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk and create the latte art.
These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However, for those who don't have the budget to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable alternative.
Fully automated espresso machines ensure an exact cup every time, with minimum effort. They handle all the steps involved in making espresso from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all of it with just one push of an button. This is a popular choice for cafes that need to serve a large website number of customers in a short period and require convenience. However, these machines can be very expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're considering a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, you should consider purchasing or renting two. One to cover high-volume times, and the other one for slower times.
Pods
The pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks at the press of a button. They make use of disposable coffee capsules that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to make your beverage. The top espresso pod machines offer consistently good results, are neat and fast, and can produce shots with a layer of crema.
While pod machines won't offer the same degree of control as bean-to-cup models, they are still an excellent choice for those who wish to do away with grinding and tapping their own beans, and who value convenience over quality. Although they don't provide the same taste as freshly ground beans from an excellent coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and a growing variety of coffees make these models better than ever.
These machines use a variety of coffee pods, but all have a similar basic design and shape. Most are small disks with papers that resemble tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, and the latter, Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
When shopping for a pod-based espresso machine, it is crucial to review the recommended list of compatible pods. A lot of these machines have a variety, so you can try out various brands and flavors before settling on your preferred. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who want to reuse their old ones.
It is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance 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 are equipped with self-cleaning functions that minimize hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely powerful device, that makes use of high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground into an extremely tightly packed container. The espresso shot is concentrated and is perfect for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, particularly the Italians. They made use of this to create a new range of café drinks.
There are a variety of ways to make espresso but the fundamental principle remains the same heating the water to a temperature that is just below boiling, then push it through the densely packed grounds of the portafilter. The water is then poured into the container, below the grouphead. This creates a strongly delicious, rich cup of espresso in just two minutes.
Espresso machines operate in like this, however the details of each differ slightly. Certain machines utilize piston-style designs that requires you to press a lever to create the required pressure (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. 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. It is recommended to choose tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water will help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also stopping 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 become more comfortable with using your espresso machine at home, it's an excellent idea to invest in a few additional accessories, like an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These tools will enhance your coffee making techniques and will give you a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're now able to make at home.