How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. But how do you decide?
There's a lot to consider--from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping properly, to pulling the right espresso. A lot of the work can be automated using semi-automatic, and sometimes fully automated machines.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment if you want to make the finest espresso at home. The most crucial component of the system is a well-designed, high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Some 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 and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for years and comes with 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. It's heavier than the average, but that's expected given its build. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Another worthy candidate is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap, but it's a great performer at what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's bigger than other grinders we looked at, however that's because it has an incredibly large burr set, and it's able to handle more than the standard burr set could. It's also a bit simpler to use than the other models we looked at and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four types of levers: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most common and provide the most familiar design however, they are the most difficult to learn how to use and require more expertise to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself They also come with an electric pump which provides the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you'd like in your coffee by stopping the making. The majority of semi-automatics have steam wands that can create foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics that can take care of all the work for you, and come with built-in grinders, tampers and Brew cycles, and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automated machines comes down to the degree of control you wish to have over the making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, making professional-quality espresso with the click of the button. These machines are costly to buy or rent but they provide convenience.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal alternative for those looking to have some control over their coffee making but don't have time or the ability to be 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 with just the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This type of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk and create the latte art.
They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However for those who don't have the money to buy or rent an espresso machine fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers are an affordable option.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the latest invention in the world of espresso makers and they promise a consistent cup of coffee each time with little effort. They handle all the steps involved in making espresso from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk, and do it all by pressing a button. This is a popular option for cafes who need to serve a lot of customers in a brief period and want convenience. They are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, consider renting or buying two. One machine to handle the peak times, and the second one to manage slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to prepare espresso-based drinks with just the press of the button. They use disposable coffee capsules that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to brew your beverage. The best espresso pods are sleek, quick and provide very consistently good results. Each shot comes out with a smooth layer of crema, which is the signature of a top espresso.
Pod machines may not offer the same level control like bean-to-cup machines however they are an excellent option for those who prefer convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't have the same flavor as fresh ground beans from a good coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wider number of coffee types have made these models better than ever.
The type of coffee pods used by these machines varies between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. Most are small, paper-covered disks that are similar to tea bags and can be placed into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are one of them, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.
If you are shopping for an espresso machine that uses pods, it is important to check the list of recommended by the manufacturer of compatible pods. A lot of these machines come with several options, so you can try out various flavors and brands before you decide on your favorite. Some brands also offer refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old ones.
It's important to consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine regardless of the design. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features which reduce the hassle.
Water
Espresso machines are an extremely powerful tool, which makes use of high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground through an extremely tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is perfect for making lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, and specifically the Italians. They utilized this technique to create a new variety of coffee drinks.
There are several different methods to make a cup espresso, but the fundamental principle is that you heat the water until it is just below boiling, and then press it through the tightly packed grounds in a portafilter which then flows into a container below the head of the group. This technique produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful cup of espresso within two minutes.
Coffeee work the same way, however their details vary slightly. Some machines employ pistons that require you to press down an lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Certain machines utilize an electric pump to produce pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper at-home models, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is vital regardless of how your espresso machine performs. Start with a good-quality, dark roast espresso bean. Explore different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Choose the right water for your espresso maker. Ideally you should use tap water that has moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water help create a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will aid you in determining the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional accessories like portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will aid in improving your coffee-making skills and develop an appreciation for the top-quality coffee you can now produce at home.