15 Amazing Facts About Espresso Coffee Machine Home That You Never Knew
15 Amazing Facts About Espresso Coffee Machine Home That You Never Knew
Blog Article
How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-quality espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. But how do you decide?
There's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping properly to get the perfect espresso shot. A lot of the work can be automated using semi-automatic or in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
You'll need top quality equipment to make the highest quality espresso at home. 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 a number of these and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in what it does. It's not cheap, but you're getting a piece of 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 option that is worth considering is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap, but it's very effective at what it does, and you'll be able grind your own beans. It's larger than other grinders we've examined and it's due to its larger burrs and the fact that it can handle more than a standard burr set. It's a little easier to use than the other grinders we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most common and provide an easier design, however, they are the most difficult to learn how to use and require more skill to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping by yourself however they come with an electric pump that provides constant flow and pressure. You can alter 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 take care of 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 how much control you want 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 brew professional-quality espresso with the press of a single button. However this convenience comes with cost and the machines can be expensive to rent or purchase.
A semi-automatic machine is the best alternative for those looking to have some control over their coffee making but don't have the time or skill level to be a barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, compressing them into a hockey puck shape and pushing hot water through them at the right pressure to make an espresso. This type of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk or create latte art.
These types of espresso makers are costly and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. However, for those who aren't able to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable alternative.
Fully automatic espresso machines promise a consistent cup every time, and require minimal effort. They can handle all the steps required to make espresso starting from grinding beans to brewing a shot, and steaming milk, and do it all with just one push of an button. This is a preferred option for cafes that need to be able serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and want ease of use. However they can be very expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, consider purchasing or renting two, one to cover the most busy times and the second to manage the slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks with just the touch of the button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk that are used to brew the beverage. The top espresso pod machines provide reliable results, are sleek and fast, and can produce shots that are topped with crema.
While pod machines won't give you the same level of control as bean-to-cup machines but they're an excellent choice for those who want to avoid grinding and tamping their own beans, and who prioritize convenience over quality. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from an excellent coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee types make these machines more efficient than ever.
The type of coffee pods used by these machines differs between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. Most are small, paper-covered disks that resemble tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter to make brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, espresso makers while the latter are called are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is essential to look through the list of compatible pods prior buying a machine that is based on pods. Many of these machines have several options of pods, which means you can test out different flavors and brands before you decide on your preferred. Some brands sell refillable pods to those who wish to reuse their old ones.
No matter what type of coffee machine you select it's important to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool which 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 the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians, figured this out in the latter part of 1800 and used it to create a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are a variety of ways to make a cup espresso, but the fundamental idea is to warm water until just below boiling and then press it through the tightly packed grounds in a portafilter that is then transferred to a container that is below the head of the group. This process creates a highly flavored, dense cup of espresso in less than two minutes.
All espresso machines function this way, but the details of each differ slightly. Some machines employ piston designs that require you to press down on the lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Other machines utilize an electric pump to create the required pressure. Others, particularly the inexpensive at-home machines, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the same effect.
The quality of the ingredients is crucial, no matter how your espresso machine performs. Start with a good-quality dark roast espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your espresso machine at home.
Finally, use the right water for your espresso machine. It is recommended to use tap water with moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can help you extract a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while also preventing the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can help you determine the mineral content of the water you drink locally.
As you get more comfortable with your espresso machine, consider investing in additional accessories like portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These tools will enhance your brewing techniques and provide you with a sense of pride in the coffee you're now able to make at home.