How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home

A top-quality espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. But how do you decide?

There are many things to think about from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans correctly to pulling an espresso shot that is perfect. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated using semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, fully automatic models.

Manual

You'll need some quality equipment if you wish to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most important element of the system is an espresso maker that has a good design that can handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a minimum, creating machines that don't have boilers at all and rely on hand-pressure to get some 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 a cheap machine, but you're receiving a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a little heavier than the average, but that's to be expected considering its construction. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to stir conversation.

Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is yet another 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 the other grinders that we've reviewed, but it's because of its larger burrs as well as the fact that it's able to handle more than a standard burr set. It's a little easier to use than the other models we examined and comes with a solid warranty.

There are four types: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and offer the most familiar design but they are also the most difficult to master and require more experience to dial in and pull shots.

Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself however they come with an electric pump that gives consistent flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you would like to put in your cup, by stopping the brewing. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands that can create froth. Super-automatics are the best in convenience, with built-in grinders and tampers, as well as brew cycles.

Semi-Automatic

The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automatic machines is the degree of control you wish to have over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista's ability to create pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso with the push of a single button. They are expensive to rent or purchase but they provide convenience.

Semi-automatic machines are a great option for those who like to have some control of their coffee making but don't have the time or the skills to be a professional barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork from brewing a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, then compresses them and then forces hot water through the puck with the right pressure. This kind of espresso maker 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 aren't able to purchase or rent an espresso machine fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable alternative.

Fully automated espresso machines guarantee a consistent cup every time, with minimal effort. They take all of the steps involved in making espresso starting from grinding 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 a large number of customers in a short time period and need simplicity of use. These machines are costly and not suitable for all cafes. If you are interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, think about purchasing or renting two to handle the high-volume times and the other to handle the slower periods.

Pods

Pod coffee machines permit you to make espresso-based drinks with the touch of the button. They make use of disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to brew your beverage. The espresso home machine best espresso pod machines are simple, sleek, and offer very reliable results. Every shot comes out with a creamy layer of crema, which is the signature of a top-quality espresso.

While pod machines may not provide the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do, they are still an excellent option for those who wish to do away with grinding and tamping their own beans, and who value convenience over quality. While they may not have the same taste as freshly ground beans from a good coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a growing variety of coffees have made these machines more efficient than ever before.

These machines use a variety of coffee pods, but all have a similar basic design and shape. Most are small, paper-covered disks that are similar to tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter to make brewing. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are specifically made for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter.

If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine, it is essential to look over the manufacturer's recommended list of compatible pods. The machines are available in a variety of flavors and brands and you can try them before you decide on the one you like best. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old ones.

Regardless of which style of coffee maker you pick it is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning capabilities which reduce the hassle.

Water

The espresso machine is a powerful instrument that makes use of high pressure to force water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians discovered this in the late 1800s and used it to open a whole new world of cafe drinks.

There are a variety of ways to make espresso but the principle is the same heating the water just below boiling, then push it through the densely packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This process creates a highly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in under two minutes.

All espresso machines function in the same manner, but their specifications differ slightly. Some machines employ piston designs that require you to press down a lever to generate the required pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Some machines use an electric pump to produce pressure. Some, including the low-cost at-home devices, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the similar effect.

The quality of the ingredients is vital, no matter how your espresso machine performs. Begin with a high-quality, dark roast espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping techniques to find the perfect recipe for home espresso machines.

Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso maker. Ideally you should choose tap water that has moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water can help create a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. You can find out about your water's mineral content by referring to La Marzocco's coffee water download guidelines.

As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, consider investing in additional accessories like an espresso portafilter or a stainless tamper. These items will improve your brewing techniques and will give you a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you're now able to make at home.