Why Espresso Coffee Machine Home Should Be Your Next Big Obsession
Why Espresso Coffee Machine Home Should Be Your Next Big Obsession
Blog Article
How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-end espresso maker, you can take your coffee-making experience at home to a new level. But how do you choose?
There's a lot to consider--from measuring and grinding your own beans, to tamping and pressing properly, to pulling the right espresso. Many of the tasks can be automated using semi-automatic or in some cases fully automatic machines.
Manual
You'll need some quality equipment if you wish to make the best possible espresso at home. The most essential component of the system is an espresso maker that has an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to the bare minimum, resulting in 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 them and found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in what it does. You're not getting a bargain machine, but you are getting a piece that will last for decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit heavy however that's to be expected given its construction. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation starter.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a suitable option. It's not expensive but it's an excellent grinder that lets you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we've examined however, it's due to its larger burrs as well as the fact that it can handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's a bit easier to use than the other models we looked at and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are more easy to use, but require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself They also come with an electric pump which provides constant flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you would like to put in your cup, by stopping the coffee brewing. The majority of semi-automatics have a steam wand to create foam. Finally, there are super-automatics that take care of all the work for you and have built-in grinders, tampers and the brewing process and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is how much control you want over the making process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista's ability to generate pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso at the touch of a single button. However, this convenience comes at a price and these machines can be costly to rent or purchase.
A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who wish to have some control over their coffee brewing but don't have the time or the skills to become a barista. This kind of machine removes the guesswork from brewing a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into an hockey puck shape, and forcing hot water through them at just the right pressure to create an espresso. This type of espresso maker also enables you to steam milk or create latte art.
These types of espresso machines can be costly and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who don't have the budget to purchase or rent a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automated espresso machines guarantee a consistent cup every time, with minimal effort. The machines can complete all the steps needed to make espresso with just a touch of a switch, from grinding the coffee beans, to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a very popular choice for cafes that have to serve a lot of customers in a short period and want ease of use. However these machines can be expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, you should consider hiring or purchasing two. One for peak times, and the other one to handle slower periods.
Pods
The pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks at the press of the button. They use disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder coffee espresso machine to make your beverage. The top espresso pods have reliable results, are sleek and quick, and produce shots that have a layer of crema.
Pod machines may not offer the same level of control as bean to cup models however they're an excellent alternative for those who prefer convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans on their own. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans made from a quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee varieties make these machines more efficient than ever before.
The machines make use of various coffee pods, but they all share the same basic design and shape. They are typically small disks with paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are designed for use with drip coffee makers, and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, and the latter are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is important to check a manufacturer's list of compatible pods before purchasing a pod-based machine. Many of these machines have a variety of flavors, so you can test different flavors and brands before buying your favorite. Some brands offer refillable pods to those who want to reuse their old pods.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select it is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms, and descaling regularly, several pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool which uses high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground through a tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect for making lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the late 1800s, specifically the Italians. They utilized this to create a brand new range of café drinks.
There are a variety of ways to make espresso but the fundamental principle remains the same: heat the water just below boiling, then push it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water is then poured into the container below the grouphead. This technique produces a dense, highly flavored espresso cup in less than 2 minutes.
All espresso machines work this way, but the details of each differ slightly. Some machines use a piston-style design which requires the user to press a lever in order to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Certain machines utilize an electric pump to create pressure. Others, including the more affordable home-based machines, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same effect.
No matter how your espresso machine works, the quality of the ingredients you use is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Start with a good-quality, dark roast espresso bean. Explore different grinds and tamping strategies to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Choose the right water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water with moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in water can help you get a smooth and balanced cup of espresso while also preventing the formation of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will help you determine 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 an espresso portafilter or a stainless tamper. These accessories will aid in improving your coffee making skills, while also fostering a confidence in the top-quality coffee you can now produce at home.