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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
A high-end espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. How do you choose the best machine?
There are a myriad of things to think about from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping the beans properly to getting the perfect espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated with semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
You'll require top-quality equipment if you want to make the finest espresso at home. The most important component of the system is a well-designed and quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to a minimum, making machines that don't use boilers and rely on hand pressure to make some pretty decent shots.
We've tried a few and concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you're receiving a machine that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's not the most lightweight however, which is to be expected considering its construction. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Another good option is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. best espresso machine 's not inexpensive but it's an excellent grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than other grinders that we've reviewed and it's due to its larger burrs and the fact that it's able to handle more than a standard burr set. It's easier to use than the other models we reviewed and comes with a long warranty.
There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and have a more familiar design, but they are the hardest to learn how to use and require more experience to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping by yourself, but they also have 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. Most semi-automatics also have steam wands that can create froth. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, featuring built-in grinders and tampers, as well as brew cycles.
Semi-Automatic
The distinction between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines comes down to the amount of control you desire over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista to generate pressure and pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. However this convenience comes with a price and these machines can be costly to buy or rent.
Semi-automatic machines are the best choice for those who would like to be in control of their coffee making but do not have the time or expertise to become a professional barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork from brewing shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, then compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck with the right pressure. This kind of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk or make latte arts.
These types of espresso machines can be costly and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. However, for those who aren't able to purchase or lease a fully automatic espresso machine, semi-automatic espresso makers are an affordable alternative.
Fully automatic espresso machines are the newest technology in espresso makers. They promise an even cup of coffee each time with little effort. They can perform all the steps of making espresso with a single push of a button, from grinding the coffee beans, to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a popular option for cafes that need to serve a large number of customers in a brief period and require simplicity of use. These machines are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, you should consider purchasing or renting two. One machine to handle peak times, and the second one to manage slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks at the touch of a button. They use disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to make your beverage. The top espresso pods offer consistently good results, are neat and fast, and can produce shots that have a layer of crema.
The pod machines might not provide the same level of control like bean-to-cup machines, but they are a great alternative for those who value convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't provide the same taste as freshly ground beans made from an excellent coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wide variety of coffees make these models better than ever before.
These machines use various coffee pods, however all share the same basic design and shape. Most are small, paper-covered disks that are similar to tea bags that can be inserted into a portafilter to make brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are specifically made for espresso machines. These are referred to as soft pods, and the latter are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is essential to look through a manufacturer's list of compatible pods prior to purchasing a pod-based machine. They are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them before you decide on your favorite. Some brands offer refillable pods to people who wish to reuse their old ones.
It's important to consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the model. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning capabilities that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that makes use of high pressure to push water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians, figured this out in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open up a whole new world of cafe drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso, but the principle is the same boil the water until it is just below boiling, then press it through the densely packed grounds of the 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.
Espresso machines work the same way, however their details vary slightly. Some utilize pistons that require you to press down on an lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Others use an electric pump to produce the required 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, no matter how well your espresso machine works. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. Test different grinds and tamping techniques to find the perfect recipe for home espresso machines.
Choose the right water for your espresso maker. Ideally you should choose tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can aid you in determining the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional accessories like portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These items will help you improve your brewing skills while developing an appreciation for the high-quality coffee that you can now make at home.