What's The Reason? Espresso Coffee Machine Home Is Everywhere This Year
What's The Reason? Espresso Coffee Machine Home Is Everywhere This Year
Blog Article
How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can take your home-brewed coffee to a whole new level. How do you choose the right machine?
There's a lot to consider--from measuring and grinding your own beans, to tamping and pressing properly and obtaining the proper shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks that need to be done can be automated by semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, fully automatic models.
Manual
If you want to be able to make the highest quality espresso you can make at home, then you'll need to invest in some good equipment. The most important component of the system is a well-designed and high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. This is where a handful of manufacturers have stripped it down, producing machines that don't even use boilers, instead relying on hand pressure to make decent shots.
We've tried a few and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not a cheap machine, but you are getting a machine that will last for decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It is a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its build. It has a retro-futuristic look that will surely spark conversation.
Another option that is worth considering is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap but it's an excellent grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit larger than some of the other grinders we looked at, but that's due to the fact that it has an incredibly large burr set, and it's able to handle more than the standard burr set can. It's more user-friendly than some of the models we looked at and comes with a solid warranty.
There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most common and have a more familiar design, but they are the hardest to learn how to use and require more skill to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself However, they also have an electric pump that can provide the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso that you put into your cup by stopping the brewing process and the majority of semi-automatics include a steam wand that allows you to make foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics which complete the job for you, with integrated grinders, tampers, the brewing process and more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automatic machines comes down to the degree of control you wish to have over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the touch of an button. However, this convenience comes at a price and these machines can be costly to rent or purchase.
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 skills to become a professional barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork out of brewing a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, then compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck at the right amount of pressure. This espresso maker also allows you to steam milk or create latte arts.
These kinds of espresso machines can be expensive and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who don't have the budget to purchase or rent an espresso machine fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable option.
Fully automated espresso machines are the newest innovation in the world of espresso makers. They promise the same cup of coffee each time with minimal work. The machines can complete 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 choice for cafes that need to serve many customers in a brief period and require simplicity of use. However these machines can be very expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, consider purchasing or renting two. One for peak times, and the other one to manage slower times.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks with the click of the button. They make use of disposable coffee capsules that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to make your beverage. The best espresso pods are quick, neat, and offer very consistently good results. Each shot is topped with a creamy layer of crema that is the signature of a top-quality espresso.
Although pod machines might not give you the same level of control as bean-to-cup models, they are still an excellent choice for those who wish to avoid grinding and tamping their own beans, and who prioritize convenience over quality. While they don't have the same flavor as freshly ground beans from an excellent coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wide selection of coffee types make these machines better than ever before.
These machines utilize a variety of coffee pods, however all share the same basic design and shape. The majority are covered in paper, they resemble tea bags that can be placed into a portafilter to brew. Some are specifically designed to work with drip coffee makers 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.
It is essential to look through a manufacturer's list of compatible pods before buying a machine based on pods. A lot of these machines come with several options of flavors, so you can test out various flavors and brands before buying your preferred. Some brands also sell refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old ones.
No matter what type of coffee machine you choose it's important to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that ease the burden.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool which uses high pressure to force coffee that is finely ground through an extremely tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect for making lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The Europeans particularly the Italians, figured this out in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open an entirely new world of cafe drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso, however the basic principle is the same boil the water until it is to just below boiling, and then press it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This produces a richly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in less than 2 minutes.
All blog espresso machines operate in the same manner, but their specifics differ. Some utilize piston designs that require the user to press down on an lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Other machines use an electric pump to produce the necessary pressure. Some, including the home-based machines that aren't expensive, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the similar effect.
Whatever way your espresso machine functions, the quality of the ingredients you use is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. Test different grinds and tamping methods to find the best recipe for your home espresso machine.
Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso maker. You should use tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee as well as preventing scale buildup. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will aid you in determining the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you get more comfortable with the espresso machine at home It's a good idea to invest in some additional equipment, such as the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These items will help you improve your coffee-making skills and develop an appreciation for the top-quality coffee you can now make at home.