8 Tips For Boosting Your Espresso Coffee Machine Home Game
8 Tips For Boosting Your Espresso Coffee Machine Home Game
Blog Article
How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a top-quality espresso maker, you can take your home-brewed coffee to a whole new level. How do you choose the best machine?
There's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping correctly and obtaining the proper espresso shot. A lot of the work can be automated using semi-automatic, and sometimes fully automated machines.
Manual
If you'd like to to make the highest quality espresso make at home, then you'll require good equipment. The most crucial component of the system is a well-designed, high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to a minimum, creating machines that don't use boilers and rely on hand-pressure to get some decent shots.
We've tested a number of these and found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the best in its field. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee equipment that will last for a long time and comes with 35 years of Lelit support and service to back it. It's on the heavy side but that's expected due to its build. It's got a retro-futuristic design that is sure to spark conversations.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another worthy candidate. It's not inexpensive however it's a fantastic grinder that allows 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 fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard set of burrs. It's easier to use than the other models we looked at and comes with a long 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 oldest and have a more familiar 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 do the grinding and tamping by yourself but they have an electric pump that gives consistent 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 come with a steam wand that allows you to create froth. Finally, there are super-automatics that can do all the work for you and have integrated grinders, tampers, brew cycles and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automatic machines is the degree of control you wish to have over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to exert pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso with the push of a single button. However this convenience comes with a price and these machines can be costly to buy or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is the best option for those who want to have some control over their coffee brewing but don't have time or skill level to be a barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of making shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, compresses them and then forces hot water through the puck with the right pressure. This kind of espresso maker also lets you to steam milk or create latte art.
These types of espresso machines are costly and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who don't have the budget to purchase or rent a fully automated espresso machine.
Fully automated espresso machines are the most recent innovation in the world of espresso makers. They promise the same cup of coffee each time with little effort. They can perform all the steps of making espresso with a single push blog of a button, from grinding the coffee beans, to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a preferred option for cafes that must be able to serve a variety of customers in a short period of time and are looking for ease 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 business, think about purchasing or renting two, one to cover most busy times and the second to handle the slower periods.
Pods
With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks with the click of the button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk that are used to make the beverage. The best espresso pods are sleek, quick and provide very consistent results--shot after shot comes out with a smooth layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a high-quality espresso.
Pod machines might not have the same level control as bean-to-cup models however they're an excellent alternative for those who prefer convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. Although they don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans from a good coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a growing variety of coffees have made these models better than ever.
The type of coffee pods used by these machines differs between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small, paper-covered disks that resemble tea bags and can be inserted into a portafilter to make brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers while others are made specifically for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, while the latter are called are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
If you are shopping for an espresso machine that uses pods, it is essential to look over the manufacturer's recommended list of compatible pods. A lot of these machines come with a variety 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.
Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select, it's essential to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the grinder and brewing mechanisms and regularly descaling them, several pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning functions that minimize hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is a powerful tool that uses high pressure to push water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, particularly the Italians. They used this to create a new variety of coffee 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 push it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This process creates a highly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under two minutes.
All espresso machines function like this, however the specifics of each one differ slightly. Certain machines utilize piston-style designs that requires you to press a lever to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to create the necessary 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 performs, the quality of the ingredients you use is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Then experiment with different grinds and tamping methods to discover the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Choose the right water for your espresso machine. You should use tap water that has 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 help you determine the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you become more comfortable with using your espresso machine at home, it's an excellent idea to purchase other accessories, such as a portafilter and a steel tamper. These items will improve your coffee making techniques and provide you with a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you're able to make at home.