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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home With a high-quality espresso maker, you can take your home-brewed coffee to a new level. How do you choose the right machine? There are many things to consider from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping your beans correctly to pulling an espresso shot that is perfect. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated with semi-automatic machines and, in some cases, even fully automatic models. Manual You'll need some quality equipment if you want to make the highest quality espresso at home. The most important component of the system is a well-designed, quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, creating machines that don't use boilers at all and rely on hand pressure to make some decent shots. We've tested a variety of them and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for decades and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to back it. It's a little on the heavy side but that's to be expected given its build. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to stir conversations. Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another worthy candidate. It's not cheap but it's very effective at what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's bigger than the other grinders that we've reviewed, but it's because of its larger burrs and fact that it can handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's a little easier to operate than some of the other grinders we reviewed 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 provide an easier design, but they are the hardest to master and require more experience to dial in and pull shots. Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself but they also have an electric pump that gives the same flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics come with a steam wand that allows you to create foam. Additionally, there are super-automatics that can do all the work for you and have built-in grinders, tampers and Brew cycles, and much more. Semi-Automatic The distinction between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines is how much control you want over the making process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to push the button and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso at the push of the button. However, this convenience comes at a price and these machines can be expensive to buy or rent. A semi-automatic machine is a great alternative for those looking to have some control over their coffee making but don't have time or skill level to be barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork of making a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, compresses them, and then forces hot water through the puck at the perfect amount of pressure. This kind of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk, and then make the latte art. These machines are more costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who do not have the money to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated. Fully automated espresso machines ensure a consistent cup every time, and require minimal effort. They can handle all the steps involved in making espresso from grinding the beans to pulling a shot and steaming milk, and do it all at the touch of a button. This is a popular choice for cafes that need to be able serve multiple customers in a short period of time and require simplicity of use. However they can be expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you are interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, consider buying or renting two, one to cover the most busy times and the second to handle the slower periods. Pods Pod coffee machines permit you to create espresso-based drinks at the push of the button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk which is used to make the beverage. The top espresso pod machines have consistently good results, are neat and quick, and produce shots that have a layer of crema. While pod machines may not give you the same level of control as bean-to-cup models, they are still an excellent choice for those who prefer to avoid grinding and tapping their own beans and who prioritize convenience over quality. While they won't produce the same flavor as fresh ground beans from a good coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wider variety of coffees have made these models better than ever before. The type of coffee pods used in these machines varies between manufacturers, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small disks with papers that resemble tea bags. Coffeee can be put in a portafilter to brew. Some are designed for use with drip coffee makers, while others are designed specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are one of them and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter. If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine, it is crucial to review the recommended list of compatible pods. A lot of these machines have several options of flavors, so you can test out different brands and flavors before settling on your preferred. Some brands also offer refillable pods for people who want to reuse their old ones. Regardless of which style of coffee machine you select it's important to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However certain pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions which reduce the hassle. Water The espresso machine is a powerful device that makes use of high pressure to force water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is ideal for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the late 1800s, particularly the Italians. They used this to create a brand new range of café drinks. There are many ways to make espresso but the principle is the same: heat the water to a temperature that is just below boiling, then press it through the densely packed grounds of a portafilter. The water is then poured into the container below the grouphead. This process produces a thick and highly flavorful cup of espresso in just 2 minutes. All espresso machines function like this, however the specifics of each differ slightly. Some use piston designs that require you to press down the lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Other machines utilize an electric pump to generate the necessary pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home models, rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result. The quality of the ingredients is important, no matter how your espresso machine performs. Start with a top-quality, dark-roasted espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping techniques to discover the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine. Choose the right water for your espresso machine. Ideally, you should use tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can help you get a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while helping to prevent the growth of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that can aid you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally. As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, consider purchasing additional equipment, such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These items can help you improve your brewing skills while developing an appreciation for the top-quality coffee you can now produce at home.