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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home A high-end espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. But how do you decide? There are many aspects to consider from measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping the beans correctly, to obtaining the perfect espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks that need to be done can be automated using semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, fully automated models. Manual If you'd like to be able to make the finest espresso make at home, you'll need to invest in some high-quality equipment. The most crucial component of the system is a well-designed and 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 have boilers at all, and rely instead on hand-pressure for some decent shots. We've tested a few of these and found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best at what it does. You're not getting a bargain machine, but you're getting a piece that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit heavy however that's to be expected given its build. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation piece. Another option that is worth considering is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap but it's an excellent grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee 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 burr set. It's also a bit simpler to operate than some of the other 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 more traditional design and are more easy to use, but they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots. Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping yourself They also come with an electric pump that can provide constant 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 make froth. There are also super-automatics that complete the job for you and have integrated grinders, tampers, the brewing process and more. Semi-Automatic The distinction between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automatic machines comes down to the degree of control you wish to have over the making process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista's ability to create pressure and pull the shot. This can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso with the click of the button. These machines are costly to lease or purchase however they are a great way to save money and time. Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who like to be in control of their coffee making but do not have the time or skills to be 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 forces hot water through the puck with the right pressure. This kind of espresso machine can also allow you to steam milk and make latte art. These types of espresso makers can be costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who don't have the money to buy or rent a fully automated espresso machine. Fully automated espresso machines are the latest invention in the world of espresso makers, and they guarantee an even cup of coffee every time, with minimal effort. The machines can do all the steps required to make espresso with just one touch of a button from grinding the coffee beans, to making the shot and steaming the milk. This is a popular option for cafes who need to be able to serve multiple customers in a short amount of time and are looking for user-friendly. However, these machines can be very expensive and may not be an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, think about buying or renting two, one to cover the peak times and the other to handle the slower periods. Pods Pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks at the press of the button. They make use of disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to brew your beverage. The best espresso pod machines offer consistently good results, are neat and quick, and create shots with a layer of crema. The pod machines might not provide the same level of control as bean-to-cup models, but they are an excellent option for those who value convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. While they won't produce the same flavor as freshly ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and an increasing variety of coffees have made these machines more efficient than ever. The machines make use of various coffee pods, however all have a similar basic design and shape. Most are small disks with paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be put in a portafilter to brew. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are designed for espresso machines. These are referred to as soft pods, while the latter are called are called Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods. When you are looking for a pod-based espresso machine, it is essential to look over the list of recommended by the manufacturer of compatible pods. Many of these machines come with many different flavors, so you can try out different brands and flavors before settling on your preferred. Some brands offer refillable pods to those who want to reuse their old ones. Regardless of which style of coffee machine you choose, it's essential 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 some espresso machines that are based on pods come with built-in self-cleaning features that reduce hassle. Water The espresso machine is a powerful device that makes use of high pressure to force water through finely packed, tightly ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is ideal for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians came up with this idea in the late 1800s and used it to open up an entirely new world of cafe drinks. There are a variety of ways to make espresso but the principle is the same: heat the water to just below boiling, and then push it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water is then poured into the container below the grouphead. This produces a richly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in under 2 minutes. Espresso machines operate in like this, however the details of each differ slightly. Some machines employ a piston design that requires the user to press down on a lever to generate the required pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Other machines use an electric pump to generate the necessary pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper at-home machines rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same result. Whatever way your espresso machine works the quality of the ingredients you use is essential to making a good cup of espresso. 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. Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water that has a moderate level of minerality. The minerals in the water help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will help you determine the mineral content of the water you drink locally. As you get more comfortable with your espresso machine, you should consider purchasing additional equipment, such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These tools will enhance the brewing process and provide you with a sense of pride in the coffee you're able to make at home.