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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home With a high-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your home-brewed coffee to a whole new level. But how do you decide? There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping correctly, to pulling the right shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks can be automated using semi-automatic equipment and, in some cases, fully automatic models. Manual If you want to to make the finest espresso make at home, then you'll need to invest in some high-quality equipment. The most crucial component of the system is a well-designed and quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. This is where a handful of manufactures have really stripped the system down to make machines that don't use boilers but instead rely on hand-pressure to produce some decent shots. We've tested a variety of them and have concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not cheap, but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for decades and comes with 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. It's a bit heavier than the average, but that's to be expected considering its construction. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic design that's sure be a conversation-starter. Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a worthy candidate. It's not cheap but it does a great job in what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we looked at, but that's because it's got the largest burr set and it can handle more than the average burr set could. It's a bit easier to use than the other models we examined and is backed by a solid warranty. There are four kinds: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also called Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are more easy to use, but they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots. Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping by yourself however they come with an electric pump that can provide consistent flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you want in your coffee by stopping the making. The majority of semi-automatics have steam wands that can create foam. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, with 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 degree of control you wish to have over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista to create pressure and pull the shot. This can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso at the touch of a single button. However this convenience comes at an expense and the machines can be expensive to rent or purchase. Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who would like to be in control of their coffee brewing, but do not have the time or expertise to become a professional barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of making shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck at the right pressure. This kind of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk and make the latte art. These types of espresso makers are costly and require a higher maintenance level than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who don't have the funds to purchase or lease a fully automated espresso machine. Fully automatic espresso machines promise an exact cup every time, and require minimal effort. They can perform all the steps of making espresso with just one touch of a switch that includes grinding the coffee beans, to pulling the shot and steaming the milk. This is a very popular choice for cafes that need to serve many customers in a brief period and want simplicity of use. However they can be very expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, think about hiring or purchasing two. One to cover high-volume times, and the second one to handle slower periods. Pods The pod coffee machines allow you to prepare espresso-based drinks at the touch of a button. They make use of disposable coffee capsules that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to make your beverage. The best espresso pod machines are simple, sleek, and offer very consistently good results. Each shot will be crowned with a creamy layer of crema that is the signature of a high-quality espresso. The pod machines might not provide the same level control as bean-to-cup models however they are an excellent alternative for those who value convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. Although they don't provide the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee varieties make these machines more efficient than ever. The kind of coffee pods used in the machines varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. The majority of them are small disks that have papers that resemble tea bags. They can be put into a portafilter to make a brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are designed for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter. When shopping for an espresso machine that uses pods, it is essential to look over the recommended list of compatible pods. A lot of these machines come with several options of pods, which means you can test out different flavors and brands before you decide on your preferred. Some brands sell refillable pods to those who want to reuse their old ones. Whatever type of coffee maker you pick it is important to think about cleaning and maintenance requirements. Coffeee of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However some espresso machines that are based on pods have built-in self-cleaning capabilities which reduce the hassle. Water The espresso machine is a powerful device that makes use of high pressure to push water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is perfect to make lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The Europeans particularly the Italians discovered this in the latter part of 1800 and used it to create an entirely new world of cafe drinks. There are several different ways to make a cup of espresso, but the fundamental principle is to heat the water until it is just below boiling and then press it through tightly packed grounds in a portafilter which then flows into a container below the group head. This process produces a thick, highly flavored cup of espresso in just two minutes. All espresso machines operate in the same manner, but their specifics differ. Some utilize a piston design that requires the user to press down on the lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Some machines use an electrical pump to generate pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper at-home machines rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same result. The quality of the ingredients is important regardless of how your espresso machine performs. Begin with a high-quality, dark roast espresso bean. Then experiment with different grinds and tamping methods to find the ideal recipe for your espresso machine at home. Finally, use the right water in your espresso maker. Ideally you should choose tap water with moderate levels of mineral content. The minerals in the water will help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee as well as stopping 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 become more familiar with your espresso maker at home It's an excellent idea to invest in some other accessories, such as an espresso portafilter or a stainless steel tamper. These items will aid in improving your coffee-making skills and develop a sense of pride in the high-quality coffee that you can now produce at home.