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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home A high-quality espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. But how do you choose? There are many things to consider from measuring and grinding your beans to pressing and tamping the beans properly to getting a good shot of espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated with semi-automatic machines and, in certain cases, fully automatic models. Manual You'll need some quality equipment if you wish to make the best possible espresso at home. The most crucial component of the system is a well-designed, high-quality espresso maker that is able to handle pressure. This is where a few manufacturers have taken it down, producing machines that don't even have boilers but instead rely on hand-pressure to create decent shots. We've tried a few and found that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the best. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you're receiving a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit heavy however, which is to be expected considering its construction. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation piece. Another good option is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap but it's very effective in what it does, and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we've examined and it's due to its larger burrs and the fact that it's able to handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's a little easier to use than 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 the oldest and have the most familiar design however, they are the most difficult to learn how to use and require more expertise to dial in and pull shots. Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping yourself however they come with an electric pump that gives constant 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 froth. Finally, there are super-automatics which take care of all the work for you, with built-in grinders, tampers, the brewing process and much more. Semi-Automatic The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is the degree of control you desire over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to exert pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the touch of the button. However this convenience comes with a price and these machines can be expensive to purchase or rent. Semi-automatic machines are the best option for those who would like to be in control of the coffee they make, but do not have the time or skills to become a professional barista. This type of machine removes 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 type of espresso machine also gives you the option to steam milk and make Latte art. These types of espresso makers can be costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who don't have the budget to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable alternative. Fully automatic espresso machines are the most recent technology in espresso makers and they promise an even cup of coffee each time with minimal work. They can perform all the steps required to make espresso with a single push of a switch from grinding the coffee beans, to pulling the shot and 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. espresso machines for home are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully-automatic espresso machine for your cafe, think about renting or buying two. One machine to handle high-volume times, and the second one to handle slower periods. Pods With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks at the touch of the button. The capsules contain pre-ground coffee and powdered milk which is used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pods are quick, neat and provide very consistent results—shot after shot will be crowned with a smooth layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a high-quality espresso. Although pod machines might not give you the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do however they are an excellent option for those who prefer to avoid grinding and tapping their own beans, and who prefer convenience over quality. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans made from a quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wide selection of coffee varieties make these machines more efficient than ever before. The machines make use of a variety of coffee pods, however all have a similar basic design and shape. The majority are covered in paper, they are similar to tea bags that can be inserted into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines, while others are specifically made for espresso machines. Soft pods are the former, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter. If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine it is important to check the recommended list of compatible pods. They are available in a variety of flavors and brands, so you can test them out before deciding on your favorite. Some brands sell refillable pods for those who want to reuse their old pods. It's important to consider the cleaning and maintenance needs of your coffee machine regardless of the design. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features that ease the burden. Water The espresso machine is a powerful tool that makes use of high pressure to push water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. 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 many different ways to make a cup espresso, but the fundamental idea is to warm water until just below boiling and then press it through the tightly packed grounds in a portafilter which is then poured into an insulated container beneath the group head. This produces a richly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in less than 2 minutes. All espresso machines work this way, but the specifics of each differ slightly. Some utilize piston designs that require you to press down an lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Certain machines utilize an electrical pump to generate pressure. Some, including the low-cost at-home devices rely on heated water and high temperatures to produce the similar effect. The quality of the ingredients is crucial, no matter how well your espresso machine works. Begin with a high-quality dark roast espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping techniques to find the best recipe for your home espresso machine. Finally, use the right water in your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water that has a moderate level of minerality. The minerals in the water will help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also stopping the buildup of scale. You can learn about your water's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's coffee water download guidelines. As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, you should consider purchasing additional equipment, such as portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These items will aid in improving your brewing skills while developing confidence in the high-quality coffee that you can now make at home.