Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The top espresso machines are simple to use, simple to clean, and able to create powerful and balanced shots. What are the steps to choose the most efficient espresso machine for your home?
This Breville model is perfect for those who don't want to learn barista skills, but still want to enjoy great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines make use of an electric pump to provide the force needed to make espresso. These machines either accept water directly from the mains, as is common in commercial installations, or they have a reservoir which must be filled manually (common for household espresso machines and smaller commercial espresso machine). The pumps that are used are usually solenoid-piston types that can generate high pressure. Some pump-driven espresso machines have a fixed flow control while others let you adjust the pre-infusion and/or brewing pressure.
The most well-known type of machine, these are a good choice for anyone who wants to make coffee of high quality quickly and consistently. They are also simpler to clean and maintain than other types of equipment, but do require some electrical power and space near an outlet.
There are two basic types: semi-automatics and super-automatics. Semi-automatics allow you to control the length of time that the shot is pulled by using either a manual switch or a feature that can be programmed. In addition, you can adjust the grind setting and make sure that the coffee is tamper-proof. Some semi-automatics are rotary, while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter, but they require a constant flow pressurized liquid.
In contrast, a vibrating pump begins very quietly but can eventually sound like a scream once the machine has to be supplied with water. Both types have pros and cons and you should pick one that best suits your needs.
Pump-driven machines also come in a variety of sizes and price. The most expensive machines are typically super-automatic and come with multiple boilers that separate the water used for brewing and steaming. The heat exchangers in these machines can be set to different temperatures, allowing for some variation in the flavor of the espresso. This is a great feature for the busy barista at home, but it can increase the cost of their products. Semi-automatics can be a good middle ground. They can be affordable however they don't have the same quality and flexibility of other alternatives.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines employ an easy system to make an espresso that is powerful. Within an airtight tank, hot water is steamed to create pressure which is transferred into the coffee grounds to make espresso. espresso machine coffee is similar to what happens inside the stovetop moka pot, and these machines are still being used for their value and compact size. These machines aren't capable of reaching the 9 bars of pressure required for true espresso. This makes them best for those who are just getting started with homebrewing or don't have a problem about making the perfect espresso.
One of the earliest examples of a steam-driven machine is the 1878 compensation siphon balancing machine designed by German engineer H. Eicke. The steam produced by this device pushes boiling water through a filter made of ground beans. It is then depressurized by heat of an open flame spirit burner. This produces a strong shot, but it doesn't meet the high standard of consistency that many coffee lovers prefer.
Luigi Bezzera patented improvements in 1901, which led to the next breakthrough. His invention allowed him to lower the temperature of the boiler. This enables more stable temperature and pressure control. Bezzera also included the piston-based device, which helped to make this machine semi-automatic. The only problem was that it required the barista time to grind, measure and tamp the beans manually.
This led to the creation of the pump-driven espresso machine. This type of espresso machine, in contrast to the steam-driven models of the past, which were heated by an open flame, features an electric pump capable of producing high levels of pressure needed to make espresso. The machines can take water directly from an existing cold water line common in commercial installations or use a separate tank that is filled with water manually.
They also come with two temperature settings that can be controlled by one button. One button activates the brew thermostat while the other switches on the steam thermostat. This kind of machine is more accurate than older steam-driven models and can provide consistent shots at a fraction of the cost of the more expensive models.
Semi-automatic
For those who are looking for an easy way to brew espresso with less hassle the semi-automatic machine is the answer. It removes the need for barista-level instruction by automating the grinding, tamping and extraction process to ensure consistent results. It does not complete all the work for you. You still need to grind the beans, then tamp them down in the portafilter, and then push the water through.
This is why many coffee drinkers choose semi-automatic machines, since they feel the satisfaction of having more control throughout the process of brewing. They also come with an affordable price compared to their fully automated counterparts, and they are also known to be more reliable, too.
These espresso machines are commonly located in non-specialty coffee shops and at home of casual coffee drinkers who are willing to spend more money to enjoy convenience. They come with dual boilers to ensure that the brewing water and steam are kept separate, while one is heating while the other is being used to make your beverage of choice. Some models have a built in grinder which can save the user a lot of time.
However the built-in grinder usually has a limited number of settings that can be quite frustrating for those than interested in playing around with the process of making espresso to create their own personal preferences. The best solution is to pair a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to get full control over the grind size and the amount.
If you're interested in an espresso machine semiautomatic make sure you choose one with the lowest noise, a high-quality electric pump, and a temperature controller that permits precise temperature control. The PID controller is an element of technology that's typically found in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens and helps stabilize a brewing boiler by monitoring the temperature changes throughout the heating process.
A decent semi-automatic espresso maker will also have an efficient steam wand to produce microfoam, as well as the ability to switch between brewing and steaming modes quickly (if it doesn't have dual boilers). A semi-automatic machine that has all of these features is an ideal choice for those who don't want to learn how to make cafe-quality drinks however, they nonetheless want to play.
Manual
Manual espresso machines are operated by levers that push coffee grounds pressurized through the bed. This results in highly concentrated shots. They are generally cheaper than their semi-automatic and fully automatic counterparts, making them popular for those who appreciate a fine cup of coffee.
In contrast to automated espresso machines that are designed with ease-of-use in mind, manual espresso makers require more skill and focus from the operator in order to make the most of their potential. Making the right choice in a grinder, making sure that the brew ratio is correct and knowing how to properly dose and make sure your grounds are tamping properly are some of the things you'll need to be aware of before using a manual espresso machine.
While some people find the learning curve of the manual espresso machine to be difficult and frustrating but those with the right knowledge can make it worth the effort. The expert barista at CHOICE, Adrian Lini, says that if you've got the right tools and the patience to learn, a manual espresso maker can give you the best espresso experience.
In recent years, hand-operated espresso machines have grown in both form and function, with more sophisticated features such as digital pressure gauges that allow users to track the pressure of extraction. Charles, who is employed at Flair Espresso, explains that these machines can also be connected with Bluetooth devices to digitally draw graphs of flow rate to help users to understand how varying variables during extraction could affect the overall result.
There are two types of manual espresso machines including spring piston and direct. Direct levers have springs in their group heads that helps to increase the pressure when making coffee. They're more expensive than spring-assisted units, but can still be easier to operate.
Springs piston machines On the other hand, have nothing in their group heads other than the steam valve. They are more user-friendly however they do not provide as much control over the making process. The best type of machine is based on your preferences and your budget. Whatever you decide to go with, the manual espresso machine will require a few basic equipment, such as a kettle, a coffee grinder, and a portafilter with a removable metal dispersion screen.