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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. How do you pick? There are a myriad of things to think about, from measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping your beans correctly to pulling a good shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks that need to be done can be automated with semi-automatic machines, and in certain cases, fully automatic models. Manual If you'd like to be able to make the best espresso you can make at home, then you'll need to invest in some top equipment. The most essential element of the system is an espresso maker that has a good design that can handle pressure. This is where a few manufactures have really stripped the system down to make machines that don't even use boilers but instead rely on hand pressure to make pretty decent shots. We've tested a variety of them and 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 service and support to stand behind it. It's not the most lightweight however, which is to be expected considering its build. It's got a retro-futuristic design that is sure to stir conversations. Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another worthy candidate. It's not inexpensive, but it does a great job in what it does, and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we reviewed however that's because it has a much larger burr set and it can handle more than a standard burr set can. It's also a bit simpler to operate than some of the other models we examined 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 have a more traditional design and are easier to use, but require more skill and understanding to dial in and pull shots. Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping by yourself but they have an electric pump that gives constant flow and pressure. You can adjust how much espresso you want in your cup, by stopping the coffee brewing. The majority of semi-automatics have steam wands to make froth. Additionally, there are super-automatics which do all the work for you and have built-in grinders, tampers, brew cycles and more. Semi-Automatic The distinction between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automated machines comes down to how much control you want over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to push the button and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso at the touch of the button. However this convenience comes with a price and these machines can be expensive to buy or rent. Semi-automatic machines are the best choice for those who would like to be in control of the coffee they make, but do not have the time or expertise to become a professional barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from brewing shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, then compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck at the perfect amount of pressure. This type of espresso machine also allows you to steam milk, and then make latte art. They are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good alternative for those who do not have the funds to purchase or lease a fully automated espresso machine. Fully automated espresso machines ensure a consistent cup every time, with minimum effort. They handle all the steps needed to make espresso from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk, and do it all with just one push of the button. This is a popular option for cafes that have to serve a large number of customers in a short period and want ease of use. These machines are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're considering an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, think about purchasing or renting two. One to cover the peak times, and another one for slower times. Pods With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks with the click of one button. They use disposable coffee capsules that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The top espresso pod machines are simple, sleek and provide very reliable results. Every shot will be crowned with a smooth layer of crema, which is the signature of a top espresso. Pod machines may not offer the same level control as bean to cup models however they are an excellent alternative for people who prefer convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. While they may not have the same flavor as freshly ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a growing variety of coffees have made these machines better than ever. The type of coffee pods used by these machines varies between manufacturers, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. Most are small, paper-covered disks that resemble tea bags and can be put into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers while others are made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are the first and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter. 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. Coffeee of these machines come with several options, so you can try out different brands and flavors before settling on your preferred. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old pods. It's important to consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the design. Many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning features which reduce the hassle. Water The espresso machine is a powerful device that makes use of high pressure to force water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is perfect for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the latter part of the 1800s, specifically the Italians. They made use of this to create a new range of café drinks. There are a variety of methods to make espresso, but the principle is the same heating the water to just below boiling, and then push it through the tightly packed grounds of the portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This process produces a thick, highly flavored cup of espresso in just two minutes. Espresso machines work the same way, however their specifics differ. Certain machines utilize piston-style designs that requires you to press a lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Certain machines utilize an electrical pump to generate pressure. Other machines, especially the less expensive at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result. The quality of the ingredients is crucial regardless of how the espresso machine is working. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Then experiment with different grinds and tamping techniques to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine. Choose the right water for your espresso maker. Ideally you should choose tap water with a moderate level of minerality. The minerals in the water help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee while also preventing scale buildup. You can learn about your local water supply's mineral content by referring to La Marzocco's coffee water download guidelines. As you become more comfortable with using your espresso machine at home, it's an excellent idea to purchase additional accessories, like a portafilter and a steel tamper. These items will improve the brewing process and will give you a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're now able to make at home.