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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home A top-quality espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. How do you pick? There's a lot to think about, from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping properly and obtaining the proper shot of espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks can be automated by semi-automatic machines and, in some cases, fully automatic models. Manual If you want to to make the best espresso at home, you'll require high-quality equipment. The most important component of the system is an espresso maker that has an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. Certain manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, resulting in machines that don't use boilers at all and rely instead on hand-pressure for some pretty decent shots. We've tested a few of them and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best at what it does. It's not cheap but you're getting a piece of coffee machinery that will last for decades and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to back it. It's a bit heavier than average, but that's to be expected given its build. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation piece. Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another worthy candidate. It's not expensive, but it's a great grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's a bit larger than the other grinders we reviewed but that's because it's got an incredibly large burr set and it can handle more than the average burr set can. It's easier to use than the other models we reviewed and comes with a long warranty. There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are easier to use, however they require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots. Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself however they come with an electric pump that gives consistent flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you pour into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics come with steam wands that allow you to make foam. Finally, there are super-automatics which take care of all the work for you and have integrated grinders, tampers, Brew cycles, and more. Semi-Automatic The main difference between semi-automatic 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 apply pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines take care of everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the touch of an button. However this convenience comes at an expense and the machines can be expensive to rent or purchase. Semi-automatic machines are the ideal choice for those who would like to be in control of their coffee brewing, but do not have the time or skills to become a professional barista. This kind of machine eliminates the guesswork of making a shot by grinding the beans, compressing them into a hockey puck shape and then forcing hot water through them at the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This type of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk and make latte arts. These types of espresso makers can be costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who do not have the funds to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated. Fully automated espresso machines guarantee a consistent cup every time, with minimum effort. They take all of the steps needed to make espresso from grinding the beans to pulling a shot and steaming the milk and all of it at the touch of an button. This is a very popular choice for cafes that have to serve many customers in a short time period and want convenience. However, these machines are expensive and may not be an option for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, you should consider renting or buying two. One machine to handle high-volume times, and another one to handle slower periods. Pods Pod coffee machines allow you to make espresso-based drinks at the touch of the button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The best espresso pods are sleek, quick and give consistent results—shot after shot comes out with a creamy layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a top espresso. While pod machines may not provide the same level of control as bean-to-cup models but they're an excellent choice for those who wish to avoid grinding and tamping their own beans, and who prioritize convenience over quality. While advice here won't produce the same flavor as fresh ground beans made with a top-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wider variety of coffees have made these models better than ever before. The type of coffee pods used in these machines varies between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small disks with paper covers 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 specifically made for espresso machines. Soft pods are one of them and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter. It is important to check the list of compatible pods prior buying a machine based on pods. These machines are available in a wide range of flavors and brands, so you can test them out before deciding on the one you like best. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who wish to reuse their old ones. It's important to consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee maker, regardless of the design. Many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling of the brewing mechanism as well as grinder. However some espresso machines that are based on pods come with built-in self-cleaning features that ease the burden. Water The espresso machine is a powerful device that uses high pressure to force water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is ideal for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. The Europeans particularly the Italians came up with this idea in the late 1800s and utilized it to open up an entirely new world of cafe drinks. There are a variety of ways to make espresso but the fundamental principle remains the same: heat the water to a temperature that is just below boiling, then press it through the tightly packed grounds of the portafilter. The water is then poured into the container below the grouphead. This method produces a dense and highly flavorful espresso cup in less than two minutes. All espresso machines work this way, but the details of each differ slightly. Some utilize a piston design that requires the user to press down on an lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar or 116 to 145 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to produce the necessary pressure. Others, including the more affordable home-based machines, rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same effect. The quality of the ingredients is crucial, no matter how the espresso machine is working. Begin with a premium 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 moderate mineral content. Minerals in water can assist you to extract a smooth and balanced cup of espresso while helping to prevent the growth of scale. You can find out about your water's mineral content by reading La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines. As you become more comfortable with your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional equipment such as a portafilter or a steel tamper. These tools will enhance your coffee making techniques and provide you with a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you're able to make at home.