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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home A high-quality espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. How do you select the best machine? There's a lot to consider—from measuring and grinding your own beans, to pressing and tamping properly and obtaining the proper shot of espresso. Many of the tasks can be automated with semi-automatic, and sometimes fully automatic machines. Manual You'll need top quality equipment if you want to make the finest espresso at home. The most crucial element of the system is an espresso maker with an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. This is where a few manufactures have really stripped it down, producing machines that don't even have boilers, instead relying on hand pressure to make pretty decent shots. We've tried a few and concluded that the Lelit Bambino Plus is one of the top. It's not a cheap machine, but you're getting a piece that will last for decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a little heavier than average, but that's expected considering its construction. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic design that's sure be a conversation piece. Another option that is worth considering is Breville's Smart Grinder EK835. It's not inexpensive however it's a fantastic grinder that will allow you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we've looked at and it's due to its larger burrs as well as the fact that it can handle more than a standard burr set. It's more user-friendly than the other models we tested and comes with a dependable warranty. There are four types that are available: Manual/Lever (also known as Automatic) Semi-Automatic (also called Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are easier to use, however they require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots. Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping by yourself but they also have an electric pump that gives the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you'd like in your cup, by stopping the coffee brewing. A majority of semi-automatics include steam wands to make foam. There are also super-automatics that do all the work for you and have built-in grinders, tampers and brew cycles and more. Semi-Automatic The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is the degree of control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to push the button and pull the shot which can be tiring and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. These machines are expensive to buy or rent however they are a great way to save money and time. A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who want to control their coffee making but don't have time or the skills to become a barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot of espresso by grinding the beans, compressing them into the shape of a hockey puck and then forcing hot water through them at just the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This kind of espresso machine can also allow you to steam milk and make Latte art. These types of espresso machines can be costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent option for those without the money to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated. Fully automated espresso machines ensure an exact cup every time, with minimal effort. The machines can do 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 popular choice for cafes that have to serve many customers in a short period and want simplicity of use. However these machines can be expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, consider buying or renting two to cover the high-volume times and the other to cover the slower times. Pods With pod coffee machines, you can make espresso drinks with the push of one button. The capsules are pre-ground coffee and powdered milk which is used to make the beverage. The top espresso pod machines are simple, sleek, and offer very reliable results. Every shot is topped with a smooth layer of crema, which is the signature of a top-quality espresso. While pod machines won't provide the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do but they're an excellent option for those who prefer to do away with grinding and tapping their own beans and who value convenience over quality. While they won't produce the same flavor as fresh ground beans brewed with a high-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wider number of coffee types have made these machines more efficient than ever before. Coffeee of coffee pods utilized by these machines differs between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. The majority are paper-covered disks that look like tea bags and can be inserted 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 former and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter. If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine, it is essential to look over the list of recommended by the manufacturer of compatible pods. These machines are available in a wide range of flavors and brands, so you can test them before settling on the one you prefer. Some brands offer refillable pods for those who wish to reuse their old pods. It is crucial to think about the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the design. While many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the brewing mechanism and grinder, and descaling regularly some pod-based espresso machines are equipped with self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle. Water The espresso machine is an extremely powerful tool, which makes use of high pressure to push coffee that has been finely ground through a tightly packed container. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is the perfect ingredient for cappuccinos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians discovered this in the latter part of 1800 and used it to open a whole new world of cafe drinks. There are many different ways to make a cup of espresso, but the basic principle is to heat the water until it is just below the point of boiling, then press it through the tightly packed grounds in a portafilter which is then poured into a container that is below the group head. This process creates a highly delicious, rich cup of espresso in less than two minutes. All espresso machines function in the same way, however their details vary slightly. Some utilize piston designs that require you to press down the lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar or 116 to 145 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to produce the necessary pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result. The quality of the ingredients is crucial, no matter how the espresso machine is working. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso bean. Then experiment with different grinds and tamping methods to find the ideal recipe for your espresso machine at home. Choose the right water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water with a moderate level of minerality. Minerals in water can help extract a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, while also preventing the buildup of scale. You can find out about your water's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines. As you get more comfortable with your espresso maker at home, it's a good idea to invest in some additional equipment, such as a portafilter and a steel tamper. These tools will enhance the brewing process and will give you a sense of pride in the coffee you're able to make at home.