Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The most effective espresso machines are easy to use, clean and produce balanced shots. What are the steps to choose the best espresso machine for your home?
This Breville model is perfect for those who don't want to learn barista techniques, but still want great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines use an electric pump to deliver the force needed for espresso brewing. Coffeee either accept water from a mains supply, which is common in commercial installations or a reservoir which has to be filled manually (common with smaller and household commercial espresso machines). The pumps used are often solenoid-piston designs that can create high pressure. Certain espresso machines with pumps have a fixed flow control, while others allow you to alter the pre-infusion or the brewing pressure.
The most popular type of machine, they are a great option for those looking to make high-quality coffee quickly and consistently. They are simpler to clean and maintain than other types, but they require electricity and space near an outlet.
There are two types of basic: semi-automatics and super-automatics. Semi-automatics let you control the length of time that the shot is pulled by using either a manual switch or a feature that can be programmed. You can also control the grind setting, and tamp down the coffee. Certain semi-automatics are rotary while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter however, they require a constant flow pressurized liquid.
A vibrating pump can start off quiet but can eventually sound like a scream once the machine is supplied with water. Both types have their pros and cons, and you should choose the one that fits your lifestyle best.
Pump-driven machines are available in a range of sizes and price ranges. The most expensive models are usually super-automatic, and come with multiple boilers to separate the water used to steam and brew. These models have heat exchangers that can be set to different temperatures to allow for an array of flavors. This extra feature makes them an ideal choice for busy baristas at home however, it can raise the cost. Semi-automatics can be a good middle ground. They can be affordable, but they don't offer the same consistency and versatility of other alternatives.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines use a simple system to produce a powerful espresso. In an airtight container, hot water is heated to create pressure that is then transferred to the coffee grounds. This is similar to what happens inside the stovetop moka kettle and these machines are still popular today due to their low cost and small size. However, these models do not have the ability to achieve the 9 bar pressure required for true espresso. These models are ideal for those who are just beginning making espresso at home or those who don't worry about making the perfect espresso.
A very early example of a steam-driven device is the 1878 compensation siphon balancing machine created by German engineer H. Eicke. Steam is produced by this machine, which pushes boiling beans through an aerator. The water is then depressurized with heat from an open flame. This process produces a powerful shot, but doesn't meet the high standards of consistency that many espresso drinkers like.
The next step forward was Luigi Bezzera's 1901 patent improvements. The design of his invention allowed him to reduce the temperature in the boiler. This allows for a more stable temperature and pressure control. Bezzera also had an engine-driven device that helped make the machine semi-automatic. The only issue was that it required the barista time to grind, measure and tamp the beans manually.
This led to the creation of a pump-driven espresso machine. In contrast to the steam-driven machines of the past, which were heated with an open flame, the new kind of machine is equipped with an electric pump capable of producing the high levels of pressure required to make espresso. These machines can either accept water directly from a cold water line, which is common in commercial establishments or they can utilize a separate tank that is filled with water manually.
These machines also feature two temperature settings controlled by a push button. One of these buttons turns on the temperature of the brew, while the second switches on the steam temperature. This type of machine is more accurate than older steam-driven machines and can make consistent shots for only a fraction of the price of the more expensive models.
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic machines are a great choice for those who want to brew their espresso quickly and efficiently. It removes the need for barista-level training by automatizing the grinding, extraction, and tamping processes to provide consistent results. However, it can't take care of everything for you: You still need to grind the beans and tamp them in the portafilter prior to the water is pushed through them.
Many coffee lovers, both professional and amateur prefer semi-automatic machines for this reason, as they enjoy being more involved in the process of making coffee. They are also less expensive than fully-automatic counterparts and are generally more reliable.
These espresso machines are often found in shops that are not specialty and in the homes of casual coffee drinkers who are willing pay more for convenience. Dual boilers allow steam and brewing to remain separate. One is used for heating, while the other is used to make your favorite beverage. Some even have a built-in grinder that can be a big time-saver for the user.
The espresso grinder that comes with the machine is often limited in its settings, which can be frustrating for those who wish to alter the process of making their own espresso. The best solution is to combine a semi-automatic espresso maker with an external grinder to get complete control over the size of the grind and the amount.
If you're looking for an espresso machine semiautomatic make sure you choose one with the lowest noise, a high-quality electric pump, and a PID temperature control that can provide precise temperature control. The PID controller is a piece of technology typically used in immersion circulators as well as high-end toaster ovens and helps stabilize a brewing kettle by measuring the temperature variations during the heating process.
Furthermore, a high-quality semi-automatic machine needs to have a sufficient steam wand to produce microfoam and be able to switch between steaming and brewing modes with ease (if it does not have dual boilers). A semi-automatic model with all of these features could be an excellent option for those who don't wish to learn how to make cafe-quality drinks however still want to play around.
Manual
Manual espresso machines are operated by levers which push the coffee grounds through a bed. This results in extremely concentrated shots. They are generally less expensive than their semi-automatic or fully automated counterparts, making them popular among discerning coffee lovers.
Manual espresso machines require greater attention and skill from the operator in order to maximize their capabilities. Making the right choice in a grinder, ensuring that the brew ratio is in order and knowing how to dose and make sure your grounds are tamping properly are some of the things you'll need know before using a manual espresso machine.
While some find the process of learning a manual machine 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 have the right tools and the patience to learn the basics, a manual espresso maker will give you the best espresso experience.
In recent years, hand-operated espresso machines have seen a rise in both design and function, with more sophisticated features such as digital pressure gauges that let users monitor the pressure during extraction. Charles, who works for Flair Espresso, says that the machines can be paired with Bluetooth devices to create graphs of flow rates. This allows users to understand how changing variables during extraction can affect the final outcome.
There are two types of manual espresso machine that are direct and spring-piston. Direct levers are equipped with a spring in their group heads to help increase the pressure when the brewing process. They're more expensive than spring-assisted units, however, they are still easier to use.
Springs piston machines have only the steam valve within their group head. They are simpler to use however they do not provide as much control over the making process. Choosing the right type of machine will come down to personal preference and your budget. Whatever you decide to go with the manual espresso machine will need a few essential accessories, including a kettle, a coffee grinder and a portafilter equipped with the option of removing a dispersion filter made of metal.