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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home With a top-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your coffee-making experience at home to a new level. But how do you choose? There's plenty to consider, from measuring and grinding your own beans to tamping and pressing properly and obtaining the proper espresso shot. Fortunately, many of the tasks involved can be automated with semi-automatic equipment and, in certain cases, fully automatic models. Manual You'll need some quality equipment to make the finest espresso at home. The most important part of the system is a well-designed, quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to a bare minimum, making machines that don't use boilers and rely on hand-pressure to get some decent shots. We've tried a few of them and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best at what it does. It's not cheap, but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for years and comes with 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. It's on the heavy side but that's to be expected due to its build. It has a retro-futuristic look that will surely spark conversation. Another good option is the Breville Smart Grinder EK835. It's not cheap however it's a fantastic grinder that allows you to grind your own coffee beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we reviewed but that's due to the fact that it has a much larger burr set and it can handle more than a standard burr set could. It's a little easier to use than the other grinders we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty. There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes known as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the oldest and have the most familiar design but they are also the most difficult to learn how to use and require more expertise 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 can provide the same flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process and most semi-automatics have a steam wand that allows you to make foam. Super-automatics are the ultimate in convenience, and come with grinders and tampers, as well as brew cycles. Semi-Automatic The difference between semiautomatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is how much control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to exert pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso with the press of a single button. However this convenience comes at a price and these machines can be expensive to purchase or rent. Semi-automatic machines are the best choice for those who would like to have some control of their coffee making but do not have the time or skills to become a professional barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork from brewing a shot. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck with the perfect amount of pressure. This type of espresso maker also lets you to steam milk or create latte art. These types of espresso makers are costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However for mini espresso machine who don't have the money to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable solution. Fully automatic espresso machines are the newest technology in espresso makers and they promise the same cup of coffee every time, with minimal effort. The machines can do all the steps of making espresso with just one touch of a button, from grinding the coffee beans, to pulling the shot and steaming the milk. This is a very popular choice for cafes who need to serve many customers in a short time period and need convenience. However, these machines can be very expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your cafe, consider renting or buying two. One machine to handle peak times, and another one to manage slower times. Pods The pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks with just the push of a button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk that is used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pod machines have reliable results, are sleek and quick, and produce shots with a layer of crema. The pod machines might not provide the same level control like bean-to-cup machines, but they are an excellent alternative for those who value convenience over quality and want to avoid grinding and tamping beans by themselves. While they may not have the same flavor as freshly ground beans from a good coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and a growing variety of coffees have made these machines more efficient than ever. The kind of coffee pods used by these machines differs between manufacturers however they usually have the same basic shape and design. The majority are paper-covered disks that resemble tea bags that can be placed into a portafilter to brew. Some are specifically designed to work with drip coffee makers, while others are designed specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are the first, and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter. When shopping for a pod-based espresso machine, it is important to check the recommended list of compatible pods. A lot of these machines come with a variety, so you can try out different flavors and brands before buying your preferred. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who want to reuse their old ones. 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, rinsing the brewing mechanism and grinder and regularly descaling them some pod-based espresso machines are equipped with self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle. Water The espresso machine is a powerful device that uses high pressure to push water through finely packed, tightly ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is perfect to make lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the late 1800s, specifically the Italians. They made use of this to create a brand new collection of coffee drinks. There are a variety of ways to make a cup of espresso, but the main idea is to heat water to just below boiling and then press it through a tightly packed coffee grounds in a portafilter, that is then transferred to a container below the group head. This produces a richly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in just 2 minutes. All espresso machines operate in the same way, however their specifications differ slightly. Some machines employ piston-style designs, which requires you to press a lever in order to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars or 116 to 150 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to generate the necessary pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper home-based machines, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same result. The quality of the ingredients is vital, no matter how well your espresso machine works. Start with a top-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Explore different grinds and tamping strategies to find the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine. Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso machine. Ideally you should choose tap water that has 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 local water supply's mineral content by reading La Marzocco's downloadable coffee water guidelines. As you become more comfortable using your espresso machine, it's worth investing in additional accessories like portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will help improve your brewing techniques and provide you with a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you can now make at home.