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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home A high-end espresso machine can elevate your home's coffee-making to the next level. But how do you choose? There's a lot to consider—from measuring and grinding your own beans, to tamping and pressing properly and obtaining the proper espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated by semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automatic models. Manual If you'd like to be able to make the best espresso make at home, then you'll need to invest in some top equipment. The most crucial component of the system is an espresso maker with an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped the system to a bare minimum, resulting in machines that don't require boilers at all, and rely on hand-pressure to get some pretty decent shots. We've tested a few of them and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in its field. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you're receiving a machine that will last decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its construction. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation piece. Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another good choice. It's not cheap but it does a great job at what it does and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's bigger than other grinders we've looked at, but it's because of its larger burrs and the fact that it's able to handle more than a standard set of burrs. It's easier to use than some of the models we looked at and comes with a long warranty. There are four kinds of levers: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the oldest and have a more familiar design, however, they are the most difficult to master and require more experience to dial in and pull shots. Semi-automatics let you perform the grinding and tamping yourself however they come with an electric pump that can provide consistent flow and pressure. You can adjust the amount of espresso that you put into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and the majority of semi-automatics come with steam wands that allow 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 semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automatic machines comes down to the amount of control you desire over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista to create pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can make professional-quality espresso with the press of a button. However, this convenience comes at cost and these machines can be costly to purchase or rent. A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who wish to control their coffee making but don't have the time or skill level to be barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork from brewing shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey puck shape, compresses them and then pushes hot water through the puck with the right pressure. This kind of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk and create Latte art. These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However for those who don't have the money to purchase or lease a fully automatic espresso machine, semi-automatic espresso makers are an affordable alternative. Fully automated espresso machines are the most recent innovation in the world of espresso makers and they promise the same cup of coffee each time with little effort. They handle all the steps involved in making espresso from grinding the beans to pulling a shot and steaming the milk and all this by pressing an button. This is a preferred option for cafes that must be able to serve multiple customers in a short period of time and are looking for user-friendly. However they can be very expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, consider purchasing or renting two to cover the high-volume times and the other to manage the slower times. Pods Pod coffee machines allow you to create espresso-based drinks with the touch of the button. They make use of disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to brew your beverage. The best espresso pods are simple, sleek and provide very consistently good results. Each shot comes out with a smooth layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a top espresso. While pod machines won't provide the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do but they're a great option for those who wish to avoid grinding and tamping their own beans, and who value convenience over quality. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from a quality coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee types make these machines more efficient than ever before. The kind of coffee pods used in these machines differs between manufacturers, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small, covered in paper, they look like tea bags that can be put into a portafilter to make brewing. Some are specifically designed to work with drip coffee makers and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, and the latter are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods. It is crucial to review the list of compatible pods prior to purchasing a pod-based machine. A lot of these machines come with many different flavors, so you can try out different flavors and brands before buying your favorite. Some brands also offer refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old pods. It is crucial to think about the cleaning and maintenance needs of your coffee machine regardless of the model. While mini espresso machine -to cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the brewing mechanism and grinder and regularly descaling them, several pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning functions that minimize 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 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 new range of café drinks. There are many ways to make espresso however the basic principle is the same heating the water to just below boiling, and then press it through the densely packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container, below the grouphead. This creates a strongly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under 2 minutes. Espresso machines operate in this way, but the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some use piston designs that require you to press down an lever to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to create the necessary pressure. And still others, especially the home-based machines that aren't expensive, simply rely on heated water and high temperatures to produce the similar effect. The quality of the ingredients is vital, no matter how your espresso machine performs. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. Explore different grinds and tamping methods to find the best recipe for home espresso machines. Finally, use the right water in your espresso maker. You should ideally choose tap water that has moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help to make a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will aid you in determining the mineral content of the water you drink locally. As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, you should consider purchasing 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.