Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
best coffee espresso machine are easy to operate, simple to clean and can create powerful and balanced shots. But how do you know which one is the best one for your home?
This Breville model is perfect for those who don't wish to learn barista techniques, but still want great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines use an electric pump to supply the necessary force to make espresso. These machines typically either accept water from the mains supply, common with commercial installations or a reservoir which has to be filled manually (common with household and smaller commercial espresso machines). The pumps used are often solenoid-piston models that can produce high levels of pressure. Some pump-driven espresso machines come with a fixed flow regulator, while others let you alter the pre-infusion or brewing pressure.
These are the most popular machines and are perfect for anyone who wants a consistently high-quality, consistent cup of coffee. These machines are simpler to maintain and clean than other models, however they do require electrical power and space near an outlet.
They are available in two basic varieties: semi-automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatics allow you to control the amount of time the shot is pulled by using either a manual switch, or a programmable feature. You can also adjust the grind setting, and then tamp down the coffee. Some semi-automatics are rotary, while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter, but they require a constant flow of pressurized liquid.
A vibrating pump starts off very quietly but can start to sound like a scream when the machine needs to be fed water. Both types have pros and cons and you should pick one that best suits your needs.
Pump-driven machines also come in a range of sizes and costs. The most expensive machines are typically super-automatic and come with multiple boilers that separate the water for brewing as well as steaming. The heat exchangers on these machines can be set to different temperatures, which can result in some variation in the taste of the espresso. This additional feature makes them an ideal choice for the busy home barista however, it can increase their price. Semi-automatics are a great middle ground. They can be affordable, but they don't offer the same quality and flexibility of other alternatives.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines use a simple system to produce an intense espresso. Within an airtight tank, steam is heated to create pressure which is then transferred to the coffee grounds to make espresso. This is similar to the process used inside a stovetop Moka pot. These machines are in use today due to their affordability and their compactness. These models are not able to reach the 9 bars of pressure required for a truly espresso. This makes them ideal for those who are just getting started with home brewing or aren't concerned with making the perfect cup of espresso.
One of the earliest examples of a steam-driven device is the 1878 compensation siphon balancer created by German engineer H. Eicke. Steam is produced by this machine, which pushes boiling beans through an aerator. The water is then released by heating from an open flame. This process produces a very robust shot, however it doesn't meet the standard of consistency that many espresso lovers like.
Luigi Bezzera patented improvements in 1901, which led to the next breakthrough. The design was able to lower the temperature of the boiler, which allows for more consistent temperature and pressure control. Bezzera included an engine piston to make the machine semi-automatic. The only problem was that it took the barista to grind, measure and tamp the beans manually.
This led to the development of a pump driven espresso machine. Contrary to older steam-driven machines that were heated with an open flame, this type of machine has an electric pump capable of producing the high pressure required to make espresso. These machines can either accept water directly from an existing cold water line which is common in commercial establishments or use an additional tank that is filled with water by hand.
These machines also come with two temperature settings that can be controlled by one button. One of these buttons is activates the brew thermostat, while another switch is for the steam thermostat. This kind of machine is more accurate than older steam-driven models and can produce consistent shots for only a fraction of the price of the more expensive models.
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic machines are a great option for those who want to brew their espresso quickly and efficiently. It can eliminate barista training by automating the process of grinding, tamping and extraction to give consistently good results. It does not complete all the work for you. You still have grind the beans, tamp them down in the portafilter, and then push the water through.
Many coffee lovers, both professional and amateur, prefer to use a semi-automatic machine because they like the feeling of being more involved in the process of making coffee. These machines are also cheaper than their fully-automatic equivalents and are generally more reliable.
These espresso machines are commonly found in non-specialty coffee shops and in homes of casual coffee drinkers who are willing to spend more money for convenience. Dual boilers allow the steam and brewing to be kept separate. One is used for heating, while the other is used to prepare your favorite beverage. Some have even a built-in grinder that can be a big time-saver for the user.
However the built-in grinder typically has a limited selection of settings that can be quite frustrating for those interested in tinkering with the process of making espresso to create their own personal preferences. It is best to use a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grind for complete control over the size of the grind.
If you're interested in a semiautomatic espresso machine, look for one with the lowest noise, a high-quality electric pump and a PID temperature controller that permits precise temperature control. The PID is a piece of technology usually found in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens and helps stabilize a brewing kettle by analyzing the temperature fluctuations throughout the heating process.
In addition, a good semi-automatic machine needs to be equipped with a strong enough steam wand that can create microfoam, and also be able to switch between brewing and steaming modes with ease (if it does not have dual boilers). With all of these features, a quality semi-automatic espresso maker can be an excellent choice for those who want to save the time and money of learning to make cafe-quality drinks but still appreciate some flexibility with the process.
Manual
Manual espresso machines employ levers to push pressurized water across a bed of finely ground coffee to produce extremely concentrated shots. They are cheaper than semi-automatic or fully automated machines and are therefore popular with coffee lovers.
Manual espresso machines require more attention and skill by the operator to maximize their capabilities. You'll also have to select the correct grinder and ensure that the brew proportion is right.
While some might find the learning curve operating a machine manual difficult but for those with the right abilities, it is well worth the effort. The expert barista at CHOICE, Adrian Lini, says that if you've got the right equipment and ability to learn, a manual espresso maker will give you the best espresso experience.
In recent years, the hand-operated coffee machine has changed in its form and function. It now includes more sophisticated features, such as digital pressure gauges, which allow users to monitor pressure during extraction. Charles, who works at Flair Espresso, explains that these machines can also be paired with bluetooth devices to digitally plot graphs of flow rate which can help users understand how changing various variables during extraction could affect the overall outcome.
There are two major types of manual espresso machines including spring piston and direct. Direct levers feature a spring inside their group heads, which helps to increase the pressure when making coffee. They're more expensive than spring-assisted machines, but can still be easier to operate.
Springs piston machines, on the other hand, have nothing in their group heads, aside from the steam valve. They are easier to use but do not offer as much control over the brewing process. Choosing the right type of machine will come down to personal preference and your budget. Whatever you decide on a manual-operated espresso machine will require a few basic components, including a portable filter as well as a coffee mill and kettle.