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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home A high-end espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. But how do you decide? There are many aspects to think about including measuring and grinding your beans, to pressing and tamping your beans correctly to pulling the perfect espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks can be automated using semi-automatic machines and, in some cases, fully automatic models. Manual You'll require top-quality equipment if you want to make the finest espresso at home. The most essential component of the system is an espresso maker that has an excellent design that is able to handle pressure. This is where a handful of manufacturers have stripped it down, producing machines that don't even have boilers but instead rely on hand-pressure to produce some decent shots. We've tested a few of these and we found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top in its field. It's not cheap, but you're getting a piece of coffee machinery that will last for years and comes with 35 years of Lelit support and service to back it. It's a bit heavy, but that's expected considering its construction. It has a retro-futuristic look that is sure to spark conversation. Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another worthy candidate. It's not cheap, but it's very effective at what it does and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's bigger than the other grinders we've looked at however, it's due to its larger burrs as well as the fact that it's capable of handling more than a standard burr set. It's more user-friendly than the other models we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty. There are four types: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and provide an easier design, however, they are the most difficult to learn how to use and require more skill to dial in and pull shots. Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping yourself but they have an electric pump that gives consistent flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process and most semi-automatics have steam wands that let you to create froth. Finally, there are super-automatics that can do all the work for you and have built-in grinders, tampers and the brewing process and more. Semi-Automatic The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automated machines is how much control you would like over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to exert pressure and pull the shot which can be exhausting and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines can do everything for you, making professional-quality espresso at the push of the button. They are expensive to rent or purchase, but they offer convenience. A semi-automatic machine is a great alternative for those looking to control their coffee brewing but don't have the time or skill level to be a barista. This kind of machine removes the guesswork from brewing a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into an hockey puck shape, and forcing hot water through them with just the right amount of pressure to create an espresso. This kind of espresso machine also allows you to steam milk and create the latte art. These kinds of espresso machines can be costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who don't have the money to buy or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable alternative. Fully automated espresso machines are the newest technology in espresso makers, and they guarantee an even cup of coffee each time with minimal work. They can handle all the steps needed to make espresso, from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all this by pressing an button. This is a popular option for cafes who need to serve a lot of customers in a brief period and require ease of use. However they are expensive and might not be an option for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, think about purchasing or renting two, one to cover peak times and the other to manage the slower times. Pods With pod coffee machines, you can create espresso drinks with the push of one button. They use disposable capsules of coffee that are filled with pre-ground coffee and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The best espresso pods are sleek, quick and provide very consistent results—shot after shot is topped with a creamy layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a high-quality espresso. Although pod machines might not provide the same level of control that bean-to-cup models do however they are an excellent choice for those who prefer to do away with grinding and tamping their own beans, and who prefer convenience over quality. While espresso machine pods don't have the same taste as freshly ground beans from a quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee types make these models better than ever before. The machines make use of different coffee pods, however all share the same basic design and shape. The majority are covered in paper, they are similar to tea bags that can be put into a portafilter to brew. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee makers, while others are made specifically for espresso machines. Soft pods are one of them and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the latter. When shopping for a pod-based espresso machine it is essential to look over the list of recommended by the manufacturer of compatible pods. Many of these machines have a variety of pods, which means you can test out different flavors and brands before you decide on your favorite. Some brands offer refillable pods to people who want to reuse their old pods. No matter what type of coffee machine you select it's important to consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements. Many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However some espresso machines that are based on pods have built-in self-cleaning functions which reduce the hassle. Water The espresso machine is a powerful tool that makes use of high pressure to force water through a tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The espresso shot is concentrated and is ideal for making cappuccinos. The Europeans particularly the Italians came up with this idea in the late 1800s and utilized it to create an entire new world of cafe drinks. There are a variety of ways to make espresso however the basic principle is the same heating the water to just below boiling, and then push it through the tightly packed grounds of the portafilter. The water is then poured into the container below the grouphead. This technique produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful espresso cup in less than two minutes. All espresso machines operate in the same way, however their details vary slightly. Some utilize piston designs that require the user to press down on an lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar; 116 to 145 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to create the required pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home machines rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same effect. The quality of the ingredients is vital, no matter how well your espresso machine works. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping methods to find the ideal recipe for home espresso machines. Use the right water for your espresso machine. Ideally, you should use tap water with moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can help you make a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while also preventing the formation of scale. You can find out about the water supply in your area's mineral content by referring to La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines. As you become more comfortable using your espresso machine, consider investing in additional equipment such as portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories will help you improve your brewing skills while developing confidence in the high-quality coffee that you can now make at home.