Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The best espresso machines are easy to operate, simple to clean and able to make powerful and balanced shots. How do you pick the most efficient espresso machine for your home?
This Breville model is perfect for those who don't want to learn barista techniques, but still want to enjoy great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines rely on an electric pump for the force required to make espresso. They either take water directly from the mains as is typical in commercial installations, or contain a reservoir that has to be manually filled (common for household espresso machines and smaller commercial espresso machine). Pumps are typically solenoid piston types, which can generate high pressure. Certain espresso machines that are driven by pump systems have a fixed flow rate, while others allow you to adjust the pre-infusion or brewing temperature.
These are the most popular machines, and are perfect for those who want a consistent, high-quality cup of coffee. They are simpler to maintain and clean than other types, but they require electricity and space near an outlet.
They are available in two basic types: semi-automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatics allow you to control how long the shot is pulled for by using an electronic switch or a programable function. In addition, you are able to control the grind setting and make sure that the coffee is tamper-proof. Some semi-automatics are equipped with rotary motors, while others vibrate. Rotary pumps are quieter and more consistent but require a continuous flow of pressurized water.
A vibrating pump can start off quiet but can start to sound like a scream once the machine has to be fed with water. Both have pros and cons, and you should select the one that suits your lifestyle best.
Pump-driven machines come in a variety of sizes and price ranges. The most expensive ones are typically super-automatic and have multiple boilers that separate the water used to steam and brew. The heat exchangers of these machines can be set to various temperatures, allowing for some variation in the taste of the espresso. While this extra functionality makes them a great option for the busy barista at home however, it can raise the cost. Semi-automatics are a great middle ground. They can be affordable however they don't have the same level of consistency and versatility of other alternatives.
Steam-driven
A steam-driven machine uses an easy mechanism to make a strong espresso. In a sealed airtight container hot water is heated in order to create pressure which is then transferred to the coffee grounds. This is similar to the process used in a stovetop Moka pot. These machines are still in use today due to their affordability and compactness. These models are not able to reach the 9 bars of pressure required for a truly espresso. These models are ideal for those just starting out with homebrewing, or who don't care about making the perfect espresso.
The earliest example of a steam-driven machine is the 1878 compensation siphon balancer developed by German engineer H. Eicke. Steam is produced by this machine, which carries boiling beans through filters. The water is released by heating from an open flame. This produces a robust shot, however it does not meet the standard of consistency that a lot of espresso enthusiasts prefer.
The next breakthrough came with Luigi Bezzera's 1901 inventions. The design was able to lower the temperature of the boiler, which allowed for more constant pressure and temperature control. Bezzera included the piston device to make this machine semi-automatic. The only issue was that the barista needed to grind, measure, and tamp beans manually.
This led to the development of a pump-driven espresso machine. Contrary to older steam-driven machines, which were heated with an open flame, this type of machine is equipped with an electric pump that is capable of producing the high pressure needed for brewing espresso. These machines can be able to take water from a cold line, which is common in commercial establishments. Or they can use an individual water tank that has to be filled manually.
They also come with two temperature settings that are controlled by a button. One of these buttons turns on the temperature of the brew, while the second switches on the steam temperature. This kind of machine can produce consistent shots at a fraction of what it costs compared to older steam-driven models.
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those looking to brew their espresso quickly and easily. It eliminates barista training by automating the process of grinding, tamping, and extraction to produce consistently good results. It does not do all the work for you. You still need grind the beans, then tamp them down in the portafilter and then push the water through.
Many amateur and professional coffee-lovers prefer to use a semi-automatic machine because they enjoy being more involved in the process of making coffee. They also come with a lower price tag than their fully-automatic counterparts, and they are also known to be more reliable as well.
These types of espresso machines are typically found in coffee shops that are not specialty and at home of coffee enthusiasts who are willing to pay more for convenience. They come with dual boilers to ensure that the steam and brewing water are separated while one is heating up and the other is used to prepare your drink of choice. Some models even come with a built-in grinder that can be a big time-saver for the user.
However the built-in grinder usually has a limited selection of settings, which can be frustrating for those than interested in playing around with the process of brewing espresso to create their own personal preferences. It is better to use a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grind to have complete control over the size of the grinder.
If you're looking to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine, make sure to look for one with a top-quality electric pump with low-noise, and precise temperature regulation through a PID controller. The PID is usually found in top-quality toasters and immersion circulators. It aids in stabilizing the brewing system by monitoring variations in temperature during the heating cycle.
Additionally, mini espresso machine www.coffeee.uk -automatic machine must have a powerful enough steam wand to create microfoam and be able to switch between brewing and steaming modes quickly (if it does not have two boilers). With all of these features, a quality semi-automatic espresso maker can be a great option for those who want to save the time and money of learning to make coffee of a high-quality, but appreciate some flexibility with the process.
Manual
Manual espresso machines employ levers to push pressurized water across a bed of finely ground coffee, producing extremely concentrated shots. These machines are less expensive than semi-automatic or fully automatic machines, which makes them popular with coffee drinkers.
In contrast to automated espresso machines which are designed with user-friendliness in mind manual espresso makers require more skill and focus from the operator to make the most of their potential. Choosing the right grinder, making sure that the brew ratio is correct and knowing how to dose and make sure your grounds are tamping properly are some of the things you'll need to be aware of before using a manual espresso machine.
While some might find the learning curve in operating a manual machine difficult, for those with the right skills, it can be worthwhile. Adrian Lini, CHOICE's expert barista says that if you have the patience and the right equipment manual machines can produce the best espresso.
In recent years, espresso machines that are operated by hand have grown in both form and function with more sophisticated features like digital pressure gauges that let users monitor the pressure during extraction. Charles, who is employed by Flair Espresso, says that the machines can be paired with Bluetooth devices to digitally create graphs of flow rates. This aids users in understanding how changing variables in extraction can affect the final outcome.
There are two types of manual espresso machines: direct and spring piston. Direct levers include a spring in their group heads to increase the pressure when brewing. Although they cost more but they are also easier to use than spring-assisted machines.
Springs piston machines only have the steam valve within their group head. They are simpler to use but do not offer as much control over the making process. The best machine for you will depend on your budget and personal taste. Whichever you choose an espresso machine that is manual will require a few basic accessories, including a kettle, a coffee grinder and a portafilter equipped with the option of removing a dispersion filter made of metal.