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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home A high-end espresso machine can take your coffee-making at home to the next level. How do you select the right machine? There's a lot to consider—from measuring and grinding your own beans to tamping and pressing properly, to pulling the right espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated using semi-automatic machines and, in some cases, even fully automated models. Manual If you'd like to be able to make the highest quality espresso make at home, then you'll have to invest in good equipment. The most important component of the system is a well-designed and quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. This is where some manufactures have really stripped it down, making machines that don't use boilers, instead relying on hand-pressure to create decent shots. We've tested a few of these and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best at what it does. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you are getting a piece that will last for decades and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's a little heavier than average, but it's normal due to its build. It also has a gorgeous retro-futuristic design that's sure to be a conversation starter. Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another worthy candidate. It's not cheap, but it's very effective in what it does, and you'll be able grind your own beans. It's bigger than other grinders that we've reviewed however, it's due to its larger burrs and fact that it can handle more than a standard burr set. It's a bit easier to operate than some of the other grinders we reviewed and comes with a solid warranty. There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are easier to use, but require more expertise and experience to dial in and pull shots. Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself but they have an electric pump that gives the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso in your cup by stopping the brewing process and the majority of semi-automatics come with a steam wand that allows you to create foam. Finally, there are super-automatics that can complete the job for you and have built-in grinders, tampers, brew cycles and more. Semi-Automatic The difference between semi-automatic machines and fully automatic machines comes down to the degree of control you wish to have over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require the baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires lots of practice. Fully automated machines do everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso at the touch of an button. However, this convenience comes at a price and these machines can be expensive to purchase or rent. A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who want to control their coffee making but don't have the time or skill level to be barista. This type of machine removes the guesswork from making a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into the shape of a hockey puck and pushing hot water through them with just the right pressure to make an espresso. This type of espresso maker also allows you to steam milk and make latte arts. These types of espresso makers can be expensive and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good option for those without the funds to purchase or lease a fully automated espresso machine. Fully automatic espresso machines are the most recent technology in espresso makers and they promise the same cup of coffee each time with little effort. They can perform all the steps of making espresso with a single push of a switch from grinding the coffee beans to taking the shot and then steaming the milk. This is a very popular choice for cafes who need to serve a lot of customers in a short period and need ease of use. These machines are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, consider buying or renting two to cover the most busy times and the second to handle the slower periods. Pods The pod coffee machines allow you to make espresso-based drinks at the push of the button. The capsules are made of coffee and powdered milk which is used to brew the beverage. The best espresso pod machines are quick, neat, and offer very reliable results. Every shot will be crowned with a creamy layer of crema, which is the hallmark of a top-quality espresso. Pod machines might not have the same level control as bean-to-cup models however they are a great alternative for people who prefer convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. Although they don't have the same flavor as freshly ground beans brewed with a high-quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and an increasing number of coffee types have made these machines better than ever before. The machines make use of a variety of coffee pods, but they all share the same basic design and shape. Most are small disks with paper covers that resemble tea bags. espresso coffee maker can be placed into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically designed to work with drip coffee makers, and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. These are referred to as soft pods, and the latter are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods. It is important to check the list of compatible pods prior buying a machine based on pods. They are available in a variety of flavors and brands which means you can try them before you decide on the one you like best. Some brands offer refillable pods to those who want to reuse their old ones. Whatever type of coffee machine you choose it's important to consider cleaning and maintenance requirements. While many bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the brewing and grinder mechanisms, and descaling regularly some pod-based espresso machines come with built-in self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle. Water Espresso machines are an extremely powerful device, which uses high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground into an extremely tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is ideal for making lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This was discovered by Europeans in the late 1800s, particularly the Italians. They utilized this to create a brand new collection of coffee drinks. There are many ways to make espresso however the basic principle is the same: heat the water to a temperature that is just below boiling, then push it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This creates a strongly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in less than two minutes. All espresso machines operate in the same manner, but their specifications differ slightly. Some machines use a piston-style design, which requires the user to press a lever to generate the pressure required (8 to 10 bars or 116 to 150 psi). Other machines utilize an electric pump to produce the required pressure. Others, including the more affordable at-home models, rely on heated temperatures and water to achieve the same result. The quality of the ingredients is crucial, no matter how the espresso machine is working. Start with a high-quality, dark-roasted espresso bean. Try different grinds and tamping strategies to find the best recipe for home espresso machines. Use the right water for your espresso maker. You should use tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in water can help get a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while also preventing the buildup of scale. You can find out about your water's mineral content by looking up La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines. As you get more comfortable using your espresso machine, you should consider investing in additional equipment such as portafilters or a stainless steel tamper. These accessories can help you improve your brewing skills while developing a sense of pride in the high-quality coffee that you can now produce at home.