Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The top espresso machines will be easy to use, clean and produce balanced shots. How do you pick the most efficient espresso machine for your home?
This Breville model with its rapid-heating thermocoil design, and digital convenience is ideal for someone who doesn't want to develop barista skills but still wants to make great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines utilize an electric pump to provide the force needed for espresso brewing. These machines either accept water directly from the mains as is typical in commercial installations, or they have a reservoir that must be manually filled (common for household espresso machines and smaller commercial espresso machines). Pumps are usually solenoid pistons that can produce high pressure. Certain espresso machines with pumps have a fixed flow control while others let you alter the pre-infusion or the brewing pressure.
These are the most sought-after machines, and are perfect for anyone who wants a steady, high-quality cup coffee. These machines are easier to maintain and clean than other models, however they require electricity and a place near an outlet.
They are available in two basic types: semi-automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatics let you regulate the length of time that the shot is pulled using either a manual switch, or a programmable feature. You can also control the grind setting, and tamp down the coffee. Some semi-automatics are rotary, while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter however they require constant flow of pressurized liquid.
A vibrating pump, on the other hand, is able to start very quietly. However, it can make a loud noise once water is added to the machine. Both types have pros and cons, and you should pick one that is suitable for your needs.
Pump-driven machines also come in a variety of sizes and price. The most expensive ones are usually super-automatic and feature multiple boilers to separate the water used for steaming and brewing. These models come with heat exchangers that can be set at different temperatures to allow for a variation in the flavor. This is a great feature for the busy barista at home, but it increases the cost of their products. Semi-automatics can be a good middle option. They can be affordable but they don't provide the same consistency and versatility of other options.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines employ an easy system to make a powerful espresso. In a container that is airtight, hot water is heated to create pressure which is then transferred into the coffee grounds. This is similar to the process that occurs inside a stovetop moka pot and they are popular today due to their low cost and compact size. These models are not able to reach the 9 bars of pressure needed for a truly espresso. These models are best for those who are just beginning making espresso at home or those who don't worry about making the perfect espresso.
One of the earliest examples of a steam-driven device is the compensatory siphon balancing machine in 1878 developed by German engineer H. Eicke. Steam is produced by this machine, which pushes boiling beans through a filter. The water is then released by heating from an open flame. This method produces a strong shot, but it doesn't meet the high standards of consistency that a lot of espresso drinkers like.
Luigi Bezzera patented improvements in 1901, which led to the next breakthrough. His design was able to lower the temperature of the boiler, which allows for more constant temperature and pressure control. Bezzera added the piston device to make this machine semi-automatic. The only issue was that it required the barista a while to grind, measure and tamp the beans by hand.
This led to the development of an espresso machine that is driven by a pump. This new type of espresso machine, in contrast to the older steam-driven ones that were heated by an open flame, features an electric pump that is capable producing the high levels of pressure required for the brewing of espresso. These machines can be able to take water from a cold line which is a common feature in commercial facilities. They also have the option of using an individual water tank that must be filled manually.
These machines also have two temperature settings that are controlled by the push of a button. One of these buttons activates the brew thermostat, and the other switches on the steam thermostat. 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 a great option for those looking to make espresso quickly and efficiently. It eliminates the need for barista-level training by automating the grinding, extraction and tamping process to ensure consistently good results. However, it doesn't do everything for you. You'll have to grind the beans and tamp them in the portafilter prior to the water is forced through them.
Many coffee lovers, both professional and amateur prefer semi-automatic machines because they enjoy the feeling of being more involved in the brewing process. These machines also have a lower price tag than their fully-automatic counterparts, and they are also known to be more reliable, as well.
Espresso machines are usually located in shops that are not specialty shops and at the homes of casual coffee drinkers who want to spend more money for convenience. They come with dual boilers to ensure that the steam and brewing water are kept separate while one is heating up while the other is being used to prepare your beverage of choice. Some have even a built-in grinder that can be a big time-saver for the user.
The built-in espresso grinder is often limited in its settings, which can be a problem for those who want to customize the process of making their own espresso. It is best to use a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinding to ensure total control over the size of the grinder.
If you're considering a semi-automatic espresso machine, make sure to look for one with a high-quality electric pump with low-noise, and precision temperature regulation via the PID controller. The PID is typically found in top-quality toasters and immersion circulators. It aids in stabilizing a brewing system by measuring variations in temperature during the heating process.
A decent semi-automatic espresso maker must also come with an efficient steam wand to create microfoam, and the ability to switch between steaming and brewing modes quickly (if it doesn't have two boilers). With all these features, a high-quality semi-automatic espresso maker is an excellent choice for those looking to save the time and money of learning to make coffee of a high-quality, but enjoy some degree of tinkering with the process.
Manual
Manual espresso machines are operated by levers that push pressurized coffee grounds through a bed. This produces highly concentrated shots. They are less expensive than semi-automatic or fully automated machines which is why they are popular with coffee enthusiasts.
Unlike automated espresso machines, which are designed with user-friendliness in mind, manual espresso makers require more knowledge and focus by the operator to get the most of their potential. Making the right choice in a grinder, ensuring that the brew ratio is correct, and understanding how to properly dose and tamp your grounds are just some of the things you'll need be aware of before making use of a manual machine.
While some people may find the learning curve involved operating a machine manual difficult however, for those with the right set of abilities, it is worthwhile. Our expert barista in-house at CHOICE, Adrian Lini, says that if you have the right equipment and ability to learn the basics, a manual espresso maker can give you the best espresso experience.
In recent times, the hand-operated espresso machine has changed in its design and function. It now has more sophisticated features, such as digital pressure gauges, which allow users to monitor the pressure during extraction. Charles, who is employed by Flair Espresso, says that these machines can be connected with Bluetooth devices to plot graphs for flow rate. This allows users to understand how changing variables in extraction can affect the final outcome.
There are two main kinds of manual espresso machines including spring piston and direct. Direct levers have springs in their group heads, which helps increase pressure during making. While they are more expensive and more difficult to use than spring-assisted machines.
Springs piston machines have only the steam valve inside their group head. They're easier to use than direct lever machines however they don't provide as much control over the brewing process. The best machine for you will depend on your budget and personal taste. Whatever you decide to go with a manual espresso machine will require a few key components that include a portable filter, a coffee mill, and a kettle.