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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. How do you select the right machine? There's a lot to consider—from measuring and grinding your own beans to pressing and tamping correctly, to pulling the right shot of espresso. Fortunately, many of the tasks that need to be done can be automated with semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, fully automated models. Manual If you'd like to to make the best espresso make at home, then you'll need to invest in some good equipment. The most essential component of the system is an espresso maker that has a good design that can handle pressure. This is where a handful of manufacturers have taken the system down to make machines that don't use boilers but instead rely on hand-pressure to produce some pretty decent shots. We've tested a number of them and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best in its field. espresso coffee machines 's not cheap, but you're getting a piece of coffee equipment that will last for decades and comes with 35 years of Lelit service and support to stand behind it. It's not the most lightweight however that's to be expected given its construction. It also has a stunning retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation-starter. Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is another good choice. It's not inexpensive, but it does a great job at what it does, and you'll be able to grind your own beans. It's larger than other grinders we've examined however, it's due to its larger burrs as well as the fact that it's able to handle more than a standard burr set. It's also a bit simpler to use than the other models we looked at and comes with a solid warranty. There are four types of espresso machines: Manual/Lever Semi-Automatic Volumetric (sometimes referred to as Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers have a more traditional design and are more easy to use, but they require more skill and knowledge to dial in and pull shots. Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself, but they also have an electric pump which provides consistent pressure and flow. You can adjust how much espresso you'd like in your cup, by stopping the making. Most semi-automatics also have steam wands to make foam. There are also super-automatics that take care of all the work for you and have built-in grinders, tampers and Brew cycles, and much more. Semi-Automatic The difference between semi-automatic espresso machines and fully automatic machines is the degree of control you wish to have over the coffee making process. Manual espresso machines rely on the barista to produce pressure and then pull the shot, which can be exhausting and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can do everything for you, brewing professional-quality espresso at the push of a button. However this convenience comes with a price and these machines can be expensive to buy or rent. A semi-automatic machine is a great option for those who want to control the coffee they make but don't have 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 the shape of a hockey puck and then forcing hot water through them at the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This kind of espresso maker also gives you the option to steam milk and create Latte art. These machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than fully automatic machines. However, for those who don't have the budget to purchase or rent a fully automatic espresso machine, a semi-automatic espresso maker is an affordable alternative. Fully automated espresso machines are the newest innovation in the world of espresso makers. They promise a consistent cup of coffee every time with minimal work. They handle all the steps required to make espresso starting from grinding beans to pulling a shot and steaming the milk and all of it at the touch of the button. This is a popular choice for cafes who need to serve a lot of customers in a short time period and need simplicity of use. However these machines are expensive and are not an option for all cafes. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, think about purchasing or renting two, one to cover most busy times and the second 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 filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to make your beverage. The best espresso pods are simple, sleek and give reliable results. Every shot comes out with a smooth layer of crema that is the hallmark of a top espresso. Pod machines might not have the same level control like bean-to-cup machines however they're an excellent option for those who prefer convenience over quality and wish to avoid grinding and tamping beans themselves. While they may not have the same flavor as fresh ground beans brewed with a high-quality coffee grinder, advances in pod technology and a growing selection of coffee varieties have made these models better than ever before. The type of coffee pods used by these machines varies between manufacturers however, they all have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small disks with paper covers that resemble tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically designed to be used with drip coffee machines 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. It is important to check the list of compatible pods prior buying a machine based on pods. These machines are available in a wide range of flavors and brands and you can try them out before deciding on the one you prefer. Some brands sell refillable pods to people who want to reuse their old ones. It's important to consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of your coffee machine, regardless of the model. A majority of bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning as well as regular descaling of the brewing mechanism and grinder. However, some pod-based espresso machines have built-in self-cleaning capabilities which reduce the hassle. Water The espresso machine is an extremely powerful tool, which makes use of high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground into an extremely tightly packed container. The result is a concentrated shot of espresso that is ideal for making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the late 1800s, specifically the Italians. They utilized this to create a brand new variety of coffee drinks. There are many ways to make espresso but the principle is the same: heat the water to just below boiling, and then press it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water is then poured into the container, below the grouphead. This creates a strongly flavorful, dense cup of espresso in just 2 minutes. All espresso machines function similarly, but the specifics of each one differ slightly. Some use a piston design that requires the user to press down on the lever to create the necessary pressure (8 to 10 bar and 116 to 145 PSI). Certain machines utilize an electric pump to create pressure. Others, particularly the cheaper home-based machines, rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result. No matter how your espresso machine works the quality of the ingredients you use is essential to making a good cup of espresso. Start with a good quality dark roast espresso beans. You can then experiment with different grinds and tamping methods to find the perfect recipe for your espresso machine at home. Make sure you use the correct water for your espresso machine. It is recommended to choose tap water that has a moderate mineral content. Minerals in water can assist you to extract a smooth and balanced cup of espresso, 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 with using your espresso machine at home, it's recommended to purchase additional accessories, like the portafilter and a stainless tamper. These accessories will help improve the brewing process and will give you a sense of satisfaction in the coffee you're able to make at home.