Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The best espresso machines are easy to use, easy to clean and can produce rich and balanced shots. How do you choose 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 great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines use an electric pump to deliver the force needed to prepare espresso. They either take water directly from the mains, as is common in commercial installations, or have a reservoir which must be manually filled (common for home espresso machines and smaller commercial espresso machine). Pumps are typically solenoid pistons, which can produce high pressure. Certain espresso machines with pumps have a fixed flow regulation, while others allow you to adjust the pre-infusion and/or brewing pressure.
They are the most well-known machines and are perfect for those who want an consistent, high-quality cup of coffee. They are simpler to maintain and clean than other models, however they require electricity and space near an outlet.
There are two basic types: semi-automatics and super-automatics. Semi-automatics allow you to control the amount of time the shot is pulled by using the manual switch or programmed function. You can also adjust the grind setting, and then tamp down the coffee. Some semi-automatics are equipped with motors that are rotary, while others vibrate. Rotary pumps are quieter however they require constant flow of pressurized liquid.
In contrast, a vibrating pump starts off very quietly but it can soon sound like a scream if the machine needs to be fed water. Both have advantages and disadvantages and you should select the one that suits your needs best.
Pump-driven machines also come in a variety of sizes and prices. The most expensive ones are usually super-automatic and feature multiple boilers that separate the water used to steam and brew. These models come with heat exchangers that can be set at different temperatures to allow for variations in flavor. This additional feature makes them a great option for the busy home barista however, it can raise the cost. The middle of the road is a semi-automatic which is a great value but doesn't offer as much consistency and versatility as other alternatives.
Steam-driven
A steam-driven machine uses an easy mechanism to make an espresso that is strong. Within an airtight tank, steam is heated to create pressure, which is transferred into the coffee grounds to make espresso. This is similar to what happens inside the stovetop moka kettle and these machines are used today for their affordability and small size. However, these machines do not have the ability to achieve the 9 bar pressure required for true espresso. These models are ideal for those who are just beginning making espresso at home, or who don't care about making the perfect espresso.
One of the earliest examples of a steam-driven machine is the compensatory siphon balancing machine in 1878 designed by German engineer H. Eicke. The steam generated by this device pushes boiling water through a filter made of ground beans, which is then depressurized with the help of heat from an open flame spirit burner. This makes a strong shot, but it isn't up to the high standard of consistency that a lot of espresso enthusiasts would prefer.
Luigi Bezzera patented improvements in 1901 which led to the next breakthrough. The design of his invention allowed him to reduce the temperature in the boiler. This enables more constant temperature and pressure control. Bezzera also had a piston-based device that made the machine semi-automatic. The only issue was that it took the barista a while to grind, measure and tamp the beans by hand.
This led to the development of a pump-driven espresso machine. In contrast to the steam-driven machines of the past that were heated with an open flame, this new type of machine uses an electric pump capable of producing the high levels of pressure required for the brewing of espresso. These machines can accept water from a cold line, which is common in commercial establishments. Or they can use an additional water tank that must be filled manually.
They also have two temperature settings controlled via a push button. One of these buttons switches on the temperature of the brew while the second switches on the steam temperature. This kind of machine is more precise than older steam-driven machines and can make consistent shots for a fraction of the cost of the more expensive models.
Semi-automatic
For those who are looking for an easy method of making espresso with less effort the semi-automatic machine is the solution. It removes the need for barista-level education by automatizing the grinding, extraction and tamping process to provide consistent results. However, it doesn't do everything for you. You'll must grind the beans and then tamp them in the portafilter before the water is forced through them.
Coffeee is why many amateur and professional coffee drinkers prefer a semi-automatic machine, as they enjoy the feeling of being in control during the brewing process. They also come with an affordable price compared to their fully automated counterparts, and they are also known to be more reliable, too.
These types of espresso machines are typically found in non-specialty coffee shops and in homes of casual coffee lovers who are willing to spend more money for convenience. Dual boilers allow steam and brewing to remain separate. One is used to heat while the other is used to make your favorite beverage. Some models include a built in grinder which can save the user much time.
The espresso grinder that comes with the machine is often limited in its settings, which can be a problem for those who want to modify the process of making their own espresso. A better solution is to use a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to get complete control over the size of the grinder and dosage.
If you're interested in an espresso machine that is semi-automatic, look for one with the lowest noise, a high-quality electric pump, and a temperature controller that allows precise temperature regulation. The PID is an element of technology that's usually found in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens. It helps stabilize a brewing kettle by monitoring the temperature changes during the heating process.
A high-quality semi-automatic espresso machine must also come with an efficient steam wand to create microfoam, and the ability to switch between brewing and steaming modes quickly (if it doesn't have two boilers). A semi-automatic machine with all of these features could be an excellent choice for those who don't wish to learn how to make cafe-quality drinks however, they nonetheless want to play.
Manual
Manual espresso machines are operated by levers that push pressurized coffee grounds through a bed. This results in extremely concentrated shots. These machines are traditionally less expensive than their semi-automatic or fully automated counterparts, which makes them popular among discerning coffee lovers.
Unlike automated espresso machines, which are designed with user-friendliness in mind manual espresso makers require more skill and focus from the operator in order to make the most of their potential. You'll also need to choose the correct grinder and ensure that the brew percentage is correct.
While some people may find the learning curve involved in operating a manual machine difficult however, for those who have the right capabilities, it's worthwhile. CHOICE's in-house expert barista, Adrian Lini, says that if you have the right equipment and patience to learn, a manual espresso maker will give you the best espresso experience.
In recent times, the hand-operated espresso machine has changed in its form and function. It now has more sophisticated features, like digital pressure gauges that allow users to monitor the pressure during extraction. Charles, who works for Flair Espresso, says that these machines can be used with Bluetooth devices to digitally plot graphs for flow rate. This allows users to understand how changing variables in extraction can impact the final result.
There are two kinds of manual espresso machines which are spring-piston and direct. Direct levers are equipped with a spring in their group heads, which helps increase the pressure when brewing. While they are more expensive, they can be easier to use than spring-assisted machines.
Springs piston machines have only the steam valve inside their group head. They're much easier to use than direct lever machines but do not provide as much control over the process of brewing. The right machine for you will be based on your budget and personal taste. Whatever you decide on a manual espresso machine will require a few essentials, including the ability to carry a filter around, a coffee mill, and kettle.