Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The best espresso machines are easy to use, clean and provide balanced shots. What are the steps to choose the most efficient espresso machine for your home?
This Breville model is perfect for those who don't wish to learn barista techniques, but still want great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines make use of an electric pump to deliver the force required for espresso brewing. These machines typically either accept water from a mains supply, which is common in commercial installations or a reservoir that must be filled manually (common with household and smaller commercial espresso machines). Pumps are typically solenoid piston types, which can produce high pressure. Certain espresso machines with pumps have a fixed flow regulation, while others let you adjust the pre-infusion and/or brewing pressure.
The most popular kind of machine, these are a good choice for anyone who wants to make coffee of high quality quickly and consistently. These machines are easier to maintain and clean than other models, however they require electricity and space near an outlet.
They are available in two fundamental types: semi-automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatics allow you to control how long the shot is pulled through an electronic switch or a programmable function. You can also adjust the grind setting and tamp down the coffee. Certain semi-automatics are rotary while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter and more reliable but require a continuous flow of pressurized water.
A vibrating pump on the contrary, begins with a quiet start. However, it can sound like a scream when water is added to the machine. Both have pros and cons and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.
Pump-driven machines are also available in a variety of sizes and prices. The most expensive models are usually super-automatic, and come with multiple boilers that separate the water used for steaming and brewing. These models come with heat exchangers which can be set at different temperatures to provide variations in flavor. This extra feature makes them a great option for the busy barista at home however, it can increase their price. Semi-automatics are a great middle place. They can be affordable however they don't have the same quality and flexibility of other options.
Steam-driven
A steam-driven machine uses simple mechanisms to create a strong espresso. Within an airtight tank, steam is heated to create pressure which is transferred into the coffee grounds to make espresso. This is similar to the process that takes place in a Moka stovetop. These machines are being used today due to their cost-effectiveness and compactness. However, these models do not have the ability to produce the 9 bars of pressure required for true espresso. This makes them ideal for those just beginning to learn about making espresso at home or aren't concerned about making the perfect espresso.
The balancer for compensation in 1878 designed by German engineer H. Eicke is a very early steam-driven machine. The steam produced by this device is pushed through a filter of ground beans, which is then depressurized by heat of an open flame spirit burner. This process produces a very powerful shot, however it isn't up to the high standard of consistency that many espresso lovers like.
The next advancement came with Luigi Bezzera's 1901 patented improvements. His invention was able lower the temperature of the boiler, which allowed for more stable pressure and temperature control. Bezzera also had the piston-based device, which 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 creation of the pump-driven espresso machine. Contrary to older steam-driven machines that were heated with an open flame, this new type of machine has an electric pump that is capable of producing the high pressure required to make espresso. These machines can accept water from a cold line which is typical in commercial installations. Or they can use an additional water tank that has to be filled manually.
These machines also come with two temperature settings that are controlled by the push of a button. One of these buttons activates the brew thermostat while the other switches on the steam thermostat. This kind of machine is more precise than older steam-driven machines, and can make consistent shots for a fraction of the cost of more expensive models.
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those who want to make espresso quickly and easily. Coffeee removes the need for barista-level instruction by automating the grinding, extraction, and tamping processes to ensure consistently good results. However, it can't do everything for you. You'll still have to grind the beans and tamp them in the portafilter before the water is forced through them.
This is the reason that many coffee drinkers choose a semi-automatic machine, as they feel the satisfaction of being more in control throughout the process of brewing. These machines are also cheaper than fully automated counterparts and are generally more reliable.
These types of espresso machines are usually found in coffee shops that are not specialty and in the homes of casual coffee drinkers who are willing to pay more money to enjoy convenience. They have dual boilers, which means that the steam and brewing water are kept separate while one is heating while the other is used to make your drink of choice. Some models come with a built in grinder which can save users lots of time.
However the built-in grinder typically has a limited number of settings, which can be frustrating for those who are more than interested in playing around with the espresso-brewing process to create their own personal preferences. It is better to use a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to ensure total control over the size of the grinder.
If you are interested in an espresso machine semiautomatic make sure you choose one with a low-noise, high-quality electric pump and a PID temperature control that permits precise temperature control. PID is an element of technology that's commonly found in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens and helps stabilize a brewing kettle by monitoring the temperature changes throughout the heating process.
Additionally, a quality semi-automatic machine must be equipped with a strong enough steam wand to produce microfoam. It should also be able to switch between steaming and brewing modes quickly (if it doesn't include dual boilers). With all these options, a top-quality semi-automatic espresso maker can be an excellent choice for those who want to avoid the hassle and expense 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 which push the coffee grounds through a bed. This results in high-quality shots. They are less expensive than semi-automatic or fully automated machines, which makes them 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, making sure that the brew ratio is correct and knowing how to dose and tap your grounds are some of the things you'll need to know before using a manual machine.
While some people find the learning curve of a manual machine difficult and frustrating but those with the right skills can make it worthwhile effort. Adrian Lini, CHOICE's expert barista, says that if one has the patience and the right equipment manual machines will make the finest espresso.
In recent times, the hand-operated espresso machine has changed in its design and function. It now comes with more sophisticated features, like digital pressure gauges, which allow users to monitor pressure during extraction. Charles, who works at Flair Espresso, explains that these machines can also be used by Bluetooth devices to plot graphs of flow rate to help users to understand how varying variables during extraction can affect the overall result.
There are two kinds of manual espresso machines including spring piston and direct. Direct levers have a spring inside their group heads, which helps increase pressure while making espresso. Although they are more expensive, they can be easier to use than spring-assisted machines.
Springs piston machines, on the other hand, don't have anything in their group heads, aside from the steam valve. They're much more user-friendly than direct lever machines, but don't provide as much control over the brewing process. The ideal machine for you will depend on your budget and your personal preferences. Whatever you decide to go with, a manually operated espresso machine will require a few basic components, including the ability to carry a filter around as well as a coffee mill and kettle.