Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The best espresso machines are easy to use, easy to clean and able to make well-balanced and rich shots. How do you choose the most efficient espresso machine for your home?
This Breville model is ideal for those who don't wish to learn barista techniques, but still want great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines depend on an electric pump to generate the force needed to make espresso. They typically accept water from a mains supply, which is common in commercial installations or a reservoir which is filled manually (common with household and smaller commercial espresso machines). The pumps that are used are usually solenoid-piston designs that can create high pressure. Some pump-driven espresso machines come with a fixed flow regulator and others let you adjust the pre-infusion and/or brewing pressure.
These are the most sought-after machines, and are perfect for those who want an consistent, high-quality cup of coffee. They are also easier to maintain and clean than other kinds of machines however, they require a certain amount of electricity and a location near an outlet.
There are two basic types of semi-automatics and super-automatics. Semi-automatics allow you to control the amount of time the shot is pulled for through a manual switch or a programable function. You can also control the grind setting and tamp down the coffee. Some semi-automatics are equipped with rotary motors, while others vibrate. Rotary pumps are quieter and more consistent but require a constant stream of pressurized water.
A vibrating pump starts off very quietly but can start to sound like a scream if the machine is supplied with water. Both types have pros and cons and you should pick one that suits your lifestyle.
Pump-driven machines also come in a range of sizes and prices. The most expensive ones are usually super-automatic and feature multiple boilers to separate the water used for steaming and brewing. These models have heat exchangers that can be set to different temperatures to allow for variations in flavor. This is a great feature for busy baristas at home, but it can increase the price. Semi-automatics are a great middle place. They can be reasonably priced however they don't have the same quality and flexibility of other alternatives.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines use an easy method to create a powerful espresso. Within an airtight tank, hot water is steamed to create pressure that is transferred to the coffee grounds to make espresso. This is similar to what happens inside a stovetop moka pot and these machines are being used for their value and compact size. These models are not capable of reaching the 9 bars of pressure required for true espresso. These models are suitable for those just starting out with homebrewing or those who don't worry about making the perfect espresso.
The earliest example of a steam-driven device is the 1878 compensation siphon balancing machine developed by German engineer H. Eicke. Steam is produced by this machine, which carries boiling beans through filters. The water is then depressurized with heat from an open flame. This method produces a strong shot, but it doesn't provide the quality of consistency that a lot of espresso drinkers like.
The next breakthrough came with Luigi Bezzera's 1901 patent improvements. His invention allowed him to lower the temperature of the boiler. This enables more constant temperature and pressure control. Bezzera also had a piston-based device that helped to make this 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 an espresso machine that is driven by a pump. This type of espresso machine, as opposed to those older steam-driven machines that were heated by an open flame, has an electric pump capable producing the high levels of pressure required for the brewing of espresso. The machines can take water from a cold line which is common in commercial facilities. They can also use an individual water tank that must be filled manually.
The machines also have two temperature settings that are controlled by a button. One of these buttons activates the brew thermostat, while the other switches on the steam thermostat. This type of machine is more accurate than older steam-driven machines, and can provide consistent shots at only a fraction of the price of the more expensive models.
Semi-automatic
If you're looking for a method to make espresso with less effort The semi-automatic machine could be the answer. It takes away the need for barista training by automatizing the process of grinding, tamping and extraction to give consistently good results. It does not do all the work for you. You still have grind the beans, tamp them down in the portafilter and then push the water through.
This is the reason why many coffee drinkers choose a semi-automatic machine, as they feel the satisfaction of being in control throughout the process of brewing. These machines are also cheaper than fully automated counterparts and tend to be more reliable.
These types of espresso machines are typically located in non-specialty coffee shops and in homes of coffee enthusiasts who are willing to pay more money to enjoy convenience. Dual boilers allow steam and brewing to remain separate. One is used for heating, while the other is used to make your favorite beverage. Some models come with an integrated grinder which can save users much time.
The espresso grinder that comes with the machine is often restricted in its settings, which can frustrate those who want to modify the process of making their own espresso. A better solution is to pair a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to have full control over the grind size and dosage.
If you're looking to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine, ensure that you select one that has a high-quality electric pump that is low-noise and has precision temperature regulation via a PID controller. My Home Page is typically used in high-end toasters and immersion circulators. It assists in stabilizing the brewing system by monitoring the temperature fluctuations throughout the heating process.
A good semi-automatic espresso machine will also have a steam wand that is powerful enough to make microfoam and the ability to switch between brewing and steaming modes quickly (if it does not have two boilers). With all of these options, a top-quality semi-automatic espresso maker could be an excellent choice for those looking to save the time and money of learning to make high-quality coffee but have fun experimenting with the process.
Manual
Manual espresso machines use levers to push pressurized water across a bed of finely ground coffee, resulting in extremely concentrated shots. These machines are less expensive than semi-automatic or fully automated machines and are therefore popular with coffee enthusiasts.
Manual espresso machines require greater attention and experience from the operator to maximize their capabilities. Choosing the right grinder, ensuring that the brew ratio is in order, and understanding how to dose and make sure your grounds are tamping properly are some of the things you'll need know prior to using a manual machine.
While some might find the learning curve involved operating a machine manual difficult however, for those who have the right abilities, it is well worth the effort. Our expert barista in-house at CHOICE, Adrian Lini, says that if you've got the right tools and the patience to learn the basics, a manual espresso maker will give you the best espresso experience.
In recent years, espresso machines that are operated by hand have seen a rise in both design and function with more sophisticated features such as digital pressure gauges that let users monitor the pressure of extraction. Charles, who is employed at Flair Espresso, explains that these machines can also be used with bluetooth devices to digitally plot graphs of flow rate which can help users understand how changing various variables during extraction could affect the overall outcome.
There are two kinds of manual espresso machines which are spring-piston and direct. Direct levers include springs in their group heads which help to increase the pressure when making coffee. Although they cost more, they can be easier to use than spring-assisted machines.
Springs piston machines only have the steam valve inside their group head. They are more user-friendly but don't offer as much control of the making process. The choice of the best machine is dependent on your preferences and your budget. Whatever you decide to go with a manual-operated espresso machine will require a few basic components that include a portable filter and a coffee mill and kettle.