Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The best espresso machines are easy to operate, simple to clean and able to produce 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 brew espresso. These machines typically take water from a mains supply, as is typical for commercial installations, or a reservoir that has to be filled manually (common with smaller and household commercial espresso machines). The pumps that are used are usually solenoid-piston types that can generate high pressure. Some pump-driven espresso machines come with a fixed flow regulator and others allow you to adjust the pre-infusion and/or the brewing pressure.
They are the most well-known machines, and are perfect for those who want a steady, high-quality cup coffee. They are also simpler to clean and maintain than other kinds of machines, but do require a certain amount of electrical power and space near an outlet.
They are available in two fundamental kinds: semi-automatic as well as super-automatic. Semi-automatics let you control the length of time that the shot is pulled with the manual switch or programmed function. You can also adjust the grind setting and tamp down the coffee. Some semi-automatics are rotary, while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter but they require a constant flow pressurized liquid.
A vibrating pump begins very quietly but it can soon sound like a scream if the machine needs to be fed water. Both types have their pros and cons and you should select the one that best suits your lifestyle the best.
Pump-driven machines also come in a range of sizes and price. The most expensive ones are usually super-automatic, and come with multiple boilers that separate the water used to steam and brew. These models have heat exchangers that can be set to different temperatures to allow for variations in flavor. This feature is ideal for busy baristas at home, but it increases the cost of their products. Semi-automatics are a great middle ground. They aren't expensive, but they don't offer the same consistency and versatility of other alternatives.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines use an easy method to create an intense espresso. In an airtight container, hot water is steamed to create pressure which is then transferred to the coffee grounds for brewing. This is similar to the process used in a stovetop Moka pot. These machines are in use today due to their affordability and compactness. These models aren't able to reach the 9 bars of pressure required for true espresso. These models are best for those just starting out with home brewing or those who don't worry about making the perfect espresso.
One of the earliest examples of a steam-driven machine is the 1878 compensation siphon balancer designed by German engineer H. Eicke. Steam is created by this machine, which carries boiling beans through an aerator. The water is depressurized using 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 prefer.
The next advancement came with Luigi Bezzera's 1901 inventions. The design of his invention allowed him to lower the temperature of the boiler. This enables more constant temperature and pressure control. Bezzera also had the piston-based device, which helped make the machine semi-automatic. The only problem was the barista needed to grind and measure beans manually.
This led to the creation of an espresso machine that is driven by a pump. This brand new espresso machine, unlike those older steam-driven machines that were heated by an open flame, is equipped with an electric pump that is capable producing the high levels of pressure required for brewing the espresso. These machines can be able to take water from a cold line, which is typical in commercial facilities. Or they can use an additional water tank that has to be filled manually.
The machines also have two temperature settings that can be controlled by one button. One button activates the brew thermostat, and the other switch on the steam thermostat. This kind of machine can provide consistent shots for only a fraction of the price it costs compared to older steam-driven models.
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for those looking to make espresso quickly and easily. It can eliminate barista training by automating the process of grinding, tamping and extraction to ensure consistent results. It doesn't do all the work for you. You still have to grind the beans, then tamp them down in the portafilter and then push the water through.
This is the reason that many coffee drinkers prefer semi-automatic machines, since they feel the satisfaction of having more control throughout the process of brewing. They also come with an affordable price compared to their fully-automatic counterparts, and they tend to be more reliable, too.
These types of espresso machines are commonly located in non-specialty coffee shops and at home of coffee enthusiasts who are willing to spend more for convenience. Dual boilers allow steam and brewing process to be kept separate. One is used for heating while the other is used to make your preferred beverage. Some models have a built in grinder that can save the user a lot of time.
However the built-in grinder usually has a limited selection of settings, which can be frustrating for those who are more interested in tinkering with the process of brewing espresso to make their own personal favorites. It is best to pair a semi automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to have complete control over the size of the grinder.
If you're interested in a semi-automatic espresso machine, ensure you choose one that has a high-quality electric pump that is low-noise and has precise temperature regulation through a PID controller. The PID is an element of technology that's typically found in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens and helps stabilize a brewing boiler by analyzing the temperature fluctuations during the heating cycle.
A good semi-automatic espresso machine should also have a steam wand that is powerful enough to produce microfoam, as well as the capability to switch between brewing and steaming modes quickly (if it does not have two boilers). A semi-automatic machine that has all of these features is an excellent choice for those who don't want to learn how to make cafe-quality drinks, but still want to play around.
Manual
Manual espresso machines are operated with levers that push coffee grounds pressurized through the bed. This results in high-quality shots. These machines are less expensive than fully automated or semi-automatic machines and are therefore popular with coffee drinkers.
Unlike automated espresso machines, designed with ease of use in mind, manual espresso makers require more knowledge and focus from the operator in order to make the most of their potential. Choosing the right grinder, making sure that the brew ratio is in order and knowing how to properly dose and tamp your grounds are just some of the things you'll need know prior to using a manual espresso machine.
While some might be able to find the process of learning operating a machine manual difficult but for those with the right set of skills, it can be worthwhile. Coffeee , CHOICE's expert barista says that if one has the patience and the right equipment manual machines can produce the best espresso.
In recent years, hand-operated espresso machines have grown in both form and function with more sophisticated features like digital pressure gauges that let users monitor the pressure of extraction. Charles who is employed by Flair Espresso, says that these machines can be used using Bluetooth devices to plot graphs for flow rate. This allows users to understand how changing variables in extraction can impact the final outcome.
There are two kinds of manual espresso machines: direct and spring-piston. Direct levers include springs in their group heads to increase the pressure when brewing. Although they cost more and more difficult to use than spring-assisted machines.
Springs piston machines on the other hand, don't have anything in their group heads except the steam valve. They are simpler to use however they do not provide as much control of the brewing process. The best type of machine is based on personal preference and your budget. Whatever you decide on a manual espresso machine will require a few basic components such as the ability to carry a filter around and a coffee mill and a kettle.