Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The top espresso machines will be easy to use, clean, and produce balanced shots. But how do you decide which one is the best one for your home?
This Breville model is perfect for those who don't want to learn barista techniques, but still want to enjoy great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines rely on an electric pump for the force required to make espresso. These machines typically take water from the mains supply, as is typical for 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 that are driven by pump systems have a fixed flow rate, while others allow you to adjust the pre-infusion or brewing temperature.
The most popular type of machine, they are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to make quality coffee quickly and consistently. These machines are easier to maintain and clean than other models, however they require electricity and a space near an outlet.
There are two types of basic that are semi-automatics as well as super-automatics. Semi-automatics let you regulate the amount of time the shot is pulled by using a manual switch or a programmable function. You can also alter the grind setting and tamp down the coffee. Some semi-automatics are rotary, while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter and more consistent however they require a constant flow of pressurized water.
In contrast, a vibrating pump can start off quiet but it can soon sound like a scream when the machine needs to be supplied with water. Both have pros and cons, and you should choose one that is suitable for your needs.
Pump-driven machines also come in a variety of sizes and price. The most expensive machines are typically super-automatic, and have multiple boilers that separate the water used for brewing and steaming. The heat exchangers of these machines can be set to different temperatures, which can result in some variation in the taste of the espresso. cafe espresso machine is ideal for the busy barista at home, but it can increase their price. Semi-automatics are a good middle place. They aren't expensive however they don't have the same level of consistency and versatility of other alternatives.
Steam-driven
A steam-driven machine uses simple mechanisms to create an intense espresso. In an airtight container, steam is heated to create pressure, which is transferred into the coffee grounds to make espresso. This is similar to what happens in a stovetop moka pot and these machines are used today for their affordability and small size. However, these models do not have the ability to produce the 9 bars of pressure needed for a true espresso. These models are suitable for those just starting out with homebrewing, or who don't care about making the perfect espresso.
A very early example of a steam-driven machine is the 1878 compensation siphon balancer developed by German engineer H. Eicke. Steam is created by this machine, which pushes boiling beans through filters. The water is then depressurized using heat from an open flame. This process produces a powerful shot, but doesn't provide the quality of consistency that a lot of espresso drinkers prefer.
The next advancement came with Luigi Bezzera's 1901 patent improvements. The design of his invention allowed him to reduce the temperature in the boiler. This enables more stable temperature and pressure control. Bezzera also added an engine-driven device that helped to make this machine semi-automatic. The only issue was that it required the barista time to grind, measure and tamp the beans by hand.
This led to the development of a pump driven espresso machine. This new type of espresso machine, as opposed to the steam-driven models of the past, which were heated by an open flame, features an electric pump capable of producing high pressure levels required for the brewing of espresso. These machines can be able to take water from a cold line, which is a common feature in commercial establishments. Or they can use an individual water tank that has to be filled manually.
They also have two temperature settings that can be controlled by a push button. One of these buttons turns on the temperature of the brew, while the other switch on the steam temperature. This type of machine can provide consistent shots for less than what it costs compared to older steam-driven models.
Semi-automatic
If you're looking for a method to make espresso with less hassle, the semi-automatic machine is the answer. It eliminates the need for barista-level instruction by automatizing the grinding, tamping and extraction process to produce consistently good results. It does not do all the work for you. You still need to grind the beans, then tamp them down in the portafilter and then push the water through.
Many coffee lovers, both professional and amateur, prefer semi-automatic coffee makers because they like the feeling of being more involved in the process of brewing. They also come with less cost than their fully-automatic counterparts, and they tend to be more reliable, too.
These espresso machines are typically located in non-specialty coffee shops and in homes of casual coffee drinkers who are willing to pay more money to enjoy convenience. Dual boilers permit the steam and brewing process to be kept separate. One is used for heating while the other is used to prepare your preferred beverage. Some models even come with a built-in grinder, which can be a big time-saver for the user.
The built-in espresso grinder is usually limited in its settings, which can frustrate those who want to customize the process of making their own espresso. An alternative is to combine a semi-automatic espresso maker with an external grinder to have complete control over the size of the grind and dosage.
If you are interested in an espresso machine that is semi-automatic be sure to choose one that has a low-noise, high-quality electric pump and a PID temperature controller that permits precise temperature control. PID is a piece of technology that's usually used in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens. It helps stabilize a brewing kettle by measuring the temperature variations throughout the heating process.
Additionally, a quality semi-automatic machine should have a sufficient steam wand that can create microfoam and be capable of switching between steaming and brewing modes with ease (if it doesn't have two boilers). A semi-automatic model with all of these features could be an ideal choice for those who don't want to learn how to make drinks that are cafe-quality, but still want to have fun.
Manual
Manual espresso machines operate with levers that push pressurized coffee grounds through the bed. This produces high-quality shots. They are cheaper than semi-automatic or fully automatic machines which is why they are popular with coffee enthusiasts.
In contrast to automated espresso machines that are designed with ease-of-use in mind, manual espresso makers require more skill and focus by the operator to get the most of their potential. Selecting the right grinder, ensuring that the brew ratio is correct, and understanding how to properly dose and tamp your grounds are just some of the things you'll need to know before using a manual machine.
Although some may be able to find the process of learning operating a machine manual frustrating but for those with the right skills, it can be worth the effort. Our expert barista in-house at CHOICE, Adrian Lini, says that if you've got the right equipment and ability to learn, a manual espresso maker can provide the ultimate espresso experience.
In recent times, espresso machines operated by hand have improved in both appearance and function with more sophisticated features such as 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 aids users in understanding how changing variables during extraction can affect the final result.
There are two main kinds of manual espresso machines including spring piston and direct. Direct levers include springs in their group heads to help increase the pressure when brewing. While they are more expensive but they are also 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 easier to use than direct lever machines, but don't offer as much control over the brewing process. The right machine for you will depend on your budget and personal taste. Whichever you choose, an espresso machine that is manual will need a few essential equipment, such as a kettle, a coffee grinder, and a portafilter with the option of removing a dispersion filter made of metal.