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Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The best espresso machines are simple to operate, simple to clean, and able to produce powerful and balanced shots. How do you pick the most efficient espresso machine for your home?
This Breville model is ideal for those who don't wish to learn barista skills, but still want to enjoy great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines utilize an electric pump to supply the force needed for espresso brewing. These machines either accept water directly from the mains, which is common in commercial installations, or contain a reservoir that has to be filled manually (common for household espresso machines and smaller commercial espresso machines). Pumps are typically solenoid pistons, which can generate high pressure. Some espresso machines driven by pumps have a fixed flow control while others let you adjust the pre-infusion and/or brewing pressure.
The most popular type of machine, these are a great option for those looking to make high-quality coffee quickly and consistently. These machines are simpler to maintain and clean than other models, however they do require electrical power and space near an outlet.
There are two main types that are semi-automatics as well as super-automatics. Semi-automatics let you control the length of time that the shot is pulled through the manual switch or programable function. You can also alter the grind setting, and then tamp down the coffee. Certain semi-automatics are rotary while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter, but they require a constant flow of pressurized liquid.
A vibrating pump on the other hand, is able to start quite quietly. However, it could make a loud noise once water is added to the machine. Both have pros and cons, and you should choose one that best suits your needs.
Pump-driven machines are also available in a range of sizes and prices. The most expensive ones are usually super-automatic and feature multiple boilers to separate the water used to steam and brew. These models come with heat exchangers which can be set at different temperatures to provide an array of flavors. This is a great feature for the busy barista working at home, but it increases their price. Semi-automatics can be a good middle ground. They can be reasonably priced but they don't provide the same consistency and versatility of other alternatives.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines employ simple mechanisms to create an intense espresso. Within an airtight tank, hot water is steamed to create pressure that is transferred into the coffee grounds for brewing. This is similar to the process that happens in a Moka stovetop. These machines are still in use today due to their low cost and their compactness. However, these models do not have the ability to produce the 9 bars of pressure needed for a true espresso. This makes them best for those just getting started with making espresso at home or aren't concerned about making the perfect cup of espresso.
The earliest example of a steam-driven device is the 1878 compensation siphon balancer developed by German engineer H. Eicke. The steam produced by this device pushes boiling water through a filter of ground beans, which is then depressurized with the help of heat of an open flame spirit burner. This process produces a very robust shot, however it doesn't meet the standards of consistency that many coffee lovers like.
The next advancement came with Luigi Bezzera's 1901 inventions. His invention was able lower the temperature of the boiler, which allows for more constant pressure and temperature control. Bezzera also included an engine piston to make this machine semiautomatic. The only problem was the barista had to grind and measure beans manually.
This led to the development of the pump-driven espresso machine. This brand new espresso machine, unlike those older steam-driven machines that were heated by an open flame, has an electric pump capable producing the high pressure levels required to make espresso. The machines can take water directly from the cold water line common in commercial installations, or they can use a separate tank that is filled with water manually.
These machines also feature two temperature settings that can be controlled by a button. One of these buttons is activates the brew thermostat, and the other switches on the steam thermostat. This kind of machine is more accurate than older steam-driven machines, and can produce consistent shots for a fraction of the cost of more expensive models.
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic machines are a great option for those who want to brew their espresso quickly and efficiently. It removes the need for barista-level education by automating the grinding, tamping and extraction process to provide consistently good results. It does not do all the work for you. You still have grind the beans, then tamp them down in the portafilter, then push the water through.
Many amateur and professional coffee-lovers prefer to use a semi-automatic machine for this reason, as they like the feeling of being more involved in the process of making coffee. These machines also have less cost than their fully automated counterparts, and they tend to be more reliable, too.
These espresso machines are typically found in shops that are not specialty and in the homes of casual coffee drinkers who are willing spend more for convenience. They feature dual boilers so that the brewing water and steam are kept separate, while one is heating while the other is being used to make your beverage of choice. Some models have an integrated grinder which can save users a lot of time.
However the built-in grinder typically has a limited number of settings, which can be frustrating for those interested in tinkering with the espresso-brewing process to create their own personal favorite. An alternative is to pair a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to get complete control over the grind size and the amount.
If you're considering an espresso machine that is semi-automatic, ensure that you select one with a top-quality electric pump that is low-noise and has precise temperature regulation through a PID controller. The PID is a piece of technology that's commonly used in immersion circulators as well as high-end toaster ovens. It helps stabilize a brewing boiler by measuring the temperature variations during the heating cycle.
In addition, a good semi-automatic machine must have a powerful enough steam wand to produce microfoam. It should also be capable of switching between brewing and steaming modes quickly (if it does not have two boilers). A semi-automatic machine with all of these features could be an ideal choice for those who don't wish to learn how to make drinks that are cafe-quality, but nonetheless want to play.
Manual
Manual espresso machines operate with levers which push the coffee grounds through a bed. This produces extremely concentrated shots. espresso machines home are less expensive than semi-automatic or fully automatic machines and are therefore popular with coffee enthusiasts.
Manual espresso machines require more focus and skill from the operator in order to maximize their potential. Choosing the right grinder, making sure that the brew ratio is right and knowing how to 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 difficult but for those with the right skills, it can be well worth the effort. Adrian Lini, CHOICE's expert barista says that if you have the patience and the right tools manual machines can produce the best espresso.
In recent years, hand-operated espresso machines have grown in both form and function with more advanced features like digital pressure gauges that allow users to track the pressure during extraction. Charles who is employed by Flair Espresso, says that the machines can be paired with Bluetooth devices to create graphs of flow rates. This aids users in understanding how changing variables in extraction can affect the final outcome.
There are two kinds of manual espresso machines that are direct and spring-piston. Direct levers have springs in their group heads which help increase pressure while making coffee. They're more expensive than spring-assisted machines but can still be easier to operate.
Springs piston machines are limited to the steam valve in their group head. They are easier to use but do not offer as much control over the making process. The right machine for you will be based on your budget and personal preferences. Whichever one you choose, a manual espresso machine will require a few basic accessories, such as a kettle, a coffee grinder and a portafilter equipped with the option of removing a dispersion filter made of metal.
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