Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The best espresso machines are easy to operate, simple to clean and can make rich and balanced shots. But how do you decide which one is the perfect fit for your home?
This Breville model with its fast-heating thermocoil design, and digital convenience is perfect for a person who doesn't want to develop barista skills, but would like to enjoy excellent coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines rely on an electric pump for the force required to make espresso. They either take water directly from the mains as is the norm in commercial installations, or have a reservoir that must be filled manually (common for household espresso machines and smaller commercial espresso machines). Pumps are typically solenoid pistons, which can produce high pressure. Some espresso machines driven by pumps have a fixed flow regulation while others allow you to adjust the pre-infusion and/or the brewing pressure.
The most popular kind of machine, these are a good option for those looking to make coffee of high quality quickly and consistently. They are also simpler to maintain and clean than other kinds of machines however they do require a certain amount of electrical power and a space near an outlet.
There are two types of basic of semi-automatics and super-automatics. Semi-automatics let you regulate the length of time that the shot is pulled by using either a manual switch, or a feature that can be programmed. You can also control the grind setting, and then tamp down the coffee. Certain semi-automatics feature motors that are rotary and others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter and more consistent but require a continuous flow of pressurized water.
In contrast, a vibrating pump begins very quietly but it can soon sound like a scream if the machine needs to be fed water. Both have pros and cons and you should choose the one that best suits your lifestyle best.
Pump-driven machines are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges. The most expensive ones are typically super-automatic and have multiple boilers that separate the water used to steam and brew. The heat exchangers on these models can be set to various temperatures, allowing for some variations in the flavor of the espresso. This feature is ideal for the busy barista at home, but it can increase their price. The middle of the road is a semi-automatic which can be affordable but does not offer as much consistency and versatility as other options.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines employ a simple mechanism to produce an intense espresso. In an airtight container, steam is heated to create pressure which is then transferred to the coffee grounds for brewing. This is similar to the process that takes place in a stovetop Moka pot. These machines are in use today due to their affordability and their compactness. These machines aren't capable of reaching the 9 bars of pressure needed for true espresso. These models are best for those just starting out making espresso at home or those who don't worry about making the perfect espresso.
The balancer balancer compensation from 1878 developed 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 are then depressurized by heat from an open flame spirit burner. This method produces a strong shot but does not meet the standards of consistency that a lot of espresso enthusiasts prefer.
Luigi Bezzera patented improvements in 1901 which led to the next breakthrough. His invention allowed him to lower the temperature of the boiler. This enables more constant temperature and pressure control. Bezzera also added an engine-driven device that made the machine semi-automatic. The only problem was that it took the barista time to grind, measure and tamp the beans manually.
This led to the development of a pump-driven espresso machine. 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. These machines can accept water directly from a cold water line, typical in commercial facilities, or they can use an additional tank that is filled with water by hand.
These machines also have 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 can make consistent shots at only a fraction of the price it costs compared to older steam-driven models.
Semi-automatic
If you're seeking a simple method to make espresso with less hassle the semi-automatic machine is the answer. It can eliminate barista training by automating the process of grinding, tamping and extraction to give consistent results. However, it can't take care of everything for you. You'll have to grind the beans and then tamp them in the portafilter prior to the water is pushed through them.
Many amateur and professional coffee-lovers prefer semi-automatic machines because they like the feeling of being more involved in the brewing process. They are also less expensive than their fully-automatic equivalents and tend to be more reliable.
These types of espresso machines are commonly found in non-specialty coffee shops and in homes of coffee enthusiasts who are willing to pay more for convenience. Dual boilers allow the steam and brewing to be kept separate. One is used to heat while the other is used to make your preferred beverage. Some models come with an integrated grinder which can save users a lot of time.
The espresso grinder built into the machine is often restricted in its settings, which can be a problem for those who want to modify the process of making their own espresso. It is best to pair a semi automatic espresso machine with an external grind to ensure complete control over the size of the grind.
If you're interested in a semiautomatic espresso machine, look for one with an extremely quiet electric pump, and a PID temperature control that permits precise temperature control. The PID is typically found in high-end toaster and immersion circulators. It aids in stabilizing a brewing system by measuring temperature fluctuations during the heating cycle.
Additionally, a quality semi-automatic machine needs to have a sufficient steam wand to produce microfoam and be able to switch between brewing and steaming modes easily (if it doesn't have dual boilers). With all of these options, a top-quality semi-automatic espresso maker is an ideal choice for those looking to avoid the hassle and expense of learning to make cafe-quality drinks but still enjoy some degree of tinkering with the process.
Manual
Manual espresso machines employ 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 automatic machines, which makes them popular with coffee lovers.
Manual espresso machines require more attention and skill from the operator to maximize their capabilities. Making the right choice in a grinder, ensuring that the brew ratio is right, and understanding how to dose and tap your grounds are some of the things you'll need to know prior to using a manual machine.
Although some may be able to find the process of learning in operating a manual machine frustrating, for those with the right set of skills, it can be worthwhile. Adrian Lini, CHOICE's expert barista, says that if you have the patience and the right tools, a manual machine can make the best espresso.
In recent times, espresso machines operated by hand have improved in both appearance and function, with more sophisticated features like digital pressure gauges that let users monitor the pressure of extraction. Charles who works at Flair Espresso, explains that these machines can also be paired by Bluetooth devices to create graphs of flow rates to help users understand how changing different variables during extraction can impact the overall outcome.
There are two types of manual espresso machine: direct and spring-piston. Direct levers have springs in their group heads, which helps increase pressure during making. While they are more expensive, they can be easier to use than spring-assisted machines.
Springs piston machines, on the contrary, have nothing in their group heads other than the steam valve. They are simpler to use however they do not provide as much control over the brewing process. Choosing the right type of machine is dependent on personal preference and your budget. Whichever coffee espresso machines choose, an espresso machine that is manual will require a few necessary accessories, such as a kettle, a coffee grinder, and a portafilter with a removable metal dispersion screen.