Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The best espresso machines are easy to use, easy to clean and can produce powerful and balanced shots. But how do you determine which one is the right fit for your home?
This Breville model is ideal for those who don't wish to learn barista skills, 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. These machines either accept water directly from the mains, which is common in commercial installations, or contain a reservoir that has to be manually filled (common for household espresso machines and smaller commercial espresso machines). Pumps are typically solenoid pistons, which can produce high pressure. Certain espresso machines that are driven by pump systems have a fixed flow rate, while others let you adjust the pre-infusion pressure or brewing pressure.
The most well-known type of machine, they are a great option for those looking to make quality coffee quickly and consistently. They are simpler to maintain and clean than other types, but they do require electrical power and a place near an outlet.
They are available in two fundamental types: semi-automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatics let you control the length of time that the shot is pulled with an electronic switch or a programable function. In addition, you can adjust the grind setting and to tamp 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 contrary, begins very quietly. However, it can sound like a scream when water is added to the machine. Both have pros and cons, and you must pick one that best suits your needs.
Pump-driven machines come in a range of sizes and price ranges. The most expensive models are typically super-automatic and have multiple boilers to separate the water used for steaming and brewing. The heat exchangers on these machines can be set to different temperatures, which allows for some variations in the flavor of the espresso. This extra feature makes them an ideal choice for the busy barista at home, it does increase the cost. The middle ground is a semi-automatic, which can be very affordable but doesn't offer as much consistency and versatility as other options.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines use an easy system to make an intense espresso. In a container that is airtight, hot water is heated to create pressure, which is then transferred into the coffee grounds. This is similar to the process used in a stovetop Moka pot. These machines are being used today due to their affordability and compactness. These models aren't capable of achieving the 9 bar pressure needed to make a true espresso. These models are suitable for those who are just beginning with homebrewing or don't care about making the perfect espresso.
The balancer balancer compensation from 1878 designed by German engineer H. Eicke is a very early steam-driven device. Steam is produced by this machine, which carries boiling beans through filters. The water is released by heating from an open flame. This process produces a very powerful shot, however it does not meet the standards of consistency that a lot of espresso enthusiasts would prefer.
Luigi Bezzera patented improvements in 1901 that led to the next breakthrough. The design was able to lower the temperature of the boiler, which allowed for more consistent temperature and pressure control. Bezzera included the piston device to make this machine semiautomatic. The only issue was that it required the barista time to grind, measure and tamp the beans manually.
This led to the development of a pump-driven espresso machine. This new type of espresso machine, unlike the older steam-driven ones that were heated by an open flame, has an electric pump that is capable producing the high levels of pressure needed for brewing the espresso. These machines can either accept water directly from a cold water line, typical in commercial facilities, or they can use a separate tank that is filled with water by hand.
These machines also have two temperature settings, which are controlled by one button. One of these buttons switches on the temperature of the brew while the other one controls the steam temperature. This kind of machine is able to provide consistent shots for less than what it costs as compared to steam-driven models.
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic machines are a great option for those looking to make espresso quickly and easily. It eliminates the need for barista-level training by automatizing the grinding, extraction, and tamping processes to provide consistently good results. But it doesn't take care of everything for you. You'll still need to grind the beans and then tamp them in the portafilter prior to the water is forced through them.
This is why many coffee lovers prefer semi-automatic machines, since they like the feeling of having more control during the brewing process. These machines also have an affordable price compared to their fully-automated counterparts, and they tend to be more reliable too.
These espresso machines are typically located in shops that are not specialty shops and at the homes of coffee drinkers who are willing to spend more for convenience. Dual boilers allow the steam and brewing to remain separate. One is used for heating, while the other is used to prepare your favorite beverage. Some models have an integrated grinder which can save the user a lot of time.
The built-in espresso grinder is usually limited in its settings, which can frustrate those who want to modify the process of brewing their own espresso. It is best to use a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinding to ensure full control over the size of the grinder.
If you're interested in an espresso machine that is semi-automatic, make sure to look for one with a top-quality electric pump with low-noise, and precision temperature regulation via the PID controller. The PID is a piece of technology usually used in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens. It can help stabilize a brewing kettle by measuring the temperature variations during the heating process.
Furthermore, a high-quality semi-automatic machine must be equipped with a strong enough steam wand to produce microfoam, and also be capable of switching between steaming and brewing modes easily (if it does not have dual boilers). A semi-automatic machine with all of these features could be an ideal choice for those who don't want to learn how to make high-quality cafe drinks however still want to have fun.
Manual
Manual espresso machines operate with levers that push pressurized coffee grounds through a bed. This produces high-quality shots. These machines are less expensive than semi-automatic or fully automated machines, which makes them popular with coffee lovers.
Coffeee require more focus and expertise from the operator to maximize their potential. You'll also have to select the right grinder and ensure that the brew proportion is correct.
While some find the process of learning the manual espresso machine to be challenging and difficult, those with the right skills are able to make it worth the effort. Our expert barista in-house at CHOICE, Adrian Lini, says that if you have the right equipment and determination to learn the basics, a manual espresso maker will give you the best espresso experience.
In recent times, the hand-operated espresso machine has changed in its appearance and function. It now comes with more advanced features, like digital pressure gauges, which allow users to monitor the pressure during extraction. Charles who works at Flair Espresso, explains that these machines can also be used with Bluetooth devices to digitally create graphs of flow rates to help users understand how changing different variables during extraction could affect the overall result.
There are two types of manual espresso machine that are direct and spring-piston. Direct levers include a spring in their group heads, which helps boost pressure during brewing. They're more expensive than spring-assisted machines however, they are still easier to operate.
Springs piston machines, on the contrary, have nothing in their group heads except the steam valve. They are more user-friendly however they do not provide as much control of the making process. The choice of the best machine is based on your personal preferences and budget. Whatever you decide to go with, the manual espresso machine will need a few essential accessories, including a kettle, a coffee grinder and a portafilter that has the option of removing a dispersion filter made of metal.