Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The best espresso machines are easy to use, easy to clean and can make rich and balanced shots. But how do you determine which one is the right fit for your home?
This Breville model, with its quick-heating thermocoil design and digital convenience is ideal for someone who doesn't have the time to learn barista skills, but would like to enjoy good coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines depend on an electric motor for the force required to brew espresso. They either take water directly from the mains, which is common in commercial installations, or they have a reservoir that must be manually filled (common for espresso machines used in homes and smaller commercial espresso machines). Pumps are typically solenoid piston types, which can generate high pressure. Some espresso machines driven by pumps have a fixed flow control while others let you alter the pre-infusion or brewing pressure.
These are the most sought-after machines and are perfect for anyone looking for a consistently high-quality, consistent cup of coffee. They can also be easier to maintain and clean than other types of equipment, but do require a certain amount of electricity and a location near an outlet.
There are two basic types of semi-automatics and super-automatics. Semi-automatics let you control the amount of time the shot is pulled with a manual switch or a programmed function. In addition, you can adjust the grind setting and tamp the coffee. Some semi-automatics are rotary, while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter and more reliable however they require a constant flow of pressurized water.
In contrast, a vibration pump begins very quietly but can eventually sound like a scream if the machine is fed water. Both types have their pros and cons, and you should pick the one that fits your lifestyle best.
Pump-driven machines are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges. The most expensive ones are usually super-automatic and feature multiple boilers that separate the water used for steaming and brewing. These models have heat exchangers that can be set at different temperatures to provide a variation in the flavor. This extra feature makes them a great option for the busy barista at home however, it will increase their price. Semi-automatics are a great middle option. They can be reasonably priced however they don't have the same consistency and versatility of other options.
Coffeee -driven
Steam-driven machines employ a simple system to produce a powerful espresso. In a container that is airtight, hot water is heated in order to create pressure which is then transferred into the coffee grounds. This is similar to what happens inside the stovetop moka kettle and they are used today for their affordability and compact size. These models are not capable of reaching the 9 bars of pressure required to make a true espresso. These models are suitable for those who are just beginning with home brewing, or who don't care about making the perfect espresso.
A very early example of a steam-driven machine is the 1878 compensation siphon balancing machine developed by German engineer H. Eicke. The steam generated by this device pushes boiling water through a filter of ground beans, which are then depressurized by the heat from an open flame spirit burner. This makes a strong shot, but it doesn't meet the standard of consistency that many espresso lovers prefer.
Luigi Bezzera patented improvements in 1901 that led to the next breakthrough. The design was able to lower the temperature of the boiler, allowing for more stable pressure and temperature control. Bezzera added a piston device to help make this machine semiautomatic. The only problem was the barista had to grind, measure, and tamp beans manually.
This led to the creation of the pump-driven espresso machine. In contrast to the steam-driven machines of the past that were heated with an open flame, this new type of machine is equipped with an electric pump capable of generating the high levels of pressure needed for brewing espresso. The machines can take water directly from a cold water line, common in commercial installations or use a separate tank filled with water by hand.
The machines also have two temperature settings that are controlled by the push of a 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 produce consistent shots at only a fraction of the price it costs compared to older steam-driven models.
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal choice for those who want to make espresso quickly and easily. It removes the need for barista-level education by automatizing the grinding, tamping and extraction process to ensure consistent results. However, it doesn't do everything for you. You'll still must grind the beans and then tamp them in the portafilter prior to the water is being pushed through them.
Many amateur and professional coffee-lovers prefer to use semi-automatic machines for this reason, as they enjoy the feeling of being more involved in the process of brewing. They are also less costly than their fully-automatic equivalents and are generally more reliable.
These espresso machines are often found in non-specialty shops and in the homes of casual coffee drinkers who want to spend more for convenience. They have dual boilers, which means that the steam and brewing water are kept separate while one is heating up while the other is used to make the beverage you prefer. Some models even come with an integrated grinder, which could be a major time-saver for the user.
The espresso grinder that comes with the machine is usually limited in its settings, which can be a problem for those who want to customize the process of making their own espresso. It is best to combine a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grind for total control over the size of the grind.
If you're looking for an espresso machine that is semi-automatic, look for one with a low-noise, high-quality electric pump and a PID temperature control that allows precise temperature regulation. The PID is usually used in high-end toasters and immersion circulators. It aids in stabilizing the brewing system by monitoring temperature fluctuations during the heating cycle.
A high-quality semi-automatic espresso machine will also have a steam wand that is powerful enough to produce microfoam, as well as the ability to switch between steaming and brewing modes quickly (if it does not have two boilers). A semi-automatic machine that has all of these features could be an excellent 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 that push coffee grounds pressurized through a bed. This produces high-quality shots. They are less expensive than semi-automatic or fully automated machines which is why they are popular with coffee drinkers.
In contrast to automated espresso machines that are designed with ease-of-use in mind manual espresso makers require more expertise and focus from the operator to make the most of 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 manual machines frustrating and difficult but those with the right skills can make it worth the effort. Our expert barista in-house at CHOICE, Adrian Lini, says that if you have the right tools and the determination to learn the basics, a manual espresso maker can give you the best espresso experience.
In recent years, espresso machines that are operated by hand have grown in both form and function with more advanced features such as digital pressure gauges that 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 which can help users understand how changing various variables during extraction could affect the overall result.
There are two kinds of manual espresso machines: direct and spring piston. Direct levers are equipped with a spring in their group heads to help increase pressure during the brewing process. They're more expensive than spring-assisted units, but can still be easier to use.
Springs piston machines are limited to the steam valve within their group head. They are easier to use however they do not provide the same degree of control over the brewing process. The ideal machine for you will be based on your budget and your personal preferences. Whatever you decide to go with an espresso machine that is manual will need a few essential accessories, including kettles, a coffee grinder and a portafilter that has an adjustable dispersion screen made of metal.