Buyer's
Guide to Espresso Machines
Making
great espresso is an art that takes practice, but good equipment
is also necessary. Espresso machines are much more complicated
than drip brewing coffee makers.
In
order to make the best decision on the type of machine that
best suits your needs (and budget), I will attempt to explain
how they work and what features are important for making great
espresso.
The
main components of an espresso machine are the water tank,
the pump, the boiler, and the brew head (which holds the portafilter).
First
of all, let’s eliminate all of the steam driven machines.
These are the cheaper espresso machines that usually sell
for under $70.
They
use steam to force the water through the grounds instead of
a pump and only generate about 3 atmospheres or bars of pressure.
They also heat the water too much which scalds the coffee.
If
you want espresso that tastes anything like what you’ll get
in coffee bars, save up for a better machine.
Back
to the issue of pressure, an espresso machine works by forcing
almost boiling water through packed coffee grounds.
In
order to properly brew espresso, getting full extraction with
consistency, a minimum of about 9 to 10 bars of pressure is
necessary. Most pump espresso machines will generate from
9 to 18 bars of pressure.
A
more powerful pump does not mean that its better, you only
need about 10 bars of pressure, any more will not affect the
taste of your espresso.
The
boiler on the espresso machine is what is responsible for
heating the water and maintaining it at the proper temperature
for brewing and steaming milk.
Contrary
to what many believe, the pump has nothing to do with the
amount of steam and steaming pressure produced.
It
takes a lot of steam to properly steam a pitcher of milk.
When the boiler temperature has dropped below the recommended
temperature, a light usually comes on telling you to wait
until the temperature builds back up.
How
long the machine takes to heat back up is referred to as recovery
time. Better machines have large, high quality boilers which
speeds up or even eliminates the need for recovery time. This
is an important feature if you plan on making more than one
drink at a time.
Different
Types of Espresso Machines
There
are basically 5 types of espresso machines on the market today.
They are Steam Driven (which we talked about earlier), Manual,
Semi-Automatic, Automatic, and Super Automatic machines.
Manual
Espresso Machines:
A
manual espresso machines uses a lever that the operator uses
to force the water through the grounds instead of an electric
pump.
These
were the first type of espresso machines. They are not for
the average user as the consistent pulling of the lever takes
practice to master.
Since
the amount of time to extract a shot is crucial, it is not
easy to “pull” a great shot. This skill can be learned though
and will create an impressive show for your friends.
Check
out these manual espresso machines:
Semi-Automatic
Espresso Machines:
Because
of their price, and level of control, semi automatics are
the most common home espresso machines.
They
are ideal for the coffee enthusiast who wants to create great
espresso and doesn’t mind developing a little skill and cleaning
out the portafilter.
Basically,
a semi automatic machine lets you add the coffee to the portafilter
manually, and the pump starts and stops when the user pushes
the brew button.
The
machine also requires that you clean the portafilter after
each brewing.
Since
the user manually starts and stops the brew cycle, this machine
gives you the most control over the quality of your shots.
Also,
since a grinder is not included in the machine, you have the
option of buying a better grinder which can be used for all
of your coffee.
Check
out these semi-automatic espresso machines:
Automatic
Espresso Machines:
If
you’re more interested in convenience rather than learning
the art of creating espresso then an automatic machine is
for you.
They
have the same components as a semi automatic except they have
electronic controls to start and stop the brew cycle at preset
levels. Most can be programmed to stop short for a ristretto
or long for a lungo.
I
believe that a superior shot can be extracted by a skilled
barista on a semi automatic machine but if you are not really
interested in practicing, an automatic will produce the superior
drink.
Check
out these automatic espresso machines:
Super
Automatic Espresso Machines:
If
money is no object, and you just want decent espresso without
learning a skill, then look no further. Super automatics have
the grinder built-in. All you have to do is add the whole
beans and let the machine do the rest.
It
will grind the beans, tamp the grounds into the filter, and
brew to your preset amount. It will even dump the used grounds
in its internal waste box. I have heard that some machines
will even drink the espresso for you!
Check
out these super automatic machines:
Can't
Find What You're Looking For?
If
you didn't see the espresso machine you've been dying to own,
try a search below on espresso machines to see Amazon's full
selection.
Well
that is the basic information you need to know about espresso
machines and how they work. It awesome to be able to make
such great espresso in the comfort of your own home, but I
suggest using them only occasionally.
There
is more that the coffee house experience offers that you cannot
get from your home. Atmosphere, good conversation with people
you’ve just met, and a place to get away from the ordinary
and escape. Not to mention being waited on.
Enjoy!
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