Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The top espresso machines are easy to use, simple to clean and able to produce rich and balanced shots. But how do you determine which one is the perfect fit for your home?
This Breville model is ideal for those who don't want to learn barista skills, but still want great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines depend on an electric motor to generate the force needed to brew espresso. These machines either accept water directly from the mains, which is the norm in commercial installations, or they have a reservoir which must be filled manually (common for espresso machines used in homes and smaller commercial espresso machine). Pumps are usually solenoid pistons that can produce high pressure. Some espresso machines with pump-driven systems have fixed flow rates, while others allow you to adjust the pre-infusion or brewing temperature.
They are the most well-known machines and are ideal for anyone who wants a consistent, high-quality cup of coffee. They are simpler to clean and maintain than other models, however they do require electrical power and space near an outlet.
They come in two basic kinds: semi-automatic as well as super-automatic. Semi-automatics allow you to control the amount of time the shot is pulled by using an electronic switch or a programmable function. Additionally, you can control the grind setting and tamp the coffee. Some semi-automatics are equipped with motors that rotate and others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter and more consistent but require a constant stream of pressurized water.
A vibrating pump, on other hand, is able to start with a quiet start. However, it could make a loud noise once water is added to the machine. Both have pros and cons and you must pick one that suits your lifestyle.
Pump-driven machines are also available in a variety of sizes and price. The most expensive machines are usually super-automatic and come with multiple boilers that separate the water for brewing and steaming. The heat exchangers on these machines can be set to various temperatures, which can result in some variation in the taste of the espresso. This extra functionality is great for the busy barista at home, but it increases the cost of their products. Semi-automatics are a good middle ground. They can be reasonably priced, but they don't offer the same consistency and versatility of other alternatives.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines use an easy method to create an espresso that is powerful. In a container that is airtight, hot water is heated in order to create pressure that is then transferred into the coffee grounds. This is similar to the process used in a stovetop Moka pot. These machines are in use today due to their low cost and compactness. However, these machines don't have the capacity to achieve the 9 bar pressure required for true espresso. This is why they are best for those who are just starting out with home brewing or aren't concerned with making the perfect espresso.
The balancer for compensation in 1878 developed by German engineer H. Eicke is a early steam-driven machine. The steam generated by this device pushes boiling water through a filter of ground beans, which is then depressurized by the heat from an open flame spirit burner. This produces a strong shot, but it does not meet the standard of consistency that a lot of espresso enthusiasts would prefer.
The next advancement came with Luigi Bezzera's 1901 inventions. His design allowed him to lower the temperature of the boiler. This enables more stable temperature and pressure control. Bezzera also included the piston-based device, which helped make the machine semi-automatic. The only problem was that it required the barista a while to grind, measure and tamp the beans manually.
This led to the development of the pump-driven espresso machine. Contrary to older steam-driven machines that were heated by an open flame, this type of machine is equipped with an electric pump capable of generating the high levels of pressure required to make espresso. The machines can take water from a cold line, which is common in commercial establishments. Or they can use an individual water tank that has to be filled manually.
These machines also feature two temperature settings that are controlled via a push button. One of these buttons switch on the temperature of the brew while the second switches on the steam temperature. This type of machine is more accurate than older steam-driven machines, and can provide consistent shots at less than 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 easily. It removes the need for barista-level instruction by automatizing the grinding tamping and extraction process to provide consistent results. However, it doesn't complete the entire process for you. You'll still must grind the beans and tamp them in the portafilter prior to the water is pushed through them.
Many coffee lovers, both professional and amateur prefer semi-automatic machines because they like the feeling of being more involved in the brewing process. They are also less expensive than fully automated counterparts and tend to be more reliable.
These espresso machines are typically found in non-specialty shops and in the homes of casual coffee drinkers who are willing to pay more for convenience. They feature dual boilers so that the steam and brewing water are kept separate, while one is heating while the other is used to prepare the beverage you prefer. Some even have a built-in grinder that can be a huge time saver for the user.
The built-in espresso grinder is often restricted in its settings, which can be a problem for those who want to customize the process of brewing their own espresso. It is recommended to pair a semi automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to have full control over the size of the grinder.
If you're interested in a semiautomatic espresso machine be sure to choose one that has a low-noise, high-quality electric pump and a PID temperature control that permits precise temperature control. The PID is usually used in high-end toasters and immersion circulators. It aids in stabilizing the brewing process by analyzing the temperature fluctuations throughout the heating cycle.
A high-quality semi-automatic espresso machine will also have an efficient steam wand to produce microfoam, as well as the ability to switch between brewing and steaming modes quickly (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 cafe-quality drinks, but nonetheless want to play.
Manual
Manual espresso machines operate with levers which push the coffee grounds through a bed. This results in extremely concentrated shots. They are cheaper than fully automated or semi-automatic machines and are therefore popular with coffee lovers.
Manual espresso machines require greater attention and expertise from the operator to maximize their potential. It is also important to select the correct grinder and ensure that the brew ratio is right.
While some might be able to find the process of learning in operating a manual machine frustrating but for those with the right set of capabilities, it's well worth the effort. Our expert barista in-house at CHOICE, Adrian Lini, says that if you've got the right tools and the ability to learn the basics, a manual espresso maker can provide the ultimate espresso experience.
In espresso maker for home , espresso machines that are operated by hand have seen a rise in both design and function with more sophisticated features such as digital pressure gauges that let users monitor the pressure during extraction. Charles, who works for Flair Espresso, says that these machines can be used using Bluetooth devices to create graphs of flow rates. This allows users to understand how the changing variables during extraction can impact the final result.
There are two types of manual espresso machines which are spring-piston and direct. Direct levers feature a spring inside their group heads which help to increase the pressure when making coffee. They're more expensive than spring-assisted machines, but they're still simpler to use.
Springs piston machines have only the steam valve within their group head. They are more user-friendly however they do not provide as much control of the brewing process. Choosing the right type of machine is dependent on your personal preferences and budget. Whichever one you choose an espresso machine that is manual will require a few basic accessories, including kettles, coffee grinder and a portafilter equipped with the option of removing a dispersion filter made of metal.