Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
electric espresso maker are easy to use, clean and provide balanced shots. What are the steps to choose the best espresso machine for your home?
This Breville model is ideal for those who don't wish to learn barista skills, but still want to enjoy great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines utilize an electric pump to deliver the force required to prepare espresso. They can either draw water directly from the mains as is the norm in commercial installations, or they have a reservoir that must be manually filled (common for espresso machines used in homes and smaller commercial espresso machine). The pumps used are typically solenoid-piston designs that can create high levels of pressure. Certain espresso machines with pumps come with a fixed flow regulator, while others allow you to alter the pre-infusion or brewing pressure.
These are the most popular machines, and are perfect for those who want an consistent, high-quality cup of coffee. They are also simpler to clean and maintain than other types of equipment, but do require a certain amount of electrical power and a space near an outlet.
They come in two basic varieties: semi-automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatics let you regulate the length of time that the shot is pulled by using an electronic switch or a programmed function. In addition, you are able to adjust the grind setting and to tamp the coffee. Certain semi-automatics are rotary while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter, however, they require constant flow of pressurized liquid.
A vibrating pump, on other hand, starts out quite quietly. However, it can sound like a scream when water is added to the machine. Both have pros and cons and you should pick the one that best suits your needs best.
Pump-driven machines come in a range of sizes and price ranges. The most expensive machines are typically super-automatic, and include multiple boilers that separate the water for brewing as well as steaming. The heat exchangers in these machines can be set to different temperatures, which can result in some variations in the flavor of the espresso. This extra feature makes them a great option for the busy barista at home, it does increase their price. The middle option is a semi-automatic which is a great value but does not offer as much consistency and versatility as other options.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines employ simple mechanisms to create a strong espresso. In an airtight container, hot water is heated to create pressure that is then transferred to the coffee grounds. This is similar to the process that happens in a Moka stovetop. These machines are still in use today due to their cost-effectiveness and small size. However, these models don't have the capacity to reach 9 bars of pressure needed for a authentic espresso. These models are suitable for those just starting out with homebrewing or don't care about making the perfect espresso.
A very early example of a steam-driven machine is the 1878 compensation siphon balancing machine designed by German engineer H. Eicke. Steam is produced by this machine, which carries boiling beans through a filter. The water is depressurized with heat from an open flame. This technique produces a robust shot, but it doesn't meet the high standards of consistency that many espresso enthusiasts 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 allows for more consistent pressure and temperature control. Bezzera also included the piston-based device, which helped to make this machine semi-automatic. The only issue was that it required the barista a while to grind, measure and tamp the beans manually.
This led to the creation of a pump-driven espresso machine. In contrast to the steam-driven machines of the past that were heated with an open flame, the new kind of machine has an electric pump capable of producing the high levels of pressure required to make espresso. The machines can take water from a cold line which is a common feature in commercial establishments. They also have the option of using a separate water tank that has to be filled manually.
They also have two temperature settings that can be controlled by a button. One button activates the brew thermostat, and the other switch on the steam thermostat. This kind of machine is able to make consistent shots at only a fraction of the price it costs as compared to steam-driven models.
Semi-automatic
For those who are seeking a simple method to make espresso without a lot of hassle, the semi-automatic machine is the answer. It removes the need for barista-level training by automating the grinding, tamping and extraction process to produce consistently good results. But it doesn't take care of everything for you. You'll still must grind the beans and then tamp them in the portafilter before the water is being pushed through them.
This is the reason that many amateur and professional coffee lovers prefer semi-automatic machines, since they enjoy the feeling of being in control of the process of making coffee. They are also less expensive than their fully-automatic equivalents and are generally more reliable.
These espresso machines are often found in shops that are not specialty and in the homes of casual coffee drinkers who are willing to pay more for convenience. They have dual boilers, which means that the steam and brewing water are kept separate, while one is heating while the other is being used to prepare your drink of choice. Some even have a built-in grinder that can be a huge time saver for the user.
However, the built-in grinder often has a limited number of settings which can be a hassle for those who are more inclined to play around with the process of making espresso to make their own personal favorite. An alternative is to use a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to get full control over the grind size and the amount.
If you are interested in an espresso machine semiautomatic be sure to choose one that has a low-noise, high-quality electric pump, and a PID temperature controller that allows precise temperature regulation. The PID is typically found in high-end toaster and immersion circulators. It assists in stabilizing a brewing system by measuring the temperature fluctuations throughout the heating process.
Additionally, a quality semi-automatic machine needs to be equipped with a strong enough steam wand to produce microfoam, and also be able to switch between brewing and steaming modes with ease (if it doesn't have two boilers). A semi-automatic model with all of these features is an excellent option for those who don't want to learn how to make high-quality cafe drinks, but nonetheless want to play.
Manual
Manual espresso machines use levers to push pressurized water across a bed of finely ground coffee, resulting in extremely concentrated shots. These machines are traditionally cheaper than their semi-automatic and fully automated counterparts, making them popular with coffee enthusiasts who are discerning.
Contrary to automated espresso machines, which are designed with user-friendliness in mind, manual espresso makers require more skill and attention from the operator in order to make the most of their potential. Making the right choice in a grinder, ensuring that the brew ratio is in order, and understanding how to properly dose and make sure your grounds are tamping properly are some of the things you'll need know prior to using a manual espresso machine.
Although some may find the learning curve operating a machine manual difficult but for those with the right set of capabilities, it's worthwhile. Our expert barista in-house at CHOICE, Adrian Lini, says that if you've got the right tools and the ability to learn how to operate a manual espresso machine, it will give you the best espresso experience.
In recent years, the hand-operated espresso machine has evolved in both its design and function. It now has more advanced features, such as digital pressure gauges that allow users to monitor the pressure during extraction. Charles, who is employed at Flair Espresso, explains that these machines can also be used with bluetooth devices to digitally draw graphs of flow rate, helping users understand how changing different variables during extraction can affect the overall result.
There are two types of manual espresso machine which are spring-piston and direct. Direct levers include a spring in their group heads, which helps boost pressure during the brewing process. Although they cost more, they can be easier to use than spring-assisted machines.
Springs piston machines have only the steam valve in their group head. They're easier to use than direct lever machines, but don't provide as much control over the process of brewing. The choice of the best machine is based on personal preference and your budget. Whatever you decide to go with a manual espresso machine will require a few basic components that include the ability to carry a filter around and a coffee mill and kettle.