Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The best espresso machines are simple to use, simple to clean and able to produce powerful and balanced shots. But how do you determine which one is the right one for your home?
This Breville model is ideal for those who don't wish to learn barista techniques, but still want to enjoy great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines use an electric pump to deliver the force required to make espresso. They can either draw water directly from the mains as is common in commercial installations, or contain a reservoir that has to be filled manually (common for espresso machines used in homes and smaller commercial espresso machine). The pumps that are used are usually solenoid-piston models that can produce high levels of pressure. Some espresso machines driven by pumps come with a fixed flow regulator and others allow you to alter the pre-infusion or the brewing pressure.
These are the most popular machines and are ideal for those who want an steady, high-quality cup coffee. They are simpler to maintain and clean than other types, but they do require electrical power and space near an outlet.
There are two types of basic: semi-automatics and super-automatics. Semi-automatics let you control the amount of time the shot is pulled by using either a manual switch or a programmable feature. You can also adjust the grind setting, and tamp down the coffee. Certain semi-automatics are rotary while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter, however they require a constant flow pressurized liquid.
A vibrating pump starts off very quietly but can start to sound like a scream once the machine needs to be supplied with water. Both types have pros and cons and you should pick one that suits your lifestyle.
Pump-driven machines are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges. The most expensive machines are usually super-automatic and come with multiple boilers that separate the water for brewing and steaming. These models come with heat exchangers which can be set at different temperatures to provide a variation in the flavor. This extra feature makes them a good choice for the busy home barista however, it will increase the cost. coffee machine espresso is a semi-automatic which can be affordable but doesn't offer the same consistency and flexibility as other alternatives.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines employ a simple system to produce an espresso that is powerful. Inside an airtight tank hot water is steamed to create pressure which is transferred to the coffee grounds to make espresso. This is similar to the process that takes place in a Moka stovetop. These machines are being used today due to their affordability and compactness. These models are not capable of reaching the 9 bar pressure needed for true espresso. These models are suitable for those who are just beginning 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 balancer developed by German engineer H. Eicke. Steam is produced by this machine, which pushes boiling beans through an aerator. The water is then depressurized with heat from an open flame. This produces a robust shot, however it doesn't meet the high standard of consistency that many espresso lovers like.
The next breakthrough came with Luigi Bezzera's 1901 patented improvements. His invention was able lower the temperature of the boiler, allowing for more constant temperature and pressure control. Bezzera added the piston device to make this machine semi-automatic. The only problem was the barista needed to grind, measure, and tamp beans manually.
This led to the creation of a pump driven espresso machine. This brand new espresso machine, unlike those older steam-driven machines that were heated by an open flame, is equipped with an electric pump capable producing the high pressure levels required to make espresso. These machines can accept water from a cold line which is a common feature in commercial installations. Or they can use an individual water tank that has to be filled manually.
The machines also come with two temperature settings that can be controlled via a push button. One button activates the brew thermostat, while the other switch on the steam thermostat. This kind of machine is able to make consistent shots at less than what it costs compared to older steam-driven models.
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the best choice for those who want to make espresso quickly and efficiently. It eliminates the need for barista-level instruction by automatizing the grinding tamping and extraction process to ensure consistent results. But it doesn't take care of everything for you. You'll still have to grind the beans and tamp them in the portafilter prior to the water is being pushed through them.
Many amateur and professional coffee-lovers prefer semi-automatic machines for this reason, as they like the feeling of being more involved in the brewing process. These machines also have a lower price tag than their fully automated counterparts, and they tend to be more reliable, too.
These types of espresso machines are usually found in coffee shops that are not specialty and in homes of casual coffee drinkers who are willing to spend more money to enjoy convenience. They feature dual boilers so that the steam and brewing water are kept separate, while one is heating up while the other is being used to prepare your drink of choice. Some even have an integrated grinder, which can be a huge time saver for the user.
However the built-in grinder typically offers a limited range of settings which can be a hassle for those who are more than interested in playing around with the process of brewing espresso to make their own personal preferences. An alternative is to combine a semi-automatic espresso maker with an external grinder to get complete control over the size of the grind and dosage.
If you are interested in an espresso machine that is semi-automatic make sure you choose one with an extremely quiet electric pump and a temperature controller that can provide precise temperature control. The PID is usually found in top-quality toasters and immersion circulators. It helps stabilize the brewing process by analyzing temperature fluctuations during the heating process.
A high-quality semi-automatic espresso machine will also have a steam wand that is powerful enough to make microfoam and the capability to switch between brewing and steaming modes quickly (if it does not include dual boilers). A semi-automatic machine that has all of these features is an ideal choice for those who don't wish to learn how to make cafe-quality drinks, but nonetheless want to play.
Manual
Manual espresso machines are operated by levers which push the coffee grounds through the bed. This results in extremely concentrated shots. These machines are less expensive than semi-automatic or fully automated machines which is why they are popular with coffee lovers.
Contrary to automated espresso machines, designed with ease of use in mind, manual espresso makers require more knowledge 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 right and knowing how to properly dose and tamp your grounds are just some of the things you'll need be aware of before making use of a manual machine.
While some might find the learning curve involved operating a machine manual frustrating but for those who have the right abilities, it is well worth the effort. Adrian Lini, CHOICE's expert barista says that if you have the patience and the right equipment, a manual machine can make the best espresso.
In recent years, the hand-operated coffee machine has improved in both its design and function. It now comes with more sophisticated features, like 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 connected by Bluetooth devices to create graphs of flow rates to help users to understand how varying variables during extraction could affect the overall result.
There are two kinds of manual espresso machines: direct and spring-piston. Direct levers include springs in their group heads to boost pressure during making. They're more expensive than spring-assisted units, but they're still simpler to use.
Springs piston machines on the other hand, have nothing in their group heads, aside from the steam valve. They're much easier to use than direct lever machines, but don't provide as much control over the brewing process. The best machine for you will depend on your budget and personal preferences. Whatever you decide to go with, a manual espresso machine will need a few essential accessories, such as kettles, a coffee grinder, and a portafilter with an adjustable dispersion screen made of metal.