Espresso Machines - Which One is Right For Your Home?
The top espresso machines are easy to use, clean, and produce balanced shots. But how do you know which one is the right machine for your home?
This Breville model is perfect for those who don't wish to learn barista skills, but still want great coffee at home.
Pump-driven
Pump-driven machines depend on an electric motor for the force required to make espresso. They either take water directly from the mains, which is common in commercial installations, or they have a reservoir which must be manually filled (common for espresso machines used in homes and smaller commercial espresso machines). Pumps are typically solenoid piston types, which can produce high pressure. Some espresso machines driven by pumps come with a fixed flow regulator and others let you alter the pre-infusion or the brewing pressure.
The most popular kind of machine, these are an excellent option for those who want to make coffee of high quality quickly and consistently. They can also be easier to clean and maintain than other types of equipment, but do require an amount of electrical power and space near an outlet.
They are available in two fundamental kinds: semi-automatic as well as super-automatic. Semi-automatics allow you to control the amount of time the shot is pulled by using either a manual switch or a feature that can be programmed. You can also control the grind setting, and tamp down the coffee. Some semi-automatics have motors that are rotary and others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter and more reliable but require a constant stream of pressurized water.
A vibrating pump, on the other hand, is able to start quite quietly. However, it could sound like a scream once water is added to the machine. Both types have pros and cons and you should choose one that suits your lifestyle.
Pump-driven machines also come in a range of sizes and price. The most expensive ones are usually super-automatic, and come with multiple boilers that separate the water used for steaming and brewing. These models have heat exchangers which can be set at different temperatures to allow for a variation in the flavor. This extra feature makes them a great option for the busy home barista however, it can increase their price. Semi-automatics can be a good middle option. They aren't expensive however they don't have the same quality and flexibility of other alternatives.
Steam-driven
Steam-driven machines employ a simple system to produce an espresso that is powerful. In an airtight container, hot water is steamed in order to create pressure that is then absorbed into the coffee grounds. This is similar to the process that takes place in a Moka stovetop. These machines are in use today due to their cost-effectiveness and compactness. However, these models aren't able to produce the 9 bars of pressure needed for authentic espresso. These models are suitable for those just starting out with homebrewing or don't care about making the perfect espresso.
The earliest example of a steam-driven device is the compensatory siphon balancing machine in 1878 designed by German engineer H. Eicke. Steam is produced by this machine, which is used to push boiling beans through filters. The water is depressurized with heat from an open flame. This process produces a very robust shot, however it does not meet the high standard of consistency that a lot of espresso enthusiasts prefer.
Luigi Bezzera patented improvements in 1901 which led to the next breakthrough. His invention was able lower the temperature of the boiler, allowing for more stable pressure and temperature control. Bezzera included an engine piston to make this machine semiautomatic. The only problem was that it took the barista 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, which were heated with an open flame, this type of machine is equipped with an electric pump capable of generating the high pressure needed for brewing espresso. These machines can accept water directly from the cold water line which is common in commercial establishments or use a separate tank filled with water by hand.
These machines also feature two temperature settings that can be controlled via a push button. One of these buttons switches on the brew temperature, while the other switch on the steam temperature. This kind of machine is more precise than older steam-driven machines, and can produce consistent shots for a fraction of the cost of more expensive models.
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic machines are a great choice for those who want to make espresso quickly and efficiently. It eliminates the need for barista-level training by automatizing the grinding tamping and extraction process to produce consistent results. It does not do all the work for you. You still need to grind the beans, tamp them down in the portafilter and then push the water through.
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 brewing process. These machines also have an affordable price compared to their fully automated counterparts, and tend to be more reliable, too.
These espresso machines are typically found in shops that are not specialty and in the homes of casual coffee drinkers who are willing to pay more for convenience. They come with dual boilers to ensure that the brewing water and steam are kept separate while one is heating up while the other is used to create the beverage you prefer. Some models come with a built in grinder that can save the user a lot of time.
However the built-in grinder usually has a limited selection of settings, which can be frustrating for those interested in tinkering with the process of brewing espresso to create their own personal favorites. 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're considering a semi-automatic espresso machine, make sure to look for one that has a high-quality electric pump that is low-noise and has precise temperature regulation through the PID controller. The PID is usually found in high-end toaster and immersion circulators. It helps stabilize a brewing system by measuring variations in temperature during the heating cycle.
Furthermore, a high-quality semi-automatic machine should have a sufficient steam wand that can create microfoam, and also be capable of switching between steaming and brewing modes quickly (if it does not include dual boilers). With all these options, a top-quality semi-automatic espresso maker could be a great option for those looking to save the time and money of learning how to make coffee of a high-quality, but enjoy some degree of tinkering with the process.
Manual
Manual espresso machines utilize levers to push pressurized water over a bed of finely ground coffee, resulting in extremely concentrated shots. They are typically less expensive than their semi-automatic and fully automatic counterparts, which makes them popular with coffee enthusiasts who are discerning.
Manual espresso machines require more focus and skill by the operator to maximize their potential. Selecting the right grinder, making sure that the brew ratio is right and knowing how to dose and tap your grounds are some of the things you'll need know prior to using a manual espresso machine.
While some people may be able to find the process of learning operating a machine manual difficult however, for those who have the right capabilities, it's worthwhile. CHOICE's in-house expert barista, Adrian Lini, says that if you've got the right equipment and determination to learn, a manual espresso maker will give you the best espresso experience.
In recent years, hand-operated espresso machines have improved in both appearance and function with more sophisticated features like digital pressure gauges that let users monitor the pressure while extracting. Charles, who works for Flair Espresso, says that these machines can be connected with Bluetooth devices to plot graphs for flow rate. This helps users understand how changing variables during extraction can affect the final result.
There are two kinds of manual espresso machine : direct and spring-piston. Direct levers have springs in their group heads, which helps increase pressure while making espresso. Although they are more expensive, they can be easier to use than spring-assisted machines.
Springs piston machines, on the contrary, have nothing in their group heads, aside from the steam valve. They're much more user-friendly than direct lever machines however they do not provide as much 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 require a few necessary accessories, such as a kettle, a coffee grinder and a portafilter equipped with an adjustable dispersion screen made of metal.