How to Choose the Best Espresso Machines For Home
The best espresso machines at home must provide a consistent cup of coffee. This requires a precise proportion of finely ground tightly packed coffee to water under high pressure. Coffeee requires a powerful steam wand that can texturize milk without large bubbles.
Certain models have a built-in mill, while others will require you provide a mill. Our top picks come with adjustable PID controllers to ensure the temperature of the water at a constant level as well as the shot timer which ensures the proper extraction. They also come with two boilers so that you can steam milk and take shots at the same time.
Buying an Equipment
A high-quality espresso machine can be a wise purchase for those who drink coffee at home or want to serve lattes and cappuccino to customers in the cafe, restaurant or wine bar salon. However, it's important to weigh the amount of control you'd like over your espresso when deciding which type of machine to buy. If you're just beginning your journey, a manual machine might be the best option for you. These machines employ a lever to create pressure during extraction and typically come with a steam wand that's great to make milk drinks. These machines are hard to operate and require lots of effort.
If you are looking to begin taking your coffee skills to the next level, a semi-automatic espresso machine could be a great option. They are less hands-on, but still produce a cup of espresso that is consistent and delicious. Semi-automatic machines also have a built in grinder and can save the user money by not having to purchase and maintain an individual grinder.
Professional-grade or prosumer espresso machines provide a higher level of quality than the consumer models however they can be difficult to use and require more frequent maintenance. These machines can cost thousands of dollars and it's important to know your requirements and the amount of time you're willing to spend on maintenance and upkeep before making a purchase.
Some of these models could have dual boilers which allows you to make milk and espresso simultaneously. Giorgio warns that these systems will not be as efficient as those that use a single heating system due to the fact that there is an in-between period between the moment that the espresso is made and the milk is frozen.
It's important to consider your needs when buying a machine. If you're looking for a way to eliminate human error, think about an entirely automated or capsule machine. These machines will help you save time and ensure the same taste and consistency by eliminating the need grind beans, extract coffee, and then steam milk.
Getting Started
A home espresso maker can change the taste of your morning cup of coffee. But, it's crucial to remember that making the perfect cup of espresso takes a lot of skill and time. You'll need a machine that is simple to use for beginners, and will encourage you to continue learning.
A few of our top picks like the Rancilio Silvia, offer a variety of after-market modifications which can make your espresso machine feel truly personal. Similar to other espresso makers, some let you replace the handle with a new material to improve grip and aesthetic, such as a wood option or a piece made from recycled skateboards (you'll need to wait until the pre-orders are available).
If you're not ready invest in a commercial espresso machine, there are several basic models that can make great drinks. A lot of these machines are built on the same principles used by professional machines, but reduced to make them suitable for home use. The Breville Barista Pro X for example, has an adjustable PID control on the front that allows you to set temperatures to a precise level as well as a shot-timer to track your brewing progress, the wand is powerful enough to texturing milk and a gauge that tells you when you've reached the ideal brew pressure (between 8 and 10)
Dual boilers are readily available for those looking to take their barista skills to the next level. They allow you to make espresso and milk at the same time. This is a feature that can help ensure consistency since both functions must be heated to the same temperature. You can also play around with different extraction ratios to suit a variety of drinks.
If you choose to purchase a machine with this feature, it is recommended to purchase some extra accessories, like a Group Head Cleaner for cleaning the brew port, as well as a Descaling Kit. You can also make use of Espresso Machine Cleaner instead of water to eliminate old coffee residues which could affect the flavor of your coffee. These items will help maintain your espresso maker correctly and ensure that it's always ready to produce great drinks for you and your guests.
Making Great Drinks
Making espresso and coffee drinks can be a tricky process. From weighing the grounds out to tamping them just right, the whole process requires precision. The best espresso machines offer a variety of features that make making coffee as easy and as consistent as is possible. This includes a quick heating time, automatic coffee making, and a steam wand that is easy to control to texturize the milk.
If you're just beginning to get into the espresso world we suggest one of our top picks for newbies that is the Breville Bambino Plus. This super-automatic machine is easy to use and comes with five presets for espresso, cappuccino or latte macchiato. It is also easy to clean and comes with an inbuilt milk frother that makes rich, foamy lattes as well as cappuccinos.
Our test subjects were satisfied with the quality of drinks made by this machine. However it's important to note that if you are committed to your coffee, it could be beneficial to invest in an espresso maker that comes with a built in grinder and more options for customization. The Rancilio Silvia, for example, costs significantly more than the Bambino Plus but offers much more in the way of control over every aspect of making your coffee. It also comes with a dual boiler, which allows you to steam milk and take an espresso shot simultaneously. This will allow you to create your drink to perfection.
If you're willing to pay an extra amount, look for a prosumer-grade espresso machine like the Lelit MaraX. This model was voted the most efficient in our Best Prosumer espresso maker category. It's a smaller version of commercial espresso makers (think Vitamix blenders). This machine is worth the price for those who are a total coffee nerd. Morocco and Sheese both point out that an espresso machine is only good as the grinder it's paired with. There are several grinders in this price range and are great for espresso. (Morocco prefers the Fellow Opus). Regardless of what kind of espresso machine you choose we suggest that you pair it with a high-quality burr grinder.
Maintenance
It's only fair to do your best to maintain the espresso machine after you've put in the effort to create amazing drinks and shots. This means that you should incorporate daily cleaning and maintenance into your routine. This is important because even the best machines can be prone to obstructions that are not visible within the internal mechanisms. These blockages will obstruct the movement of steam and water. This can lead to lower pressure and a lack of functionality.
It's only a matter of spending a few minutes each day, and an more time every month for a thorough cleaning. This will stop the build-up of coffee residues, oils and scale, which can affect the taste of your espresso and cause damage to your expensive equipment. The good news is that cleaning an espresso machine isn't a complicated process.
For most models, the brew group is easily accessible to clean. This includes the dispersion screen, three-way solenoid, and the rubber gasket. It's also a good idea to clean the portafilter and the basket after each use as they may contain rancid oils that affect the taste of your drinks.
You'll need a portafilter a Coffetool or the smallest size brush and an espresso machine cleaner before you begin. Before you scrub the portafilter make sure to soak it in a solution comprised of vinegar, hot water and detergent. You'll want to remove both the brass dispersion plates and the stubby screws from the group head. This will enable you to backflush the group head. This involves using the small amount of Urnex Cafiza tablets, which basically eliminate the system by releasing a dissolving solution. This will not just remove some calcification but also any old coffee oil that is blocking your three-way valve blocking water flow through the system.
Be sure to follow guidelines of the manufacturer for cleaning products since some may damage or cause mineral deposits to your equipment. And always make sure that you're using clean, purified water to limit the amount of calcium and other mineral deposits that build up in your boiler tank.