How to Choose a Good Espresso Maker
Manual espresso makers differ from super-automatic machines that perform everything for you. You have to grind the coffee beans, tap the beans and then pull each shot at the touch of an button. Some models come with a milk frother that lets you make espresso and foamed milk at once.
You should look for an equipment that has between 9 and 15 bars of pressure. This is the ideal pressure for a good shot. Some have automatic pressure regulation This is a useful feature for beginners.
Simple to Use
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of Good Housekeeping’s Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. She believes that a good machine should have a user-friendly interface. If you enjoy playing around with settings then a machine that's more customizable might be the best choice for you. "But if you're just trying to get the basics down it shouldn't be too difficult to learn how to use the machine."
The majority of espresso machines are in three categories: semi-automatic, automated and super-automatic. Automatics with the push button to brew allow you to select the coffee size you prefer. Some are also programmed to help you perfect a recipe. These types of machines were able to perform best in our tests in the lab.
Semi-automatics have a lever to begin and stop the brewing. You can grind and tamp the beans yourself. Certain models also come with a built-in mill that can be used for grinding and tamping. These machines are less expensive and can make several small espressos at the same time. Some models come with steam wands that can be used to heat and froth milk. This is helpful for cappuccinos or lattes. These machines can have a steep learning curve and require some manual work, however, they are more reliable than fully automated machines.
To create a shot of espresso, you place ground beans in the portafilter, which locks into the group head, a handle-attached piece that's located on the front of the machine. Then, you tamp the grounds, which ensures that all beans are evenly distributed and pressed together under high pressure, resulting in a thick and delicious cup. Some models also have a portafilter specifically designed to aid the grounds form a flat layer. Other models feature a double-walled filter to make a more dense extraction.
Steam-driven machines heat the water simultaneously to steam and brew and can result in over-extraction. A pump-driven machine that uses an electric motor to force water through the grounds, is able to avoid this issue because it produces much lower temperatures. The result is a balanced espresso that has smooth, sweet taste.
Cleaning is easy
To make the best coffee, you need an espresso machine that is clean. Coffee oils can cling to metal surfaces and turn rancid with time, bringing bitter, musty flavors to your brew. They can also clog the water lines, which can lead to costly repairs and replacements. Keeping your espresso machine clean prevents these issues, prolongs its lifespan, and contributes to better flavor and quality in every cup of coffee you make.
We recommend that you clean the chamber of brewing, as as any other removable parts with specific cleaners designed for espresso machines. We recommend using water that has been filtered to reduce the accumulation of mineral deposits inside your espresso machine. Urnex Cafiza tablets are a great option to perform a regular backflushing, especially on machines that have a group head.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a relatively easy and quick procedure. After each use, clean the drip tray, brew tray tray and steam wand with a damp cloth that has been specifically crafted for this task.
We also suggest cleaning and wiping your portafilter and group head every day with a toothbrush, and backflushing at least once a week, or as advised by the manufacturer. Backflushing involves removing the portafilter and placing a blind filter in its place, then the process of dispensing water and cleaning chemicals until it is clear. Some machines come with a backflushing feature and others require you to take out the portafilter and fill it up with cleaning chemicals and water and then run a sequence of dispensing them until they are clear.
The right cleaning solution is essential for the health of your espresso machine. Find a formula that penetrates and dissolves residues, including coffee oils, grime limescale, and calcium. Also consider compatibility with the brand of your espresso machine, as well as the ability to rinse it without leaving harmful residue.
Taking the time to do these simple tasks can greatly improve your espresso experience and extend the life of your coffee machine. Regular cleaning and maintenance, such as the use of a descaling solution every few months, will aid in preventing damage caused by mineral deposits. You can also enjoy consistently excellent espresso by keeping the brew-chamber, tamper and shower screen clean.
Easy Maintenance
As espresso machines become more accessible to consumers regular maintenance and cleaning is a must. This prevents a buildup of minerals that can damage the machine and affect its performance. It also helps extend the life of the machine and prevents it from requiring expensive repairs or replacement parts. Regular maintenance can also enhance the quality and taste of the espresso that is produced by the machine.
It's important to know the procedure for maintenance for each model, regardless of whether you're buying an espresso machine for your home or for coffee shops. The majority of models require a weekly cleaning and a descale every 2 to four weeks. Coffeee involves wiping the brew group and steam wand using a soft brush or cloth to remove any debris. Additionally, it's a good idea to flush the machine back every week to get rid of any residue left by previous coffee brews.
In addition to cleaning, certain models need lubrication to work effectively. To ensure that it continues to work properly and reduce wear, you should lubricate a brew group with silicone oil. In certain models, you'll also need to replace the filter. If the filter is in need of replacement, you should do it on a regular basis.
A basic fully automated machine is more troublesome to maintain than a high-end or professional model. You'll need to clean and descale both the brew group, and the water tank on a weekly basis. The milk system must be cleaned on a daily basis. You'll also need to clean the machine with a special cleaner and backflush it each week.
If you have a professional or premium espresso machine, you don't have to clean the brew group or steam wand as often. In addition, the majority of these models will have a water filter that makes decaling unnecessary, which saves you time and effort. It's possible to clean your machine in order to eliminate any remaining oil from the pipes. If you're buying a coffee maker for your home or commercial establishment, it is essential to develop an annual maintenance plan to avoid expensive repairs or replacement parts.
Easy of Service
Making espresso can be a difficult process. From weighing the coffee beans and grinding them properly to tamping them with enough pressure, everything is vital. Therefore any device that makes it simpler and more reliable is welcome. This could be a quick heating time, the ability of setting a specific brew-time or a steam wand that is easy to control to texturize milk.
If you're a beginner or simply want to simplify the process, think about purchasing an automatic machine that will do everything for you. You only have to push an icon and wait. These machines are especially appealing for baristas who are newer, as they allow you to appear like a professional without requiring a lot of skill.
There are several different kinds of espresso machines, but the type you choose is based on your style and the amount of work you'd like to complete. Manual espresso machines require you to perform all the work, however they tend to be smaller and more portable. They also tend to have better temperature control since you're controlling every step of the brewing process.
The other main kind of espresso machine is the semi-automatic. They are a bit larger and more sophisticated than manuals, but not as streamlined as the super-automatics. You can make a lot of drinks on these machines, and they usually include grinders and tampers.
Check how many types of espresso it can make in one go when looking for an espresso machine. Find out the brew capacity and if it has a grinder for coffee. Also, look for features that make it easy to make milk-based drinks like a removable milk hopper and a frothing arm.
Finally, take a look at the filtering system of the machine and how it's installed. It is essential to choose an appropriate filter to handle your water's hardness level. If you don't have one, you'll need to flush the system more frequently and clean the portafilter on a regular basis. A high-quality filter can ensure that your shots are top-quality and a device with an AquaClean water-hardness filter can reduce limescale buildup.