How to Choose the Best Espresso Machines For Home
The best espresso machines at home should produce a consistently great cup of coffee. That requires a precise ratio of tightly packed, finely ground coffee and water under high pressure. It also requires a powerful wand of steam which can saturate the milk without forming large bubbles.
Some models have an integrated grinder, whereas others require a grinder you supply. Our top picks have adjustable PID controllers to maintain a constant water temperature, as well as an automatic shot timer to ensure an efficient extraction. They also come with a dual boiler so you can steam milk while taking a shot at the same time.
Buying an Equipment
A good espresso machine is a great investment those who wish to serve cappuccino, lattes as well as other drinks made from coffee at a café, restaurant or wine bar. However, it is essential to weigh how much control you want over your espresso before deciding what type of machine to buy. If you're just beginning your journey using a manual espresso machine, a manual one could be the best choice for you. They use a lever for creating pressure during extraction. They usually have an attached steam wand that's ideal for making milk drinks. These machines are challenging to operate and require an enormous amount of effort.
A semi-automatic machine is a good choice if you want to take your coffee-making skills to the highest level. They offer an easier experience, but still provide the same consistency and flavor as a professionally made cup of espresso. Semi-automatic models also typically include a built-in grinder which can help you save money in the purchase and maintenance of the grinder on your own.
Professional espresso machines are more expensive than consumer models, but they can be difficult to use and require greater maintenance. These machines can cost thousands of dollars and it's important to know your needs and how much time you're willing to invest on maintenance and upkeep prior to purchasing a machine.
Certain models come with a dual boiler, which allows you to make both espresso and milk simultaneously. Giorgio warns that these systems may not be as efficient as those using a single heating system because there is a delay in between the time the espresso is made and when the milk is frozen.
It's crucial to consider your requirements when buying an equipment. Consider a capsule or fully automated machine if you're looking to eliminate human errors. These models can cut down on time spent preparing espresso and allow you to maintain the same taste by eliminating the need to grind beans, extract espresso, and steam milk.
Getting Started
A home espresso machine can transform the taste of your morning cup of coffee, but it's important to remember that making a good cup of espresso requires a substantial commitment of time and skills. You'll want a machine that is simple to use for novices, and will encourage you to keep learning.
A few of our top picks such as the Rancilio Silvia, offer a range of after-market customizations that will make your espresso machine feel more personal. Other espresso makers allow you to replace the handle for more comfortable grip and a more aesthetic. You can choose from wood or a piece constructed from recycled skateboards.
If you're not yet ready to commit to a full-fledged commercial espresso machine, there are many models that are affordable and can make excellent drinks. A lot of them are built with the same principles as professional machines, but scaled down to accommodate the kitchen of a home. The Breville Barista Pro X for instance, comes with a variable PID control in the front and center that lets you set temperatures to a precise level, a shot-timer that tracks your brewing progress, a powerful wand capable of texturizing milk, and a gauge that will tell you when you've reached the ideal brew pressur (between 8 and 10)
For those who are ready to take their barista skills to the next level, there are options with dual boilers that allow you to prepare espresso and steam milk simultaneously. That's a feature that helps ensure consistency of results as the two functions have to be heated to the same temperature. It also lets you test different extraction ratios for a wide range of drinks.
If you decide to purchase a machine that has this feature, it is recommended that you invest in some extra accessories, such as a Group Head Cleaner to clean the brew port, as well as a Descaling Kit. You can also use Espresso Machine Cleaner instead of water to eliminate old coffee residues that could alter the flavor of your coffee. These tools will help you maintain your espresso maker properly and ensure that it is always ready to create excellent drinks for you and your guests.
Making Great Drinks
Making espresso and coffee drinks is a difficult process. It is essential to be precise throughout the entire process, from weighing the grounds to tamping it just right. The top espresso machines have many features to make your coffee-making as simple and consistent as it is possible. This includes a fast heat up time, automatic brewing, and an easy-to-control steam wand to texturize milk.
Breville Bambino Plus is our top pick for beginners. The machine is extremely automated and simple to use and comes with five presets for espresso, cappuccino or macchiato latte. The machine is easy to clean, and it has a built in milk frother that makes rich, foamy cappuccinos as well as lattes.
Our testers were awestruck by the quality of the drinks brewed by this machine, however it's worth pointing out that if you're serious about your coffee an alternative could be to purchase a barista-grade espresso maker with a built-in grinder and more adjustable settings. The Rancilio Silvia costs more than the Bambino Plus, but it provides more control over the making process. It also has dual boilers that allow you to make espresso shots and steam milk at the same time, which can aid in getting your drink to the right temperature.
If you're willing to spend an extra amount, look for a prosumer-grade espresso machine like the Lelit MaraX. It was voted the top in our Best Prosumer Espresso maker category. It's a smaller version of commercial espresso makers (think Vitamix blenders). If you're a total coffee enthusiast this machine is definitely worth the investment. Morocco and Sheese both emphasize that an espresso machine can only be as good in the grinder it's paired up with. There are some grinders priced in this range that are excellent for espresso. (Morocco prefers the Fellow Opus). We recommend that you pair your espresso machine with a top burr grinder, regardless of what type of machine you choose.
Maintenance
When you've put in the work to make your espresso machine produce amazing shots and drinks it's only right that you do what you can to keep it running great. This means you must incorporate regular cleaning and maintenance into your routine. This is vital since even the most powerful machines can be prone to blocks that are almost invisible within the internal mechanisms. These blockages can hinder the movement of steam and water. This can lead to lower pressure or a loss of function.
Read Even more is enough to spend a few minutes each day and some extra time once a month to conduct a thorough cleaning. This will stop the buildup of coffee residues, oils and scale, which can affect the flavor of your coffee, and also damage expensive equipment. Cleaning your espresso machine is not an easy task.
For most models, the brew group is easily accessible to clean. This includes the rubber gasket, three-way solenoid and dispersion screen. It's recommended to clean the portafilter as well as the basket after each use as they could be a source of rancid oils that can affect the flavor of your shots.
Before you start this process, you'll need to be sure that you have an espresso machine with a portafilter (and blank ones) as well as the smallest size of brush or Coffetool, and some espresso machine cleaner. Soak the baskets and portafilters in a solution comprising hot water as well as detergent and a small amount of vinegar prior to thoroughly cleaning them. You'll want to remove both the brass dispersion plates as well as the stubby screws from the group head. This will enable you to backflush your group head. Urnex Cafiza is used to flush the system. This will not only flush out a bit of calcification, but it'll aid in removing any coffee oils that might hinder the three-way valve and hindering water from flowing smoothly through the system.
Be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer regarding cleaning products since some may damage or cause mineral deposits to your equipment. Always ensure that you're using clean, purified water to minimize the amount of calcium and other mineral deposits that build up in your boiler tank.