How to Choose the Best Espresso Machines For Home
The most effective espresso machines for your home should give you a consistently excellent cup of coffee. This requires a precise ratio of tightly packed, finely ground coffee to water that is pressured to high. It also requires a powerful wand of steam that can help texturize milk without large bubbles.
Some models come with a built-in grinder, while others require a grinder that you bring. Our top picks feature PID controllers that are adjustable to maintain a stable water temperature, a shot timer to ensure proper extraction and a dual boiler that lets you pull a shot and steam milk simultaneously.
Buying a Machine
A good espresso machine is a fantastic investment for those who wish to serve lattes, cappuccino, and other beverages made of coffee to customers in restaurants, cafes, wine bar or salon. When deciding on which espresso machine to buy it is important to be aware of the amount of control and customization you want. A manual machine is the best choice for those just beginning to get started. These machines employ the lever to create pressure during extraction and often come with an attached steam wand that is ideal for making 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 machine could be a great option. They are less hands-on yet still create coffee that is consistent and tastes great. Semi-automatic machines also include grinder built-in, saving the user money by not having to purchase and maintain an individual grinder.
Professional-grade espresso machines are more expensive than consumer models, but they can be difficult to operate and require more maintenance. They can cost thousands of dollars and it's important to know your requirements and the amount of time you're willing to invest on maintenance and upkeep prior to making a purchase.
Some models include a dual boiler that allows you to make espresso and milk simultaneously. Giorgio warns, however, that these systems will not be more efficient than those using one heating system since there is some delay between the moment that the espresso is prepared and the milk is frothed.
If you're considering purchasing an equipment for your business, it's more important to think through your requirements. If you're looking to eliminate human error, consider a fully automatic or capsule machine. These machines can save you time and maintain the same taste and consistency by eliminating the need grind beans, extract coffee and steam milk.
Getting Started
A home espresso machine can transform the flavor of your morning cup of coffee. But, it's important to remember that the perfect cup of espresso requires a lot of skill and time. This is why you should pick a machine that's easy enough for novices and will motivate you to learn more about the art of espresso.
Some of our choices like the Rancilio Silvia offer a variety of customizations aftermarket to make your espresso maker authentically personal. Other espresso makers let you replace the handle for a more secure grip and an aesthetic. You can pick from wood or a piece constructed of recycled skateboards.
If you're not ready to commit to a full-fledged commercial espresso machine, there are several entry-level models that can produce great drinks. A lot of these machines are built on the same principles utilized by professional machines, but smaller to be suitable for home use. The Breville Barista Pro X, for instance, comes with an adjustable PID controller in the front and center, which allows you to set the temperature of the water to a specific level, a shot timer to keep track of your brewing progress as well as a powerful steam wand capable of texturing milk, and a pressure gauge that lets you know when you have reached the ideal pressure for brewing (between 8 and 10).
Dual boilers are readily available for those who want to take their barista abilities to the next step. They let you make espresso and milk simultaneously. This helps ensure consistency in results, as both processes must be heated to the same temperature. It also lets you test different extraction ratios to suit a range of drinks.
If you decide to purchase an espresso maker that has this feature, we suggest getting a few extra accessories like a Group Head Cleaning Brush to scrub the port for brewing as well as a Descaling Kit, and Espresso Machine Cleaner. It can be used in place of water to get rid of coffee residue which could alter the flavor of your coffee. These tools will allow you to keep your espresso machine in good condition and ensure it is always ready to make great drinks for yourself or your guests.
Making Great Drinks
Making espresso and coffee drinks is a tricky process. From weighing the grounds out to tamping them exactly the entire process requires precision. The top espresso machines have a variety of features that make making coffee as simple and consistent as possible. This includes a fast heat up time, automatic making, and a simple to control steam wand to texturize milk.
Breville Bambino Plus is our top choice for those who are just starting out. This machine is super-automatic and easy to use and comes with five different settings for espresso, cappuccino or macchiato latte. The machine is also easy to clean and comes with an inbuilt milk frother, which can make rich, foamy lattes and cappuccinos.
Our testers were impressed with the quality of drinks produced by this machine, but it's important to mention that if you're serious about your coffee the best option could be to purchase an espresso maker that is barista-grade with an integrated grinder and adjustable settings. The Rancilio Silvia, for example, costs significantly more than the Bambino Plus but offers much more in the way of control over all aspects of making your coffee. It also has two boilers, which allows you to steam milk and take an espresso shot simultaneously. This can help you create your drink to perfection.
If you are willing to spend more, consider an espresso machine that is professional grade, such as the Lelit MaraX. It 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 cost if you're an absolute coffee lover. Morocco and Sheese both stress that an espresso machine is only good as the grinder it's paired with. There are several grinders within this price range and are great for espresso. (Morocco prefers the Fellow Opus). No matter what espresso machine you pick we suggest that you pair it with a good burr grinder.
Maintenance
It's only fair to do your best to maintain the espresso machine once you've put in the effort to produce amazing shots and drinks. This means that you incorporate daily cleaning and monthly maintenance into your routine. This is important because even the best machines can be prone to blockages that are virtually invisible within the internal mechanisms. These blockages can hinder the flow of water and steam. This can lead to lower pressure and a loss of performance.
A few minutes every day, along with a few minutes allotted for a thorough cleaning every month will suffice to prevent the accumulation of coffee residue, oils, and scale that can ruin the taste of your coffee and ultimately harm your expensive equipment. The good thing is that cleaning your espresso machine isn't a difficult procedure.
In the majority of models the brew group is easily accessible for cleaning. This includes the dispersion screen, three-way solenoid, and a rubber gasket. You should also clean the portafilter following every use, since they can contain rancid oils which can affect the taste of your drinks.
You'll require a portafilter, a Coffetool or the smallest brush size, and espresso machine cleaner before beginning. Before smeg espresso machine scrub the portafilter make sure to soak it in a solution of hot water, vinegar and detergent. You'll want to remove both the brass dispersion plates and the stubby screws from the group head. This will allow you to backflush your group head. Urnex Cafiza is used to flush the system. This will not just remove some calcification, but also any old coffee oil that could be obstructing your three-way valve, blocking water flow through the system.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding cleaning products as some can cause damage or create mineral deposits on your equipment. Make sure to use clean, filtered water to decrease the amount of calcium present in your boiler tank.