How to Choose a Good Espresso Maker
Unlike super-automatic machines, which take care of everything, manual espresso makers require you to grind the beans, tap them, and pull every shot with the push of a button. Some models come with the ability to use a frother to make both espresso and foamed-milk at the same time.
Find a machine that has 9 to 15 bars of pressure, since this is the ideal setting for a great shot. Some machines are equipped with automatic pressure regulation. This is a great feature for those who are just starting out.
Easy to Use
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of Good Housekeeping's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. She says a good machine should have a user-friendly interface. "If you're a person who likes to experiment with settings, you might prefer a more flexible machine," she says. "But for those who just want to master the basics it shouldn't take too long to discover how to use the machine."
The majority of espresso machines are in three categories: semi-automatic, automated and super-automatic. Automated machines, which come with the ability to brew using a button they allow you to select the amount of coffee you would like to drink; some are also programmable, which can aid in the development and refinement of the recipe over time. These machines scored the top in our lab tests.
Semi-automatics include a lever that can start and stop the brewing. You can grind and tamp the beans yourself. Some models have a built-in mill for grinding and tamping. They're less expensive than fully automated models and can make several small espressos or coffee drinks at once. Some come with steam wands to heat and frothing milk, which can be handy for cappuccinos and lattes. These machines typically have a slight learning curve and may require a bit of manual effort, but they typically provide more consistency than a fully automated model.
To make a shot you'll need to put the beans in a portafilter which locks into the grouphead (a handle-attached piece that is located at the front of the machine). You then tamp the grounds, which ensures that the beans are evenly distributed and then pressed together under pressure, resulting in a thick tasty, smoky cup. Some models also have a portafilter specifically designed to help the grounds to settle into an even layer. Other models come with a double-walled filter to make a more dense extraction.
A steam-driven device heats the water for steaming and brewing at the same time, which may cause over-extraction. A pump-driven machine, which uses an electric motor to push water through the grounds avoids this problem because it produces lower temperatures. The result is a balanced espresso that has the perfect sweet, smooth flavor.
Cleaning is easy
Clean espresso machines are essential for making great coffee. Coffee oils can adhere to metal surfaces and then, over time, turn rancid, giving your coffee a musty, bitter flavor. They can also clog water lines, leading to costly repairs and replacements. Make sure your espresso machine is clean to avoid these issues, prolong its life, and enhance the taste and quality of each cup you make.
We recommend that you clean the chamber for brewing, as well as any other removable parts, with cleaners specifically designed for espresso machines. We recommend using filtered tap water to minimize the accumulation of mineral deposits in your espresso machine. Regular backflushing with Urnex Cafiza Tablets is a good idea, especially for machines that have an aluminized group head.
Cleaning your espresso machine is an easy and simple task. Clean espresso and filter coffee machine and steam wand after every use using a damp cloth only intended to clean the machine (change it frequently throughout the day and clean the pan with a sanitizing agent).
We also suggest cleaning and wiping your group's head and portafilter daily with a toothbrush and backflushing once a week, or as advised by the manufacturer. Backflushing involves taking the portafilter out and putting a blind filtration system in its place, followed by a cycle of dispensing water and cleaning chemicals until it runs clear. Certain machines have backflushing features and others require you to take out the portafilter, fill it up with water and cleaning agents and then run a cycle of dispensing them until they are clear.
The health of your espresso machine depends on the cleaning agent you select. Choose a formula that dissolves and penetrates the coffee oils, grime, limescale, and calcium. Be sure to consider compatibility with the brand of your espresso maker, as well as the ability to wash off without leaving harmful residue.
These simple steps will improve your espresso experience, and extend the longevity of your machine. Regular cleaning and maintenance, including the use of a descaling solution every couple of months, will aid in preventing damage caused by mineral deposits. Additionally, you will get consistently excellent espresso by keeping the brew-chamber along with the tamper, shower screen and brew-chamber clean.
Easy Maintenance
As espresso machines become more accessible to the public, regular cleaning and maintenance is essential. This helps prevent the accumulation of minerals that could affect and impair the performance of your machine. This can also extend the lifespan of the machine, preventing it from requiring costly repairs or replacement parts. Proper maintenance can also improve the taste and quality of the espresso produced by the machine.
It is important to understand the maintenance process for each model, whether you're purchasing an espresso machine for your home or for a coffee shop. Most models require a weekly cleaning and descale every 2 to four weeks. Cleaning involves cleaning the brew group and steam wand with a soft cloth or brush to remove any debris. It's also a good idea to backflush your machine each week to remove any residue left from previous coffee brews.
Certain models require lubrication in addition to cleaning to function correctly. To ensure that it functions effectively and reduce wear, lubricate the brew group with silicone oil. In some models you may also require changing the filter. If the filter is in need of replacement, it should be done every month.
A basic fully automatic espresso machine is more difficult to maintain and has an increased level of maintenance than a professional or premium model. If you have a basic espresso machine it is necessary to clean and descale the brew group as well as the water tank on a regular basis, and clean the milk system every day. You'll also need to clean the machine with a specific cleaner and backflush it each week.
With a high-end or professional espresso machine, you don't have to clean the brew group or the steam wand as frequently. These models also come with an intelligent filter that removes the need to descal. This saves time and effort. You may still need to clean the machine, however, to get rid of any oil rests from the pipes of the machine. If you're buying a coffee maker for your home or a commercial cafe, it is crucial to establish a maintenance plan to prevent costly repairs or replacement parts.
Easy of Service
Making espresso can be a difficult process. From measuring the coffee beans, and grinding them properly to tamping it with enough pressure, everything is crucial. So any device that makes it simpler and more reliable is a plus. This could include a speedy heating time, the capability to set a specific brew-time or a steam wand that is easy to control to texturize milk.
Consider a super-automatic machine if you are a beginner or if you are looking to streamline your process. It will handle everything for you. All you need to do is press the button and wait. These machines are especially attractive for new baristas because they allow you to appear like a professional without the need for a high level of expertise.
There are several different kinds of espresso machines, but the one that's right for you depends on your preferences and how much work you want to do. Manual espresso machines require you to perform everything, but tend to be smaller and less portable. They also tend to have better temperature control, since you're controlling every stage of the brewing process.
Semi-automatics are also the main type of espresso machine. These machines are larger and more automated than manuals, but they aren't as elegant as super-automatics. It is possible to make a number of drinks at once on these machines, and they typically include grinders and tampers.
If you're in the market for an espresso machine, check for the number of types it can produce at one time. Also, be sure to look at the brew capacity and whether it has an integrated coffee grinder or requires one. Find features that make it easier to prepare milk-based beverages, such as an adjustable cup or the frothing arm.
Last but not least, make sure you check the filtration system on the machine and the way it's set up. It is essential to choose an appropriate filter to manage your water's hardness. You may have to clean the portafilter more frequently, and flush the system more frequently in the event that you don't. A good filter will ensure that you get the best images, and a camera that has an AquaClean filter for water hardness will reduce limescale.