Should You Buy an Espresso Machine?
Espresso machines require higher temperature and pressure than your typical coffee maker. They also make more concentrated and full-bodied cup of coffee.
You'll want a machine that has dual boilers, which allows you to make steam and espresso at the same time. This is a significant upgrade over the majority of single boiler espresso machines.
Features
Even beginners can now get a great shot of espresso. One of the most important features is the pressure gauge, that lets you know the level of pressure within the pump at any time during operation. It helps to prevent channeling which can lead to weak shots. This feature is present on higher-end models.
A pre-infusion is another important feature. It helps ensure that all the grounds are completely saturated with water, which is vital for extraction. It's also available on top-of-the-line machines, and it helps reduce the risk of burning the coffee.
It is also important to consider whether you would like to purchase an automatic or semiautomatic machine. A fully automated machine is foolproof that allows you to make milk and espresso drinks at the touch of the button. These machines are costly and might not be suitable for you if you prefer to do the grinding, tamping and steaming of milk yourself.
For a more customizable experience, go for a semi-automatic espresso machine that includes grinder and bean hopper. These machines are more traditional in appearance and let you control the espresso process for example, grind settings and temperature. They're available at a more affordable cost, but they require more work from the user.
Cost
There are a lot of options when selecting an espresso machine. It's all about what you intend to use it for and what features are important to you. Generally speaking, more features mean more cost. You might consider whether you'd like to to start and stop brewing manually or if a fully automatic model is more appealing.
The most basic of espresso machines have a portafilter and a milk container that is connected via hand. They require regular cleaning of the portafilter and the milk jug. They also typically require descaler treatments every few months to ensure they are in good condition. Based on the manufacturer, some models come with built-in water filtering that reduce hardness and improve the taste.
Professional espresso machines feature dual boilers that allow you to steam milk at the same time. This saves you time and ensures that each part is brewed at the right temperature. A professional-grade espresso maker in your home can make it simple to make delicious cappuccinos and other drinks.
Certain espresso machines have an option to control the grinder manually for regulation, amount of ground coffee, and tamper pressure to give you the feeling of a barista in your home. These machines are more costly than semi-automatics, however they're perfect for those who enjoy making coffee.
Types
Take your time before deciding whether to buy or lease an espresso machine. Leased machines need less money upfront, but they do increase maintenance costs over time. You'll pay more upfront, but the machine will remain yours.
The type of espresso maker you select will depend on the type of coffee you're serving as well as your preferences. The majority of models come with a steam wand to heat and froth the milk for lattes and cappuccinos. Some models also come with a removable dishwasher-safe jug, which can be used to make large batches of coffee or iced drinks.
You can find models that are fully automatic that grinds, weighs and website tamps the beans and makes use of pre-measured pods for convenience. They usually score the highest in Lab tests for their ease of use, however, they will cost more than a manual or semi-automatic model.
There are multi-boiler and single boiler machines that are more stable than other types that allow you to make consistently delicious espresso. These machines are more expensive and take up more space on the counter.
Maintenance
A properly maintained espresso machine will ensure that your coffee is at its best. Regular cleaning and descaling also prolong the life of the espresso maker. Cleaning it regularly can also stop the buildup and degrading of coffee oils which could affect the taste.
Giorgio suggests looking for a coffee maker that has the option of a brew group that is removable and an easy-to-clean drip tray. Giorgio says this will save your time and money over the long term by reducing your need to clean the coffee drip pan, aswell as by avoiding the extra cost of a separate milk frother.
Also, you should look for an espresso maker that has an extremely high pressure in the water, which will ensure an even extraction of flavor and a thick crema. A quality machine will be able to reach an absolute pressure of nine bars.
If you're thinking of buying an espresso semi-automatic or super-automatic maker, take into consideration the space you have in your kitchen, and whether you're planning to plumb it. If you're in a tight storage space in your cabinet, consider buying an portable model or a drip-free version that can be used without connected to the water line. It will also allow you to avoid the inconvenience of having to empty the waste bin every time you use a model that is drip-free. You should also make sure that you purchase an espresso maker with a water tank which is easy to fill, take out and clean.