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Espresso Machines – Which One is Right For Your Home? The top espresso machines are easy to use, clean and provide balanced shots. But how do you know which one is the best fit for your home? This Breville model, with its quick-heating thermocoil design and digital convenience is perfect for a person who doesn't want to develop barista skills but wants excellent coffee at home. Pump-driven Pump-driven machines rely on an electric pump to generate the force needed to brew espresso. They either take water directly from the mains, as is typical in commercial installations, or have a reservoir which must be manually filled (common for household espresso machines and smaller commercial espresso machine). Pumps are usually solenoid pistons, which can generate high pressure. Some espresso machines driven by pumps have a fixed flow regulation, while others let you alter the pre-infusion or brewing pressure. The most popular type of machine, these are a great option for those who want to make coffee of high quality quickly and consistently. These machines are simpler to maintain and clean than other models, however they require electricity and space near an outlet. They come in two basic varieties: semi-automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatics allow you to control the length of time that the shot is pulled for with an electronic switch or a programmed function. Additionally, you can control the grind setting and make sure that the coffee is tamper-proof. Some semi-automatics have motors that rotate as well as others that vibrate. Rotary pumps are quieter, but they require constant flow of pressurized liquid. In contrast, a vibrating pump begins very quietly but can eventually sound like a scream once the machine needs to be supplied with water. Both have pros and cons and you must pick one that best suits your needs. Pump-driven machines are available in a range of sizes and price ranges. The most expensive models are usually super-automatic, and come with multiple boilers that separate the water used for steaming and brewing. The heat exchangers in these models can be set to different temperatures, which allows for some variations in the flavor of the espresso. This extra feature makes them a good choice for the busy home barista however, it will increase their price. Semi-automatics are a great middle option. They can be reasonably priced however they don't have the same quality and flexibility of other alternatives. Steam-driven A steam-driven machine employs an easy mechanism to make an intense espresso. Within an airtight tank, steam is heated to create pressure, which is transferred into the coffee grounds for brewing. This is similar to what happens in the stovetop moka kettle and they are popular today due to their low cost and small size. These models are not capable of achieving the 9 bars of pressure required to make a true espresso. These models are suitable for those just starting out with home brewing or don't care about making the perfect espresso. One of the earliest examples of a steam-driven device is the 1878 compensation siphon balancer designed by German engineer H. Eicke. The steam generated by this device is pushed through a filter of ground beans, which is then depressurized with the help of heat from an open flame spirit burner. This makes a robust shot, however it isn't up to the standards of consistency that a lot of espresso enthusiasts would prefer. The next step forward was Luigi Bezzera's 1901 inventions. The design was able to lower the temperature of the boiler, which allowed for more stable pressure and temperature control. Bezzera included an engine piston to make this machine semiautomatic. The only issue was that it required the barista to grind, measure and tamp the beans manually. This led to the creation of the pump-driven espresso machine. Unlike the older steam-driven machines that were heated with an open flame, this new type of machine is equipped with an electric pump that is capable of producing the high pressure required to make espresso. mini espresso machine can accept water from a cold line which is typical in commercial facilities. They can also use an additional water tank that has to be filled manually. The machines also come with two temperature settings that are controlled by the push of a button. One of these buttons switches on the temperature of the brew, while the other one controls the steam temperature. This kind of machine is able to produce consistent shots at a fraction of what it costs as compared to steam-driven models. Semi-automatic For those who are seeking a simple method to make espresso with less hassle the semi-automatic machine is the answer. It eliminates barista training by automatizing the process of grinding, tamping, and extraction to produce consistent results. It does not complete all the work for you. You still have grind the beans, tamp them down in the portafilter, and then push the water through. Many amateur and professional coffee-lovers prefer to use semi-automatic machines for this reason, as they like the feeling of being more involved in the brewing process. They are also less costly than fully automated counterparts and tend to be more reliable. These types of espresso machines are commonly found in non-specialty coffee shops and at home of casual coffee drinkers who are willing to pay more for convenience. They feature dual boilers so that the brewing water and steam are kept separate while one is heating up and the other is used to prepare your drink of choice. Some even have a built-in grinder that can be a big time-saver for the user. However the built-in grinder usually offers a limited range of settings that can be quite frustrating for those who are more inclined to play around with the process of brewing espresso to make their own personal favorites. The best solution is to pair a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to have full control over the size of the grind and the amount. If you're looking to purchase an espresso machine that is semi-automatic, ensure you choose one with a high-quality electric pump with low-noise, and precise temperature control via the PID controller. The PID controller is a piece of technology that's usually found in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens. It helps stabilize a brewing kettle by analyzing the temperature fluctuations throughout the heating process. A high-quality semi-automatic espresso machine should also have an efficient steam wand to create microfoam, and the ability to switch between brewing and steaming modes quickly (if it doesn't have dual boilers). A semi-automatic machine with all these features can be an excellent option for those who don't want to learn how to make drinks that are cafe-quality, but nonetheless want to play. Manual Manual espresso machines utilize levers to push pressurized water through a bed of finely ground coffee to produce highly concentrated shots. They are cheaper than fully automated or semi-automatic machines which is why they are popular with coffee enthusiasts. Contrary to automated espresso machines, which are designed with user-friendliness in mind manual espresso makers require more skill and attention by the operator to get the most of their potential. Choosing the right grinder, ensuring that the brew ratio is correct, and understanding how to properly dose and tap your grounds are some of the things you'll need know prior to using a manual espresso machine. While some might find the learning curve in operating a manual machine difficult but for those with the right capabilities, it's well worth the effort. Adrian Lini, CHOICE's expert barista, says that if one has the patience and the right equipment, a manual machine can make the best espresso. In recent years, hand-operated espresso machines have grown in both form and function with more advanced features like digital pressure gauges that allow users to track the pressure during extraction. Charles, who is employed by Flair Espresso, says that the machines can be paired using Bluetooth devices to create graphs of flow rates. This allows users to understand how changing variables in extraction can affect the final outcome. There are two types of manual espresso machines including spring piston and direct. Direct levers have springs in their group heads which help to increase the pressure when brewing. Although they cost more and more difficult to use than spring-assisted machines. Springs piston machines on the other hand, have nothing in their group heads, aside from the steam valve. They're much easier to use than direct lever machines, but don't offer as much control over the process of brewing. The ideal machine for you will be based on your budget and personal taste. Whatever you decide on, a manually operated espresso machine will require a few key components, including a portable filter and a coffee mill and kettle.