How do you choose the best espresso maker? As I often advise, the most critical factors are extraction time, pressure, and temperature control. If your espresso maker falls short in these areas you will not be making espresso so you might as well save some cash and settle for a coffee maker instead. So let’s take a closer look at the different machine types to find the best espresso maker.
If the machine doesn’t produce a minimum of 9 bar pressure, doesn’t extract in about 25 seconds, or doesn’t maintain a water temperature of about 95 (C) cross it off your list. After narrowing down your search using the standards listed above, explore other functions that will add to your overall satisfaction with the machine. There are just 3 types of espresso maker regardless of what you may have learned elsewhere. Espresso makers are operated either by steam, pump or lever.
I want to quickly clear up a couple misconceptions before we continue further. You may have heard of stovetop espresso makers. I love them, I collect them and I use mine every day. They make a wonderful cup of coffee in the Italian style, but they do not make espresso. Perhaps the terms super-automatic, automatic and semi-automatic are familiar to you. These designation describes the features of the machine and not the type of machine itself. They are all pump controlled machines.
Alright. On to the three types of espresso maker and the unique characteristics of each.
STEAM ESPRESSO MACHINES- The lower end of the function and price scale is populated with steam operated espresso makers. The water is pushed through the machine by steam created in the heating chamber. Most deposit the espresso into a small pot instead of your cup and it is more difficult to control how much espresso is extracted at a time. Almost all steam machines operate under the required 9 bar pressure, so they really do not create enough pressure to develop a good crema. However, if you plan to make mostly milk based drinks like cappuccino and you are on a strict budget, the better ones will serve the purpose at a price that is much lower than that of lever and pump machines.
PUMP ESPRESSO MACHINES – An electric pump is responsible for the pressure utilized to force the water through the machine. There are both single and double boiler versions, which is good to know if you plan to make a lot of espresso drinks containing milk, like cappuccino.The same water source is used for making espresso and steaming the milk in a single boiler model. Steam used for milk requires a higher temperature than brewing so these machines have two separate thermostats.This set up does not permit the operator to brew and steam at the same time. You can brew and steam at the same time with a double boiler model because these have 2 water compartments and each has its own dedicated thermostat.
To get an idea of a machine’s functionality and features, look for the designation of semi-automatic, automatic, or super-automatic. Not surprisingly, more sophisticated functionality come at a higher price. The primary difference between semi-automatic and automatic machines is in the extraction time. The operator must manage the brew time on a semi-automatic machine using a knob. The operator selects the amount of espresso to extract on an automatic and the machine determines the brew time. Both machines require that the user grind, tamp and dose the espresso. The most sophisticated are the super-automatics, which are pretty much a push button affair. You simply fill the water chamber and load the hopper with whole beans. Not only does it create excellent espresso, it grinds, tamps and doses the coffee for you.
MANUAL ESPRESSO MACHINES – These machines have a pump lever that the operator must use to push the hot water through the ground coffee. The operator controls the pressure on some models with a direct lever, while the machine regulates the pressure on those machines wtih an internal spring piston. Either way, the operator is in charge of the infusion time and the amount of water used and can therefore adjust the outcome to taste. Count on the most consistently authentic espresso from these machines, but only after you’ve had plenty of practice and have mastered the technique. There is just no beating a manual espresso maker for pure dramatic value, aesthetics and romance.
With all these options available, the best espresso maker is the one that suits your own personal lifestyle and use. See hundreds of the best espresso makers at http://www.homegourmetcoffee.com.
