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Espresso Machines – Which One is Right For Your Home? The best espresso machines are easy to operate, simple to clean, and able to make rich and balanced shots. How do you pick the most efficient espresso machine for your home? This Breville model, with its quick-heating thermocoil design and digital ease of use is ideal for someone who doesn't have the time to learn barista skills, but would like to enjoy good coffee at home. Pump-driven Pump-driven machines make use of an electric pump to provide the force needed to make espresso. These machines typically take water from a mains supply, which is common in commercial installations, or a reservoir that has to be filled manually (common with smaller commercial espresso machines). Pumps are typically solenoid pistons that can produce high pressure. Some espresso machines with pump-driven systems have a fixed flow rate while others let you adjust the pre-infusion or brewing pressure. The most popular kind of machine, these are an excellent option for those who want to make quality coffee quickly and consistently. They are also simpler to clean and maintain than other types of equipment however they do require some electrical power and a space near an outlet. There are two basic types: semi-automatics and super-automatics. Semi-automatics allow you to control the amount of time the shot is pulled by using the manual switch or programable function. In addition, you can control the grind setting and to tamp the coffee. Some semi-automatics have motors that are rotary and others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter and more reliable but require a constant stream of pressurized water. In contrast, a vibration pump can start off quiet but can eventually sound like a scream once the machine has to be fed water. Both have pros and cons and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs. Pump-driven machines also come in a variety of sizes and prices. 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 on these machines can be set to different temperatures, which allows for some variation in the flavor of the espresso. This is a great feature for the busy barista working at home, but it can increase the cost of their products. Semi-automatics are a good middle place. They can be reasonably priced but they don't provide the same level of consistency and versatility of other options. Steam-driven Steam-driven machines employ simple mechanisms to create an espresso that is strong. Inside an airtight tank hot water is steamed to create pressure, which is then transferred to the coffee grounds to make espresso. This is similar to the process used in a stovetop Moka pot. These machines are in use today due to their affordability and their compactness. However, these models do not have the ability to achieve the 9 bar pressure needed for a true espresso. These models are ideal for those just starting out with homebrewing or those who don't worry about making the perfect espresso. The earliest example of a steam-driven device is the 1878 compensation siphon balancing machine created by German engineer H. Eicke. The steam produced by this device pushes boiling water through a filter of ground beans, which are then depressurized by heat of an open flame spirit burner. This process produces a very powerful shot, however it doesn't meet the high standard of consistency that many espresso lovers would prefer. The next advancement came with Luigi Bezzera's 1901 inventions. His invention allowed him to lower the temperature in the boiler. This allows for a more constant temperature and pressure control. Bezzera also included an engine-driven device that helped make the machine semi-automatic. The only problem was that it took the barista a while to grind, measure and tamp the beans manually. This led to the development of an espresso machine that is driven by a pump. This brand new espresso machine, unlike the steam-driven models of the past that were heated by an open flame, features an electric pump capable producing the high levels of pressure needed to make espresso. The machines can take water from a cold line which is common in commercial installations. Or they can use an additional water tank that must be filled manually. These machines also feature two temperature settings controlled by a push button. One of these buttons switch on the temperature of the brew, while the other switch on the steam temperature. This type of machine is more accurate than older steam-driven models and can provide consistent shots at only a fraction of the price of the more expensive models. Semi-automatic Semi-automatic machines are a great choice for those who want to brew their espresso quickly and easily. It takes away the need for barista training by automating the process of grinding, tamping, and extraction to ensure consistent results. It does not do all the work for you. You still need to grind the beans, tamp them down in the portafilter, and then push the water through. This is the reason why many professional and amateur coffee drinkers prefer a semi-automatic machine, as they like the feeling of being more in control of the process of making coffee. They are also less expensive than fully automated counterparts and tend to be more reliable. These espresso machines are often located in shops that are not specialty shops and in the homes of coffee drinkers who are willing spend more for convenience. Dual boilers allow the steam and brewing process to be kept separate. Coffeee is used to heat while the other is used to prepare your favorite beverage. Some even have a built-in grinder, which could be a major time-saver for the user. The espresso grinder built into the machine is often restricted in its settings, which can frustrate those who want to modify the process of brewing their own espresso. It is best to combine a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to ensure total control over the size of the grind. If you're interested in a semi-automatic espresso machine, make sure to look for one with a high-quality, low-noise electric pump and precise temperature control via the PID controller. PID is a piece of technology that's commonly found in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens. It can help stabilize a brewing kettle by measuring the temperature variations during the heating cycle. A decent semi-automatic espresso maker must also come with a steam wand powerful enough to produce microfoam, as well as the capability to switch between steaming and brewing modes quickly (if it does not have two boilers). A semi-automatic machine with all of these features could be an excellent option for those who don't wish to learn how to make drinks that are cafe-quality, but still want to have fun. Manual Manual espresso machines employ levers to push pressurized water across a bed of finely ground coffee, resulting in highly concentrated shots. They are typically cheaper than their semi-automatic and fully automated counterparts, making them popular with coffee enthusiasts who are discerning. Manual espresso machines require greater attention and skill from the operator to maximize their potential. You'll also need to choose the right grinder and ensure that the brew ratio is correct. While some people find the learning curve of manual machines challenging and difficult but those with the right skills are able to make it worth the effort. Adrian Lini, CHOICE's expert barista says that if one has the patience and the right equipment manual machines will make the finest espresso. In recent years, the hand-operated espresso machine has evolved in both its form and function. It now comes with more advanced features, like digital pressure gauges that allow users to monitor the pressure during extraction. Charles who works at Flair Espresso, explains that these machines can also be used with Bluetooth devices to digitally create graphs of flow rates to help users understand how changing different variables during extraction can impact the overall result. There are two kinds of manual espresso machines that are direct and spring-piston. Direct levers are equipped with springs in their group heads to increase pressure during the brewing process. Although they are more expensive but they are also easier to use than spring-assisted machines. Springs piston machines on the other hand, don't have anything in their group heads other than the steam valve. They're easier to use than direct lever machines, but do not provide as much control over the brewing process. The best machine for you will depend on your budget and your personal preferences. Whatever you decide to go with a manual-operated espresso machine will require a few basic components, including the ability to carry a filter around, a coffee mill, and a kettle.