Espresso Coffee Machine - Which Espresso Coffee Machine is Right For You?
Thermoblock espresso machines utilize a boiler to heat water for instant brewing. This ensures that the right temperature is maintained after each shoot.
Two brothers, who couldn't afford the DE1, designed the Decent espresso machine. They came across a more stable, less or more off the shelf base machine to place their motherboard into.
What is an espresso machine?
Espresso machines are used to make espresso coffee, which is then combined with milk to make drinks such as cappuccinos and latte. This is an essential piece of equipment for cafes as well as coffee shops that specialize in milk-based coffee drinks.
A quality Espresso machine is capable of producing high-quality coffee and will also include steam wands that can produce foamy and creamy milk for making these milk-based drinks. Espresso machines use finely ground coffee that is darker and richer in flavor than filter coffee. They can make a fast brew of coffee as they can extract one shot in only 30 seconds or less compared to the 10 or more hours required by a coffee maker.
The essential components of an espresso machine comprise a portafilter which holds the ground coffee, a group head that is locked into place with the help of a lever or handle, a boiler to heat and store the water for making Espresso, and a pump that creates the pressure that pushes hot water through the grounds at the speed required for the brewing of Espresso (typically around 9 bars). Certain espresso machines have dual boilers that can be used for simultaneous brewing and steamed.
The best espresso machine for your business depends on a number of factors including cost and space, as well as ease of use. Look for an commercial Espresso machine that comes with various settings including temperature control or pre-infusion. Consider an espresso maker in capsule form, that makes use of pods with ground and measured coffee beans to make Espresso or other beverages made from coffee.
Consider the volume you are looking to produce per hour as well as your budget and experience as this can affect your choice of machine. A manual/lever espresso machine has more traditional designs and provides the most control over the brewing process, but is more difficult to master.
Semi-automatic and automated espresso machines are a fantastic compromise between human control and machine reliability. They will handle grinding and tamping the coffee, as well as extraction, however, the barista needs to be able to manage the temperature and pressure to get optimum results. For a fully-automated machine that has superior quality control, search for features such as thermal stability advanced PID and programming options including pressure profiling, multi-boilers, and pre-infusion.
Capsule Espresso Machines
If space or time are at a minimum and you want to get the most of your espresso machine, capsule espresso machines are a great option. Using pre-measured flavoured coffee pods, these machines are easy to operate and use and produce the perfect cup of espresso in a matter of seconds.
Unlike traditional filter and bean-to-cup machines that need to grind measure, tamp, and grind the beans, these machines require the user to insert the capsules already packed. The machine extracts shots using high pressure and temperature water, producing identical results every time. They can also be used to create a wide range of other hot drinks, including latte, cappucino and flat white.
The pods, made of aluminum or plastic contain the ideal amount of coffee ground for a single serve. They also have a barrier that shields the coffee from oxidation and ensures that it retains its strong smell and flavor for a longer time. The best capsules are available in a variety of varieties and are compatible with the majority of open system machines. They are also biodegradable, meaning they have less environmental impact than other varieties of disposable coffee packaging.
L'OR have just announced their second capsule espresso machine, the L'OR Barista Sublime that comes with many distinctive features that distinguish it from other machines, such as dual pod options as well as the double spout that allows two shots at once. It is also compatible with other capsule brands, making it more flexible than Nespresso Vertuo which only works with their own brand.
The Barista Sublime also comes with a milk frother to make hot drinks made from espresso. The machine is available in three colours; white, red and black and is designed to fit seamlessly into any kitchen. Its small size and quality construction also make it suitable for kitchens that are office-oriented or as a gift to an espresso enthusiast who may not have room to accommodate a larger appliance. The price starts at PS299 The Barista Sublime is an affordable alternative to other capsule espresso machines.
Espresso Machines with Pressurised Baskets
The pressurised (also called double wall) basket has two walls and one small hole at the bottom. This creates pressure inside the basket while brewing espresso. This is a feature that is commonly found in coffee makers at home, as it allows a wider range of grinders, without affecting the quality of the espresso. The additional pressure helps eliminate any inconsistencies due to the size of the grind and lack of tamping. The basket that is pressurized is included with a range of entry-level espresso machines, such as the Sage Bambino & Bambino Plus and Gaggia Classic.
You can make a fantastic espresso using a non-pressurised tamper basket however it will require more skill. This type basket requires more precise control of the grinder and tamp in order to achieve good results. Many coffee lovers at home use a basket that is pressured until they feel comfortable with their machine and grinder.
A non-pressurised basket for filtering has a single layer at the bottom with a grid that is regular. The filter basket is less expensive than one that is pressurised, therefore, most people select it when purchasing their first espresso machine. They are simple to use and work with the majority of grinders, but if you want high quality espresso then you should move on to a precision basket which has a grid of smaller holes that are equally spaced and have the most microscopically smooth edges.
Standard baskets can hold 6 or 7 grams of ground coffee for one shot. A double or single basket which is larger will hold 14-18 grams of ground coffee. The amount of espresso that can be produced with a single cup will depend on the size of the rim of the portafilter, which varies between the most popular coffee makers and also how the beans are ground and tamped.
Bean to Cup Espresso Machines
Bean-to-cup machines are designed to make barista style drinks at home. They grind whole coffee beans and then prepare your desired drink by pressing a button. They are also ideal for offices as they don't require staff members to operate, which can save on training costs. They also have the benefit that because everything happens inside the machine, there is very little or no coffee wastage.
Bean to cup machines come in different shapes and sizes, with some with dual hoppers which allow you to have instant and ground coffee available at the same time. They also have a milk frother and the ability to froth, which means they can be used to make both milk-based and espresso coffees like cappuccinos and lattes.
Some models of bean to cup coffee machines can be controlled using apps for smartphones, which allow users to create and program recipes, set up maintenance schedules, and track the progress of the machine with the click of one button. This level of customization makes these coffee machines great for those looking for an automated espresso machine but aren't prepared to spend the money on a commercial model.
Bean-to-cup machines can be simple to operate and can make a variety of coffees. They are suitable for both instant and ground coffee and often come with numerous recipes. This means you are guaranteed to find a beverage to match your preferences and mood.
Sage Barista Pro has become an increasingly popular choice for those who are looking for a budget machine that can create various drinks. It's a great value and can be used with instant or ground coffee. Coffeee takes a bit longer to make an espresso than other machines in this list.
This is not a problem because the espresso is delicious and rich. This is made easier by the fact that it has a precise temperature control, which allows you to achieve your perfect shot every time. This particular espresso machine doesn't include a grinder built-in, so you will need to purchase a separate grinder.