What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine
The espresso machine is one of the most complex coffee machines in the world. It is composed of three main components. The bottom contains the water and the middle the filter-basket.
This machine was a huge hit and helped popularize home barista espresso. Features include a 2.2L steam boiler, low pressure pre-infusion & 9 bar brewing pressure.
Pressure
If you're an avid coffee drinker, then you'll realize that the pressure of your espresso machine is a major factor in the quality of your beverages. It doesn't matter if you're seeking an even layer of crema or the right balance of flavor and acidity the pressure of your espresso machine is the most important factor in brewing great espresso.
BARs (Barometric pressure) is the force your espresso machine exerts on the coffee grounds while delivering high-pressure water. 9 BARs mean that your espresso machine is forcing heated water through the ground coffee at 9 times the Earth's current atmospheric pressure.
The pressure of your machine is important because it allows the water to pass through coffee grounds at the correct speed and intensity. If the pressure isn't high enough, the oils and flavors aren't extracted properly. On the other contrary, if pressure is too high, the water will be pushed through the coffee grounds too fast, and you'll end up with a weak, over-extracted cup of espresso.
The pressure of your espresso machine can be adjusted by turning the screw found on the espresso pump. Commercial and high-end home appliances have pumps that rotate with adjustable pressure. But for the more affordable home appliances that utilize the vibrating pump, altering the pressure is difficult without involving DIY hacks. Companies such as Cafflano, however, are working on technology that uses Pascal's Principle in order to maintain pressure in the portafilter during the fermentation process.
Temperature
Temperature is one of the most crucial factors in a great espresso shot. The water that is too hot can scorch the grounds of coffee, which can result in a bitter coffee. The ideal temperature for extraction is around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows the water to extract all of the coffee's desirable flavors without scorching the grounds, or over-extracting.
The top espresso machines come with the thermoblock, also known as a thermocoil that heats water and keeps it at an even temperature throughout the extraction process. The Breville Barista Express, for instance, is equipped with PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) system which constantly monitors the temperature of the water and adjusts if needed so that the brewhead stays at the right temperature to extract the coffee.
Many coffee drinkers know that the temperature of your espresso machine is a key factor in brewing a great cup of coffee. The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is between 190 and 196 degrees Fahrenheit. To achieve this, you need an espresso maker with a reliable thermoblock, thermocoil and a boiler that is appropriately sized.
In addition, it's important to preheat your portafilter, machine, and cup before you make a shot. Failure to preheat is among the most common errors made by beginner espresso makers. This is why it is important to always study the instruction manual before making espresso for the first time.
Grind
A barista espresso machine should also provide a variety grind settings for you to have the most control over the final cup of coffee. Some machines have an analog gauge which looks cool and aids you develop your brewing capabilities. You should strive to maintain a pressure of nine bars throughout the entire brewing process. This machine is close to reaching that goal.
Another wonderful feature of this machine is a built-in burr grinder. This feature is ideal for beginners because it eliminates having to purchase an additional grinder. The grinder is a conical stainless steel device that has 18 settings from "coarse" to "fine."
The grinder isn't the same as a standalone, but it's a solid start and will put you on the path to making quality espresso shots. It's easy to clean and you'll be able to stop the grinder during the grinding process to prevent accumulating a large amount of grounds on your portafilter while it's being put through the tamper.
It's a beautiful and functional machine that allows you to experience the joy of being a barista at home. This is a great option for those who wish to remember the thrill of pouring microfoam in their morning coffee, locking the portafilter into the grouphead's head and tamping the coffee with precision. A bean to cup machine is an excellent choice to those who prefer convenience.
Water
Water is a tricky thing to master. The key is to find the proper balance. Too much caffeine can cause mineral deposits to build up in your machine. Too little could result in an espresso that is weaker.
The perfect water for espresso is soft and high in alkalinity. This can be achieved with a water filter system that eliminates chlorine and brings back in a small amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) to add some calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will ensure the right balance between acidity and hardness, and prevent the necessity of decalcifying.
Using high-quality filtered water is crucial to your machine's long term health as well as the flavor of the coffee it makes. Depending on the use and the hardness of your machine, you should use a descaling product regularly. These products are available in tab, liquid or powder form at a majority of hardware stores.
The Breville Barista Express is a high-end, luxury espresso machine for home use that is designed to bring the experience of a cafe inside your home. It has more advanced features than other beginner machines that are geared towards coffee lovers who want to refine their techniques and perfect their craft. The thermocoil heating technology with an integrated PID controller mounted around the heated group head makes it simple to regulate your brewing temperature. espresso maker for home is an enormous advantage over other entry-level models that require longer "temperature surfing" to achieve an even shot of espresso.