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How to Choose the Best Espresso Machines For Home The best espresso machines at home will produce a consistently great cup of coffee. It requires a precise proportion of finely packed, tightly ground coffee and water under high pressure. It also requires an efficient steam wand that can texturize milk without big bubbles. Some models have an integrated grinder, whereas others require a grinder you provide. Our top picks come with adjustable PID controllers for an even temperature of water as well as a shot timer that helps ensure proper extraction, and a dual boiler that lets you take shots and steam milk at the same time. Buying a Machine A good espresso machine is a good investment for those who enjoy coffee at home, or who want to serve cappuccino and lattes to customers in a cafe, restaurant or wine bar salon. However, it is essential to consider the amount of control you'd like over your espresso before deciding what type of machine to purchase. If you're just beginning your journey, a manual machine might be the best option for you. These machines use an instrument to create pressure during extraction. They often come with an attached steam wand that's great for making milk drinks. But keep in mind, these machines require many hours of work and can be a challenge to learn to operate. If you want to start taking your coffee skills to the next level, a semi-automatic machine may be a good option. coffee espresso machines are less hands-on yet still create a cup of espresso that is consistent and delicious. Semi-automatic machines also have a built in grinder which saves you money as you don't have to purchase and maintain a separate grinder. Professional-grade espresso machines are more expensive than consumer models but can be more difficult to use and require greater maintenance. They can be expensive and you should be aware of your needs as well as the amount of time and effort you're willing to spend on maintenance and upkeep. Certain models include a dual boiler that allows you to make both espresso and milk at the same time. Giorgio warns, however, that these systems may not be as efficient as those with a single heating system because there will be a delay in between the moment that the espresso is prepared and the milk is frozen. If you're considering purchasing a machine for your business, it's even more crucial to consider your needs. If you're looking for a way to eliminate human error, consider the possibility of a fully automated or capsule machine. These machines will save you time and maintain the same taste and consistency by eliminating the need for you grind beans, extract coffee and then steam milk. Getting Started A home espresso machine can change the taste of your morning cup of coffee. However, it's essential to keep in mind that making an espresso that is good requires a lot of expertise and time. That's why it's important to select a machine that's easy enough for novices and will inspire you to further study the art of making espresso. Some of our picks, like the Rancilio Silvia, offer a range of after-market options that will make your espresso machine like a piece of art. Other espresso makers let you replace the handle for more secure grip and an aesthetic. You can choose from wood or a piece made from recycled skateboards. If you're not ready commit to a full-fledged commercial espresso machine, there are a number of models that are affordable and can make great drinks. Many of them are designed with the same basic principles as professional machines, but scaled down to accommodate a home kitchen. The Breville Barista Pro X, for instance, has an adjustable PID controller front and center to set the temperature of the water to a specific level as well as a shot timer that helps monitor your brewing progress, a powerful steam wand that's capable of texturing milk, as well as a pressure gauge that will let you know when you've reached the ideal pressure for brewing (between 8 and 10). If you're ready to take their barista skills to the next level, there are options with dual boilers that allow you to prepare espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This is a feature that can help ensure consistency of results as both functions must be heated to the same temperature. It also allows you to experiment with different extraction ratios to suit a variety of drinks. If you decide to purchase an espresso maker that has this feature, we recommend getting a few extra accessories like a Group Head Cleaning Brush to scrub the brew port and a Descaling Kit, and Espresso Machine Cleaner. It can be used in lieu of water to get rid of old coffee residue that could affect the flavor of your coffee. These supplies will allow you to keep your espresso machine in good condition and ensure that it's always ready to make great drinks for you or your friends. Making Great Drinks Making espresso and coffee drinks can be a finicky process. Precision is required throughout the entire process, from measuring out the grounds to tamping it right. The best espresso machines offer many features to make your coffee-making as easy and as consistent as possible. This includes a fast heat up time, automatic making, and a simple to control steam wand for texturing milk. Breville Bambino Plus is our top pick for beginners. This machine is super-automatic and easy to use and comes with five different settings for cappuccino, espresso or latte macchiato. The machine is easy to clean and includes a milk frother that makes rich, foamy cappuccinos as well as lattes. Our testers were impressed with the quality of drinks produced by this machine, but it's important to note that if you're serious about your coffee an alternative could be to purchase an espresso maker made by a barista that has an integrated grinder and customizable settings. The Rancilio Silvia, for example is priced higher than the Bambino Plus but offers much more in the way of control over all aspects of brewing. It also has a dual boiler that allows you to pull an espresso shot and steam milk simultaneously, which can help you get your drink just right. If you are willing to spend more, you should consider an espresso machine that is professional grade, such as the Lelit MaraX. This model landed our top spot in the Best Prosumer Espresso Maker category and is essentially a scaled-down version of commercial espresso machines (think: Vitamix blenders). This machine is worth the price in the event that you're a complete coffee lover. Morocco and Sheese both stress that an espresso machine can only be as good in the grinder it's paired with. There are a few grinders that are priced in this range and are great for espresso. (Morocco prefers the Fellow Opus). We recommend that you pair your espresso machine with a good burr grinder, regardless of what type of machine you pick. Maintenance When you've worked hard to get your espresso machine to make amazing drinks and shots it's only right that you do what you can to ensure it continues to run well. This means that you should incorporate daily cleaning and maintenance into your routine. It's crucial to keep this in mind since even the most efficient machines can create virtually invisible blockages within the internal mechanisms that hinder water and steam flow. This could result in lower pressure or lack of functionality. It is enough to spend a few minutes each day and a little more time every month for a thorough cleaning. This will prevent the build-up of coffee residues, oils, and scale, which can ruin the flavor of your espresso and cause damage to your expensive equipment. Cleaning your espresso machine isn't an overwhelming task. The beer group can be cleaned easily with the majority of models. This includes the gasket made of rubber, three-way solenoid and dispersion screen. It is recommended to clean the portafilter after every use, since they may contain rancid oils which could alter the taste of your shots. Before you begin this process, you'll need to be sure that you have an espresso machine with a portafilter (and blank ones) and the smaller size of brush or Coffetool, and some espresso machine cleaner. Soak the portafilter and baskets in a solution comprising hot water, detergent, and a bit of vinegar before thoroughly rubbing them. It is important to remove the brass dispersion plates and the stubby screws that are on the group head. This will enable you to backflush the head of the group. Urnex Cafiza is used to flush the system. This will not only take out some calcification, but it'll aid in removing any old coffee oils that might hinder the three-way valve and preventing water from flowing properly through the system. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding cleaning products as some can damage or cause mineral deposits to your equipment. Use filtered, clean water to decrease the amount of calcium in your boiler tank.