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Espresso Machines – Which One is Right For Your Home? The top espresso machines will be easy to use, clean and produce balanced shots. But how do you decide which one is the right machine for your home? This Breville model with its fast-heating thermocoil design, and digital convenience 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 depend on an electric motor to generate the force needed to brew espresso. These machines typically either accept water from a mains supply, common with commercial installations, or a reservoir that has to be filled manually (common with smaller commercial espresso machines). The pumps that are used are usually solenoid-piston types that can generate high levels of pressure. Some pump-driven espresso machines have a fixed flow regulation, while others let you adjust the pre-infusion and/or the brewing pressure. These are the most popular machines and are perfect for those who want an consistent, high-quality cup of coffee. They are also simpler to maintain and clean than other types of equipment however, they require an amount of electrical power and a space near an outlet. There are two types of basic of semi-automatics and super-automatics. Semi-automatics let you regulate the length of time that the shot is pulled using either a manual switch or a programmable feature. You can also alter the grind setting, and then tamp down the coffee. Certain semi-automatics are rotary while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter and more reliable however they require a constant flow of pressurized water. In contrast, a vibrating pump starts off very quietly but it can soon sound like a scream once the machine needs to be fed water. Both types have pros and cons and you should pick one that best suits your needs. Pump-driven machines also come in a variety of sizes and price. The most expensive machines are typically super-automatic, and include multiple boilers that separate the water for brewing and steaming. These models come with heat exchangers that can be set at different temperatures to allow for an array of flavors. While this extra functionality makes them an ideal choice for the busy home barista however, it will increase the cost. The middle of the road is a semi-automatic which can be affordable but doesn't provide as much consistency and versatility as other options. Steam-driven A steam-driven machine uses a simple mechanism to produce an espresso that is strong. In a sealed airtight container hot water is steamed to create pressure, which is then transferred into the coffee grounds. This is similar to the process that happens in a stovetop Moka pot. These machines are still being used today due to their affordability and compactness. These models aren't able to reach the 9 bars of pressure required for true espresso. This makes them ideal for those who are just beginning to learn about making espresso at home or aren't concerned about making the perfect espresso. The balancer for compensation in 1878 developed by German engineer H. Eicke is a very early steam-driven machine. The steam produced by this device pushes boiling water through a filter containing ground beans. It is then depressurized by heat from an open flame spirit burner. This makes a powerful shot, however it isn't up to the standard of consistency that many espresso lovers like. The next breakthrough came with Luigi Bezzera's 1901 inventions. His design allowed him to reduce the temperature of the boiler. This enables more constant temperature and pressure control. Bezzera also had an engine-driven device that made the machine semi-automatic. Coffeee was that it required the barista to grind, measure and tamp the beans by hand. This led to the creation of a pump driven espresso machine. This new type of espresso machine, unlike the steam-driven models of the past that were heated by an open flame, is equipped with an electric pump capable of generating high levels of pressure required to make espresso. These machines can either accept water directly from the cold water line which is common in commercial establishments or use a separate tank that is filled with water manually. The machines also have two temperature settings that can be controlled by the push of a button. One of these buttons activates the brew thermostat, and the other switches on the steam thermostat. This kind of machine is more accurate than older steam-driven models and can produce consistent shots for only a fraction of the price of the more expensive models. Semi-automatic For those who are looking for an easy method to make espresso with less effort the semi-automatic machine is the solution. It can eliminate barista training by automating the process of grinding, tamping, and extraction to produce consistently good results. It doesn't do all the work for you. You still need grind the beans, then tamp them down in the portafilter, and then push the water through. Many coffee lovers, both professional and amateur prefer semi-automatic machines for this reason, as they enjoy the feeling of being more involved in the process of brewing. They also come with less cost than their fully-automated counterparts, and tend to be more reliable, too. These espresso machines are typically found in non-specialty shops and at the homes of coffee drinkers who are willing spend more for convenience. They have dual boilers, which means that the brewing water and steam are separated while one is heating up and the other is used to prepare your drink of choice. Some models come with a built in grinder that can save the user a lot of time. However the built-in grinder typically has a limited selection of settings which can be a hassle for those interested in tinkering with the process of brewing espresso to make their own personal favorites. An alternative is to combine a semi-automatic espresso maker with an external grinder to get complete control over the size of the grind and dosage. If you're considering a semi-automatic espresso machine make sure to look for one with a top-quality electric pump that is low-noise and has precise temperature regulation through a PID controller. The PID is a piece of technology that's usually found in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens. It helps stabilize a brewing boiler by analyzing the temperature fluctuations during the heating cycle. A decent semi-automatic espresso maker will also have a steam wand powerful enough to make microfoam and the capability to switch between brewing and steaming modes quickly (if it doesn't have two boilers). A semi-automatic machine with all these features can be an excellent choice for those who don't want to learn how to make high-quality cafe drinks however, they nonetheless want to play. Manual Manual espresso machines utilize levers to push pressurized water through a bed of finely ground coffee, producing extremely concentrated shots. They are less expensive than semi-automatic or fully automatic machines which is why they are popular with coffee drinkers. Manual espresso machines require more attention and experience from the operator to maximize their capabilities. You'll also need to choose the correct grinder and ensure that the brew ratio is correct. While some might find the learning curve operating a machine manual difficult but for those who have the right skills, it can be worth the effort. The expert barista at CHOICE, Adrian Lini, says that if you have the right tools and the patience to learn how to operate a manual espresso machine, it can provide the ultimate espresso experience. In recent years, the hand-operated coffee machine has improved in both its design and function. It now comes with more sophisticated features, such as digital pressure gauges that allow users to monitor the pressure during extraction. Charles, who works for Flair Espresso, says that the machines can be paired with Bluetooth devices to plot graphs for flow rate. This helps users understand how changing variables during extraction can impact the final outcome. There are two kinds of manual espresso machines: direct and spring-piston. Direct levers include springs inside their group heads that helps to increase the pressure when brewing. They're more expensive than spring-assisted units, but they're still simpler to operate. Springs piston machines On the other hand, have nothing in their group heads except the steam valve. They are easier to use however they do not provide as much control of the brewing process. The right machine for you will depend on your budget and your personal preferences. Whichever you choose, a manual espresso machine will need a few essential equipment, such as a kettle, a coffee grinder, and a portafilter with the option of removing a dispersion filter made of metal.