What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine
The espresso machine is among the most complex coffee machines available. It is comprised of three major components. The bottom houses the water, and the middle is the filter-basket.
This machine was a huge hit and helped spread the prosumer (home barista) espresso market. It features a 2.2L steam boiler, low pressure pre-infusion & 9 bar brewing pressure.
Pressure
If you're an avid coffee drinker, you'll know that the pressure of your machine is a key factor in the quality of your beverages. You may be looking for an even layer of crema or right balance of acidity and flavor, the pressure of your espresso machine is the key to brewing great espresso.
BARs (Barometric pressure) is the force your espresso machine exerts upon the grounds of coffee while pumping high-pressure water. The espresso machine is pushing hot water through the grounds of the coffee at a rate nine times the Earth's current atmospheric pressure.
The pressure of your machine is vital because it allows water to move through coffee grounds at the right speed and intensity. If the pressure is too low, the oils and flavors won't be extracted properly. If the pressure is too low the flavors and oils that are dissolved will not be extracted correctly.
You can control the pressure of your espresso maker by changing the screw on the espresso pump. Commercial machines and some of the top-end home machines have rotary pumps that are adjustable. For the cheaper home machines that utilize a vibration motor, it is not possible to alter the pressure with DIY hacks. Companies like Cafflano, however, are developing technology which uses Pascal's Principle to ensure pressure within the portafilter throughout the beer making process.
Temperature
Temperature is one of the most important aspects in a great espresso shot. Hot water can cause burning of the grounds of the coffee, resulting in bitter drink. The ideal temperature for extraction is 200 degrees Fahrenheit which allows the water to extract all of the desired coffee flavors without scorching the grounds, or over-extracting.
The best espresso machines include thermoblocks, also known as thermocoils which heats the water and maintains it at a constant temperature throughout the extraction process. The Breville Barista Express, for instance, comes with PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) system that constantly checks the temperature of the water and adjusts as necessary making sure that the brewhead stays at a perfect temperature to extract the coffee.
Many coffee drinkers know that the temperature of your espresso maker is a key factor to brewing a high-quality cup of coffee. The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is between 190 and 196 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to achieve this, your espresso machine must have a quality thermoblock or thermocoil, and the boiler should be of the right size.
It is also essential to pre-heat your espresso maker or portafilter before making shots. Espresso makers who are beginners often make the mistake of not preheating their equipment. It is advisable to read your espresso machine's manual prior to attempting to begin using it for the first time.
Grind
A barista espresso machine must provide a variety grind settings to give you the most control over the final cup of website coffee. Some machines have an analog pressure gauge which is cool and can help you gain knowledge about your brewing techniques. You should strive to maintain the pressure at nine bars throughout the entire brewing process. Although this machine isn't hitting that target, it is quite close and will serve you well.
Another wonderful feature of this machine is its built-in burr grinder. This feature is ideal for those who are new to the field because it avoids having to buy a separate grinder. The grinder is a stainless steel conical device with 18 settings from "coarse" to "fine."
This grinder isn't as good as a standalone unit, but it will get you started on the right track to making excellent espresso shots. It's easy to clean, and you can even pause it during the grinding process this will help you avoid creating a mountain of ground that can spill across your portafilter as it makes its way to making tamps.
This stunning and practical machine lets you be a barista at your own home. This is a great option for those who want to remember the thrill of pouring microfoam into their morning cup of coffee, locking the portafilter into the grouphead's head and tamping it with precision. A bean-to-cup machine is a great option for those who want convenience.
Water
Water is a difficult thing to master. The trick is to find the appropriate balance. If you're using too much, it could cause mineral deposits in the machine, but too little and you'll struggle make a full cup of espresso.
The best espresso water has a low hardness and alkalinity level. This can be achieved with an water filter system that eliminates chlorine and brings back in a small amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) to add calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will give you an optimal balance between hardness and acidity, and prevent the necessity of decalcifying.
It is crucial to use water that is filtered and of excellent quality for the health and taste of your machine. Descaling products should be utilized on a regular basis, depending on the hardness and frequency of use of your machine. These products are available in tab, liquid or powder form at the majority of hardware stores.
The Breville Barista Express, a top-of-the-line home espresso machine designed to bring the café experience into your home. It has more advanced features than other machines for beginners designed for coffee lovers who want to refine their technique and improve their craft. The thermocoil heating system with integrated PID controller, centered on the actively heated group head makes it easy to regulate the temperature of your coffee. This is a huge benefit over other models that are entry-level, which require long periods of "temperature-surfing" to get an even espresso shot.