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How to Choose the Best Espresso Machines For Home The top espresso machines at home will make a consistently good cup of coffee. This requires a precise ratio of tightly packed, finely ground coffee and water at high pressure. It also requires an efficient steam wand that can texture milk without large bubbles. Some models have an integrated grinder, while others require one that you provide. Our top picks feature adjustable PID controllers to maintain an even temperature for the water as well as an automatic shot timer to ensure an efficient extraction. They also come with two boilers so that you can steam milk while taking shots at the same time. Buying a Machine A high-quality espresso machine is a great investment those who want to serve cappuccino, lattes, and other coffee drinks to customers at restaurants, cafes, wine bar or salon. However, it's important to determine the amount of control you'd like over your espresso when deciding what kind of machine you want to buy. If you're just beginning your journey using a manual espresso machine, a manual one could be the best option for you. They use the lever to create pressure during extraction. They usually have steam wands that are perfect for making milk beverages. These machines are hard to operate and require lots of effort. A semi-automatic machine can be a great option if you're looking for a way to take your coffee-making skills to the top of the line. These machines are more hands-off however they still make a cup of espresso that is consistent and tastes great. Semi-automatic machines also include grinder built-in and can save you money by not having to purchase and maintain a separate grinder. Espresso machines that are professionally made or prosumer grade provide a higher level of quality than the consumer models, but they can be difficult to use and require more upkeep. They can cost thousands of dollars and it's essential to consider your requirements and the amount of time you're willing to invest on maintenance and upkeep prior to making a purchase. Some of these models could also feature a dual boiler which allows you to make milk and espresso simultaneously. Giorgio warns that these systems may not be as efficient as those using a single heating system due to the fact that there will be some delay between the time the espresso is made and when the milk is frothed. It is important to think about your requirements when buying the machine. If you're looking to reduce human error, think about the possibility of a fully automated or capsule machine. These models can reduce your time spent preparing espresso and allow you to maintain an even taste by removing the need to grind beans, extract espresso, and steam milk. Getting Started A home espresso machine can dramatically improve the quality of your morning cup of coffee, but it's important to remember that a great cup of espresso will require a significant commitment of time and skills. You'll want a machine which is easy to use even for novices, and will encourage you to continue learning. A few of our top picks such as the Rancilio Silvia, offer a range of after-market customizations that will make your espresso maker feel like a piece of art. Other espresso makers allow you to replace the handle for more secure grip and an aesthetic. You can choose from wood or a piece made from recycled skateboards. There are many basic espresso machines that produce excellent drinks if you're not yet ready to purchase an entire professional machine. Many of these machines are based on the same principles used by professional machines, but reduced to make them suitable for home use. The Breville Barista Pro X for example, has a programmable PID control in the front and center that allows you to set water temperature to a precise level as well as a shot-timer to track your brewing progress as well as an incredibly powerful wand that is capable of texturing milk and a gauge that informs that you've reached the ideal brew pressur (between 8 and 10) If you're looking to improve their barista skills the next level There are options available with dual boilers that allow you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This helps ensure consistency in your results, since both processes must be heated to the exact same temperature. You can also play around with different extraction ratios to suit a variety of drinks. If you decide to purchase a machine with this feature, it's recommended that you invest in additional accessories, like a Group Head Cleaner for cleaning the brew port and a Descaling Kit. You can also use Espresso Machine Cleaner instead of water to get rid of old coffee residues that may alter the flavor of your coffee. These items will help keep your espresso maker in good working order and will ensure that it's always ready to produce great drinks for you and your family. Making Great Drinks Making espresso and coffee drinks is a tricky process. It is essential to be precise throughout the entire process, from weighing the grounds to making sure it is tamping just right. The top espresso machines come with many features that make making coffee as easy and as consistent as is possible. This could include a quick heat up time, automatic brewing, and an easy-to-control steam wand to texturize milk. Breville Bambino Plus is our top choice for those who are just starting out. The machine is extremely automated and simple to use and comes with five presets for cappuccino, espresso, or latte macchiato. The machine is easy to clean and has a built in milk frother that can make rich, foamy cappuccinos as well as lattes. Our testers were awestruck by the quality of the drinks made by this machine, but it's worth pointing out that if you're serious about your coffee an alternative could be to invest in an espresso maker that is barista-grade with a built-in grinder and more adjustable settings. The Rancilio Silvia costs more than the Bambino Plus, but it offers more control over the coffee making process. It also comes with a dual boiler that allows you to make espresso shots and steam milk simultaneously which can aid in getting your drink to the right temperature. If you're willing to pay a little more, look for a prosumer-grade espresso maker like the Lelit MaraX. This model was voted as the top in our Best Prosumer espresso maker category. It's a smaller version of commercial espresso makers (think Vitamix blenders). This machine is worth the money if you're an absolute coffee nerd. Morocco and Sheese both emphasize that an espresso machine is only good as the grinder it's paired with. There are a few grinders that are within this price range that are excellent for espresso. ( espresso and filter coffee machine coffeee.uk prefers the Fellow Opus). We recommend that you pair your espresso machine with a good burr grinder, no matter which model you pick. Maintenance When you've put in the effort to get your espresso machine to make amazing drinks and shots, it's only fair that you do everything you can to ensure it continues to run well. This means you must incorporate daily cleaning and maintenance into your routine. It is essential to do this since even the most efficient machines can create virtually invisible obstructions within internal mechanisms that hinder steam and water flow. This can result in a lower pressure or lack of performance. A few minutes every day, paired with a bit of time to clean the machine thoroughly every month will suffice to prevent the accumulation of coffee residue, oils, and scale that can taint the flavor of your espresso and ultimately damage your expensive equipment. Cleaning your espresso machine is not an overwhelming task. The brew group can be cleaned easily with the majority of models. This includes the dispersion screen, three-way solenoid and a rubber gasket. It is also recommended to clean the portafilter after every use, since they can contain rancid oils that can alter the taste of your drinks. You'll need a portafilter a Coffetool or the smallest size brush, and espresso machine cleaner before you begin. Before you scrub the portafilter make sure to soak it in a solution of vinegar, hot water, and detergent. You'll also need to remove the brass dispersion plate and stubby screw from the group head. This will enable you to backflush your group head. 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 may be obstructing the three-way valve, thereby preventing water from flowing through the system. Make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer regarding cleaning products as some can damage or cause mineral deposits to your equipment. Make sure you're using clean, purified water to minimize the amount of calcium and other mineral deposits inside your boiler tank.