Home espresso machines are great for enjoying coffee in the comfort of your home. Find out which machines are the best.
The difference between coffee and espresso
Espresso is coffee. However, not all types of coffee are espresso. Although espresso isn’t made with different coffee beans, the difference is how you prepare it.
It’s a concentrated form of coffee that’s made by forcing pressurized hot water through finely-ground coffee beans.
The beans are ground to a sand-like size, instead of sea salt.
Espresso originated from Italy and can be served hot or cold. Each serving of espresso is 1 ounce and also referred to as a “shot”.
An espresso shot is made of the three following parts:
- Heart: The bottom layer, which is the dark brown base. The heart is where the bitter taste comes from.
- Body: The middle layer, which should be a caramel brown color. The body holds the espresso’s aroma.
- Crema: A creamy, sweet, and brown foam that sits on top.
Types of machines
Home espresso machines allow you to have coffee whenever you want. Before deciding on a machine, you need to know what the different types are and how they function.
Manual machines are also known as Piston machines. It’s the original way to make espresso and requires precision and focus. To pull a shot of espresso, you pump a lever.
Semi-automatic machines give you hands-on experience and more control over the process. Instead of using a lever for water flow, it uses a button. Semi-automatic machines are great for authentic taste.
Automatic machines do most of the work for you. You’ll grind the beans, fill the portafilter, and tamp it to level the grounds.
Once you pull the shot, it’ll stop after about 25 seconds on its own. The size of the drink is automated, and some can be programmed.
Super-automatic machines do it all. From the initial grind to the finished drink. They’re the most expensive option, but also the most efficient for a quality taste.
Capsule or pod machines use a capsule or pod that’s filled with ground coffee to make drinks.
They’re the easiest to use because you insert the pod, then press a button, and the drink will be made for you.
Best home espresso machines
The following are the best machines to create great-tasting espresso:
Breville the Barista Express®
Overall, the Breville Barista Express is a great semi-automatic machine for home use. You control the grind size and amount with its dose-control grinding.
Buy the Breville Barista Express from Amazon (opens in a new tab).
De’Longhi Dedica EC 680
The De’Longhi Dedica EC 680 is an automatic machine, which takes up a small amount of counter space. It’s an affordable option and is great if you want a beginner machine.
Buy the De’Longhi Dedica EC 680 from Amazon (opens in a new tab).
Mr. Coffee Café Barista
The Mr. Coffee espresso machine is a semi-automatic that’s simple and easy to use.
Buy the Mr. Coffee Café Barista from Amazon (opens in a new tab).
Breville-Nespresso VertuoPlus
The VertuoPlus is easy to use and can brew five cup sizes at the touch of a button. During the brewing process, it forms a rich and smooth crema.
Buy the Nespresso VertuoPlus from Amazon (opens in a new tab).
Jura E8
Jura created the E8 with the coffee connoisseur in mind. Although it’s a bit pricey, it’s highly rated and produces coffee-shop level espresso. The E8 is the superior automatic coffee machine with a sophisticated design.
Buy the Jura E8 from Amazon (opens in a new tab).
How to make espresso
Take the following steps to make espresso at home:
- Turn on the espresso machine to warm it up.
- Finely grind the beans into the portafilter.
- Press down on the grounds with a tamp to level the grounds.
- Install the portafilter into the machine.
- Place a warm cup underneath and pull the shot.
- Enjoy your espresso.
Note: The volume of liquid in each shot should be 1 ounce and takes approximately 20 seconds to pour.
Conclusion
Choosing the right espresso machine based on your budget is a great decision if you drink espresso-based drinks regularly. Be sure to maintain it and enjoy your coffee for many years.
Featured photo courtesy of Unsplash.