What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine
The espresso machine is one of the most complicated coffee machines in the world. It is comprised of three main components. The bottom is where the water goes and the middle contains the filter-basket.
This machine was a big hit and helped popularize the home barista espresso. Features include a 2.2L steam boiler, low pressure pre-infusion & 9 bar brewing pressure.
Pressure
If you're a coffee lover, you will know that the pressure of your espresso machine is a key element in the quality of your beverages. The pressure of your machine is essential for making great coffee, whether you're looking for a dense layer or a perfect balance of flavor and acidity.
BARs (Barometric pressure) is the force your espresso machine exerts on coffee grounds while delivering high-pressure water. Your espresso machine is pushing hot water through the grounds of your coffee at nine times the current atmospheric pressure.
The pressure of your machine is vital because it allows the water to move through coffee grounds at the proper speed and intensity. If the pressure is too low, the oils and flavors will not be extracted correctly. On the other hand, if the pressure is too high the water will be pushed through the coffee grounds too quickly and you'll end with a weak, diluted cup of espresso.
You can regulate the pressure of your espresso maker by changing the screw that is attached to the espresso pump. Commercial machines and some of the top-end home machines use rotating pumps that can be adjusted. For the cheaper home machines that use an oscillating pump, changing the pressure is not possible without engaging in DIY hacks. Companies like Cafflano, however, are developing technology which uses Pascal's Principle to ensure the pressure within the portafilter all through the making process.
Temperature
Temperature is one of the most important factors in the making of a good espresso shot. Too hot water can burn the grounds of the coffee, leading to bitter brew. The ideal extraction temperature is 200 degrees Fahrenheit which allows the water to extract all the coffee's desirable flavors without burning the grounds or over-extracting.
The best espresso machines feature a thermoblock, or thermocoil that warms the water and keeps it at a steady temperature throughout the whole extraction cycle. The Breville Barista Express, for example, has PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) system which constantly checks the temperature of the water and adjusts according to the need making sure that the brewhead remains at the ideal temperature for extraction.
espresso coffee makers know that the temperature of your espresso maker is an important factor in the production of a good cup of coffee. The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is between 190 to 196 degrees Fahrenheit. To achieve this, you require a machine with a good thermoblock, thermocoil, and a boiler that is sized correctly.
In addition, it is essential to heat your machine, portafilter, and cup prior to taking the shot. Failure to preheat is one of the most common mistakes that can be made by novice espresso makers. This is the reason why you should always review the instruction manual before making espresso for the first time.
Grind
A barista espresso machine must provide a variety grind settings for you to have the most control over your final cup of coffee. Some machines come with an analog gauge which looks cool and aids you improve your brewing abilities. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to reach around nine bars of pressure and maintain that throughout the brew cycle. This machine is near getting to that point.
Another nice touch on this machine is its built-in burr grinder. This feature is great for beginners since it eliminates having to buy a separate grinder. The grinder is a conical stainless steel unit with 18 settings from "coarse" to "fine."
The grinder isn't as effective as a standalone but it will get you started on the right track to making excellent espresso shots. It's easy to clean, and you can stop it while grinding this will help you avoid the creation of a mountain of ground that will fall over your portafilter while on its way to grinding.
This gorgeous and useful machine will allow you to be a barista at your own home. This is a great option for anyone who would like to relive the thrill of pouring microfoam in their morning cup of coffee and locking the portafilter into the grouphead's head and tamping it with precision. A bean-to-cup machine is a great option for those looking for a simple and convenient solution.
Water
Water is a tricky thing to master. The trick is to find the right balance. If you're using too much, it could cause mineral deposits to form in the machine, but too small and you'll struggle to make a full cup of espresso.
The ideal water for espresso is low in hardness and high in alkalinity. This can be achieved with a water filter system which does away with chlorine and then adds an amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) to add some calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will provide an optimal balance between hardness and acidity and avoid the necessity of decalcifying.
Using high-quality filtered water is vital to your machine's overall health and the taste of the coffee it makes. Depending on the use and hardness of your machine you should use a descaling product regularly. These products are available as tab, liquid or powder in a variety of hardware stores.
The Breville Barista Express, a top-of-the-line home espresso machine designed to bring the café experience to your home. It has more advanced features in comparison to other machines for beginners and is targeted at those who are looking to refine their technique and master the art of coffee. The thermocoil heating technology with a built-in PID controller centered on the active heated group head makes it easy to regulate your brewing temperature. This is an advantage over other models at the entry level which will require you to spend much time "temperature-surfing" to ensure an even espresso shot.