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Espresso Machines – Which One is Right For Your Home? The top espresso machines are easy to use, easy to clean and able to produce well-balanced and rich shots. But how do you determine which one is the right fit for your home? This Breville model with its rapid-heating thermocoil design, and digital convenience is perfect for a person who doesn't want to develop barista skills, but would like to enjoy great 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 the mains supply, which is common in commercial installations or a reservoir that has to be filled manually (common with smaller and household commercial espresso machines). Pumps are typically solenoid piston types, which can produce high pressure. Certain espresso machines that are driven by pump systems have a fixed flow rate, while others allow you to adjust the pre-infusion or brewing pressure. These are the most sought-after machines, and are perfect for anyone who wants a steady, high-quality cup coffee. They are simpler to maintain and clean than other models, however they do require electrical power and a space near an outlet. There are two main types of semi-automatics and super-automatics. Semi-automatics allow you to control the amount of time the shot is pulled by using either a manual switch or a programmable feature. In addition, you can alter the grind setting or to tamp the coffee. Some semi-automatics are rotary, while others are vibrating. Rotary pumps are quieter and more reliable but require a constant stream of pressurized water. A vibrating pump, on other hand, is able to start very quietly. However, it can sound like a scream once water is added to the machine. Both types have pros and cons and you should pick one that best suits your needs. Pump-driven machines are also available in a range of sizes and prices. The most expensive ones are usually super-automatic, and come with multiple boilers to separate the water used to steam and brew. The heat exchangers of these models can be set to different temperatures, allowing for some variation in the taste of the espresso. While this extra functionality makes them a great option for the busy barista at home however, it will increase their price. The middle of the road is a semi-automatic which can be affordable but doesn't offer the same consistency and flexibility as other alternatives. Steam-driven A steam-driven machine uses simple mechanisms to create an intense espresso. Inside an airtight tank hot water is steamed to create pressure that is transferred to the coffee grounds to make espresso. This is similar to what happens in a stovetop moka pot and these machines are used today for their affordability and small size. These machines aren't able to reach the 9 bars of pressure needed for a truly espresso. This makes them ideal for those just getting started with homebrewing or don't have a problem about making the perfect cup of espresso. The balancer balancer compensation from 1878 created by German engineer H. Eicke is a very early steam-driven machine. The steam generated by this device is pushed through a filter of ground beans, which is then depressurized by the heat from an open flame spirit burner. This method produces a strong shot, but it doesn't provide the quality of consistency that a lot of espresso enthusiasts prefer. Luigi Bezzera patented improvements in 1901 that led to the next breakthrough. His invention was able lower the temperature of the boiler, which allows for more consistent temperature and pressure control. Bezzera also included a piston device to help make the machine semi-automatic. The only problem was that it took the barista to grind, measure and tamp the beans manually. This led to the creation of a pump driven espresso machine. Contrary to older steam-driven machines, which were heated with an open flame, the new kind of machine has an electric pump capable of generating the pressure levels needed for brewing espresso. These machines can accept water from a cold line, which is typical in commercial installations. Coffeee can also use a separate water tank that has to be filled manually. They also have two temperature settings that are controlled via a push button. One button activates the brew thermostat, and another switch is for the steam thermostat. This kind of machine is more accurate than older steam-driven models and can produce consistent shots for less than the cost of more expensive models. Semi-automatic If you're looking for an easy method to make espresso without a lot of hassle the semi-automatic machine is the answer. It eliminates the need for barista-level education by automatizing the grinding, extraction, and tamping processes to ensure consistent results. But it doesn't do everything for you: You still must grind the beans and then tamp them in the portafilter prior to the water is forced through them. Many amateur and professional coffee-lovers prefer semi-automatic machines because they enjoy the feeling of being more involved in the process of brewing. They are also less costly than their fully-automatic equivalents and are generally more reliable. These types of espresso machines are commonly located in non-specialty coffee shops and at home of casual coffee lovers who are willing to pay more for convenience. Dual boilers allow steam and brewing to remain separate. One is used for heating, while the other is used to prepare your favorite beverage. Some models include an integrated grinder which can save the user much time. However the built-in grinder usually has a limited number of settings that can be quite frustrating for those who are more inclined to play around with the process of making espresso to make their own personal favorites. A better solution is to pair a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to get complete control over the grind size and the amount. If you're considering a semi-automatic espresso machine ensure that you select one with a top-quality electric pump that is low-noise and has precise temperature control via a PID controller. The PID is typically found in top-quality toasters and immersion circulators. It helps stabilize the brewing system by monitoring the temperature fluctuations throughout the heating process. In addition, a good semi-automatic machine needs to have a powerful enough steam wand to produce microfoam and be able to switch between brewing and steaming modes easily (if it doesn't have two boilers). A semi-automatic machine that has all of these features could be an excellent choice for those who don't wish to learn how to make high-quality cafe drinks, but nonetheless want to play. Manual Manual espresso machines are operated by levers that push pressurized coffee grounds through a bed. This results in highly concentrated shots. They are typically less expensive than semi-automatic and fully automated counterparts, which makes them popular among discerning coffee lovers. Manual espresso machines require greater attention and skill from the operator to maximize their potential. Selecting the right grinder, making sure that the brew ratio is correct, and understanding how to properly dose and tamp your grounds are just some of the things you'll need know before making use of a manual machine. Although some may find the learning curve involved operating a machine manual frustrating, for those with the right skills, it can be worth the effort. Adrian Lini, CHOICE's expert barista, believes that if one has patience and the right equipment manual machines can make the best espresso. In recent times, the hand-operated espresso machine has changed in its appearance and function. It now has more sophisticated features, including digital pressure gauges that allow users to monitor pressure during extraction. Charles, who works at Flair Espresso, explains that these machines can also be used with Bluetooth devices to digitally plot graphs of flow rate, helping users understand how changing different variables during extraction can affect the final outcome. There are two major kinds of manual espresso machines including spring piston and direct. Direct levers are equipped with springs in their group heads to help increase the pressure when the brewing process. While they are more expensive but they are also easier to use than spring-assisted machines. Springs piston machines have only the steam valve within their group head. They are simpler to use but do not offer as much control over the making process. The best machine for you will depend on your budget and personal taste. Whatever you decide to go with, an espresso machine that is manual will need a few essential accessories, such as kettles, a coffee grinder and a portafilter equipped with a removable metal dispersion screen.