Ten Espresso Coffee Makers That Really Help You Live Better

An Espresso Coffee Maker Brings a Cafe-Like Experience to Your Home

An espresso coffee maker can bring a cafe-like experience into your home. These machines use high pressure and temperatures to produce espresso. This drink is full of flavor and can be used to make drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.

Choose an espresso maker with the features you want. Some models have a built-in milk frother, grinder and other accessories to increase the amount of drinks you are able to make.

Choosing the Best Machine

In a cafe setting the type of espresso machine you choose can make all the difference in making memorable drinks that keep your customers returning. It isn't easy to choose the right machine for your requirements with the many models available. When making your choice be sure to consider aspects like ease-of-use and maintenance needs as well as any health regulations that could be applicable to your particular area.

The type of machine you choose can also have a significant effect on the final taste of your coffee. Different types of coffee machines extract the espresso flavor in different ways, which could affect the acidity, sweetness and body of the drink. There are also variations in how easy the machine is to use and clean, especially in the area of purging and descaling.

You should also consider how much time you'll need to devote each day to cleaning your electric espresso maker machine. Hard water tends to accumulate mineral deposits faster than soft or filtered, that can impact the frequency you wash the espresso machine.

Finally, it is essential to think about any special features that the espresso coffee maker might come with. Some models feature programmable features for brewing or other electronic features that can save time and effort. Others might be made to work with specific milk products or even come with grinders and steam wands.

Espresso: How to Start

A quality espresso machine will give you cafe-quality coffee right at home. Unlike pour-over or automatic drip coffee, espresso makes use of high pressure to push steam through the grounds. This can add another dimension to the brew and give out flavors or aromas that other methods are unable to. But, espresso can be more complicated to prepare at home than other brewing methods.

While the most important step to make a successful shot is selecting the right beans, you'll also want be aware of the size of the grind and the timing of your extraction. The ideal grind is more fine than granulated sugar and you'll want to make sure you have an extraction time of about 25 seconds. If you notice that your shot isn't coming out as fast, you'll need to adjust the grind.

The color of the crema which is the dense layer of golden foam that develops over a well-pulled shot espresso, is a good indicator of the quality. A thin crema may indicate that your coffee is old or you're not making enough pressure while brewing. A dark or smoky crema could be an indication that your coffee is over-roasted or burned and will affect the flavor. If you notice "channels" in the grounds, it is a sign that your grinder isn't tamping equally. This can be corrected by using a higher quality grinder, or by applying more the force of tamping.

Make Your Favorite Drinks

Espresso lovers will love the convenience of having an espresso maker at home. It lets them make a variety specialty drinks quickly and easily. Espresso coffee makers use high-pressure to push hot water through a bed of finely crushed roasting beans, making a stronger and thicker drink than regular drip coffee.

A good quality espresso machine allows you to fine-tune volume of water, grind texture and dosage for an optimal extraction every time. Choose a machine that has an intuitive display that is easy to read and provides you with clear instructions for achieving your ideal espresso. A portafilter with adjustable settings to accommodate different sized espresso glasses is also a great feature.

Once you've achieved the art of pulling off a perfect shot, you'll be able to experiment with other drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos and even indulgent deserts like affogato or gelato. You can still make these drinks without a coffee maker with a good coffee grinder and the jar of instant or cold coffee.

Most espresso drinks are based on one or more espresso shots, therefore the right espresso is vital to get the desired drink. A high end espresso machine-quality espresso machine will make shots that are sweet, rich and smooth. Remember, however that the best espresso requires only 9 bars of pressure. Companies that claim their machines can create a perfect espresso using 10 bars of pressure are lying. The additional 3, 6, or 10 bars will increase the chances of a mediocre outcome.

Make sure to keep Your Machine Clean

To make the best espresso machine under 500 tasting coffee, you'll need an espresso machine that is clean. A machine that is dirty can cause bitter taste, cause clogging of drips and filters and require more frequent cleaning and descaling. The good news is that the process is not too difficult and will make your machine last longer. Following the manufacturer's guidelines is crucial to get the most value for your investment.

Cleaning the water screen and filter basket with warm, clear tap water is all you need to clean an espresso machine. Certain parts of the machine, like the portafilter and group head, may need to cleaned more often, based on the frequency you use it.

At least once a week it is recommended to scrub the group head and water screen with a brush and soapy hot water to clean any coffee residue. It is also advisable to backflush your espresso machine every three to four weeks by filling the tank with white vinegar and cold water after which it is allowed to sit for two hours, and then running hot water through the system to flush out any remaining residue and vinegar.

To clean the espresso machine, thoroughly disassemble it and wash all the parts that are removable using hot soapy water. Clean the drip tray every day, since it will build up coffee grounds and spilled water that could clog your drains and attract pests. Make sure you keep a designated damp rag that you use only for wiping the steam wand, to avoid cross-contamination.