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How to Choose the Best Espresso Machines For Home The top espresso machines in your home should provide a consistently excellent cup of coffee. This requires a precise ratio of finely ground coffee that is tightly packed to water at high pressure. It also requires an efficient wand of steam that can help texturize milk without forming large bubbles. Some models have a built-in grinder, while others require a grinder that you bring. Our top picks come with adjustable PID controllers to maintain a constant water temperature, as well as a shot timer that ensures proper extraction. They also come with a dual boiler so you can steam milk and pull shots at the same time. Buying a Machine A high-quality espresso machine is a good purchase for those who drink coffee at home, or who want to serve cappuccino and lattes to customers in restaurants, cafes, wine bar, or salon. However, it's important to consider the amount of control you'd like over your espresso when deciding what type of machine to purchase. A manual machine may be the best choice for those who are just getting started. They use the lever to create pressure during extraction. They often have a steam wand attached that's ideal for making milk beverages. But keep in mind, these machines take lots of effort and can be difficult to master. A semi-automatic machine is a good option if you're looking for a way to take your coffee skills to the next level. These machines offer a more hands-off experience but can still deliver the consistency and taste of a professionally made cup of espresso. Semi-automatic machines also come with an integrated grinder, saving the user money by not having to purchase and maintain a separate grinder. Espresso machines that are professional grade or prosumer provide a higher level of quality than consumer models however, they are complicated to use and require more frequent maintenance. They can cost thousands of dollars and it's essential to consider your needs and how much time you're willing spend on upkeep and maintenance prior to making a purchase. espresso coffee machines of these models may have dual boilers which allows you to make both espresso and milk simultaneously. However, Giorgio warns that these systems aren't necessarily more efficient than those that have one heating system since there will be a delay between when the espresso is made and when the milk is frozen. It is important to think about your requirements when buying an equipment. Think about a capsule or a fully automated machine if you're looking to reduce human errors. These models can cut down on time spent preparing espresso, and ensure an even taste by removing the need to grind beans, extract espresso and steam milk. Getting Started A home espresso maker can enhance the taste of your morning cup of coffee. However, it's important to remember that the perfect cup of espresso requires a lot of skill and time. You'll want a machine which is simple to use for beginners and will inspire you to keep learning. Some of our choices like the Rancilio Silvia, offer a range of after-market options that will make your espresso machine feel more personal. Similar to other espresso makers, some allow you to replace the handle with a brand new material for an improved grip and aesthetic like wood or one made of recycled skateboards (you'll have to wait until the pre-order is ready). If you're not ready to commit to a full-fledged commercial espresso machine, there are several basic models that can make great drinks. Many of them are built with the same principles as professional machines, but scaled down to accommodate an average kitchen. The Breville Barista Pro X for instance, comes with a variable PID control front and center that lets you set temperatures to a precise level, a shot-timer that tracks the progress of your brewing and the wand is powerful enough to texturing milk and a gauge that informs that you've reached the ideal brew pressur (between 8 and 10) Dual boilers are readily available for those who wish to take their barista abilities to the next level. They let you prepare milk and espresso simultaneously. This feature helps ensure consistency since the two functions have to be heated to the same temperature. It also allows you to experiment with different extraction ratios for a broad variety of drinks. If you decide to purchase an espresso maker that has this feature, we recommend getting a few extra accessories like a Group Head Cleaning Brush to scrub inside the port for brewing and a Descaling Kit, and Espresso Machine Cleaner, which can be used instead of water to eliminate build-up of coffee residues that could affect the flavor of your coffee. These tools will help you maintain your espresso maker properly and ensure that it is always ready to make delicious drinks for you and your family. Making Great Drinks Making espresso and coffee drinks can be a tricky process. You need to be precise throughout the entire process, from weighing out the grounds to making sure it is tamping just right. The top espresso machines come with various features that make making coffee as easy and as consistent as possible. This includes a quick heat up time, automatic coffee making and a steam wand that is easy to control for texturing the milk. If you're just beginning to get into the world of espresso we suggest one of our choices for newbies that is the Breville Bambino Plus. This super-automatic machine utilizes whole beans and has five drink presets that make it simple to brew shots of espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, or black coffee. The machine is simple to clean, and it includes a milk frother that makes rich, foamy cappuccinos and lattes. Our testers were pleased with the quality of drinks produced by this machine. However, it's worth noting that if you're serious about your coffee, it could be a good idea to purchase an espresso maker with an integrated grinder and more options for customization. The Rancilio Silvia costs more than the Bambino Plus, but it gives you more control over the making process. It also has two boilers, which allows you to steam milk and pull an espresso shot at the same time. This will allow you to make your drink exactly as you want it. If you're willing some more, you can opt for a prosumer-grade espresso maker like the Lelit MaraX. This model was voted the most efficient in our Best Prosumer espresso maker category. It's a smaller version of commercial espresso makers (think Vitamix blenders). If you're a total coffee nerd then this machine is well worth the price. Morocco and Sheese both stress that an espresso machine is only good when it's coupled with. There are several grinders priced in this range and are great for espresso. (Morocco prefers the Fellow Opus). We suggest that you pair your espresso machine with a high-quality burr grinder, no matter what type of machine you choose. Maintenance It's only fair that you do your best to keep up with the espresso machine after having spent a lot of time and effort to get it to produce excellent shots and drinks. This means you must incorporate daily cleaning and maintenance into your daily routine. It's crucial to keep this in mind because even the best machines can create virtually invisible obstructions within internal mechanisms that hinder water and steam flow. This can lead to lower pressure and a lack of performance. A few minutes each day, paired with a few minutes set aside for thorough cleaning every month is enough to stop the accumulation of coffee residue, oils and scale that can ruin the taste of your coffee and ultimately cause damage to your expensive equipment. The good news is that cleaning an espresso machine isn't a complicated procedure. For most models, the brew group is easily accessible for cleaning. This includes the dispersion screen, three-way solenoid and rubber gasket. It is also recommended to clean the portafilter after every use, since they may contain rancid oils that can alter the taste of your shots. You'll require a portafilter, a Coffetool or the smallest size brush and an espresso machine cleaner before you begin. Soak the portafilter and baskets in a solution comprising hot water along with detergent and a little vinegar before scrubbing them thoroughly. It is important to remove the brass dispersion plates and the stubby screws from the group head. This will allow you backflush your group head. Urnex Cafiza is used to flush the system. This will not just remove some calcification but also any coffee oil that is obstructing your three-way valve, preventing water to flow through the system. Follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning products. Some may damage your equipment or cause mineral deposits. Use filtered, clean water to reduce the amount of calcium in your boiler tank.