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How to Choose the Best Espresso Machines For Home The best espresso machines at home must provide a consistent cup of coffee. machine espresso requires a precise ratio of tightly packed, finely ground coffee and water that is pressured to high. It also requires an efficient wand of steam which can saturate the milk without forming large bubbles. Some models come with an integrated mill, whereas others require you to supply one. Our top picks come with PID controllers that are adjustable to maintain a stable water temperature, a shot timer to ensure proper extraction and a dual boiler that allows you to pull the shot and steam milk at the same time. Buying a Machine A good espresso machine is a great investment those who plan to serve cappuccino, lattes, and other drinks made from coffee at a café, restaurant or wine bar, or even a salon. When choosing which espresso machine to buy you must consider how much control and flexibility you'd like. A manual machine may be the best option for those who are just starting out. These machines utilize an instrument to create pressure during extraction. They often have an attached steam wand that's perfect for making milk beverages. These machines are difficult to operate and require an enormous amount of effort. A semi-automatic machine can be a great option if you're looking to elevate your coffee knowledge to the highest level. They provide a more hands-off experience but still provide the same consistency and taste as an expertly prepared cup of espresso. Semi-automatic machines also usually have grinders built-in, which can save you money by not having to purchase and maintain the grinder on your own. Espresso machines that are professionally made or prosumer grade offer a higher level of quality than the consumer models, but they can be difficult to use and require more upkeep. They can be expensive and you must consider your requirements as well as how much time and effort you are willing to spend on maintenance and upkeep. Some models include a dual boiler that allows you to make milk and espresso simultaneously. But Giorgio warns that these systems aren't always more efficient than those with one heating system because there is a delay between when the espresso is made and when the milk is frothed. It is important to think about your requirements when purchasing an equipment. If you're looking to eliminate human error, think about the possibility of a fully automated or capsule machine. These models can save you time and maintain consistency in taste by eliminating the need for you grind beans, extract coffee and then steam milk. Getting Started A home espresso machine can dramatically improve the quality of your morning cup of coffee, but it is important to remember that a great cup of espresso will require a significant commitment of time and skill. This is why you should pick a machine that's simple enough for novices and that will encourage you to study the art of making espresso. Some of our choices like the Rancilio Silvia, offer a range of after-market customizations that will make your espresso maker feel more personal. Other espresso makers allow you to replace the handle for a more secure grip and an aesthetic. You can choose from wood or a piece made from recycled skateboards. If you're not ready to invest in a commercial espresso machine, there are several models that are affordable and can make great drinks. Many of them are built with the same principles of professional machines, but scaled down to accommodate the kitchen of a home. The Breville Barista Pro X for example, has an adjustable PID control in the front and center that allows you to set water temperature to a specific level and a shot-timer that monitors the progress of your brewing, a powerful wand capable of texturing milk and a gauge that informs you when you've reached the ideal brew pressure (between 8 and 10) Dual boilers are available for those who want to take their barista skills to the next level. They allow you to make espresso and milk simultaneously. This is a feature that can help ensure consistent results since both processes must be heated to the same temperature. You can also experiment with different extraction ratios to suit a variety of drinks. If you choose to purchase a machine that has this feature, it is recommended to purchase additional accessories, like a Group Head Cleaner to clean the brew port and a Descaling Kit. You can also use Espresso Machine Cleaner instead of water to eliminate old coffee residues which could alter the flavor of your coffee. These tools will help you maintain your espresso maker properly and ensure that it's always ready to make delicious drinks for you and your guests. Making Great Drinks Making espresso and coffee drinks can be a challenging process. From weighing the grounds out to tamping them just right, the whole process requires precision. The top espresso machines come with many features that make making coffee as easy and constant as it can be. This includes a quick heating time, automatic coffee making, and steam wands that are easy to control to texturize the milk. If you're just starting to learn about the world of espresso, we recommend one of our picks for newbies such as the Breville Bambino Plus. This super-automatic machine is easy to use and comes with five different settings for cappuccino, espresso or macchiato latte. The machine is also simple to clean and has an integrated milk frother, which can make foamy, rich lattes and cappuccinos. Our test subjects were satisfied with the quality of the drinks produced by this machine. However it's important to note that if you are serious about your coffee, it could be a good idea to invest in an espresso maker that comes with an integrated grinder and more options for customization. The Rancilio Silvia costs more than the Bambino Plus, but it offers more control over the coffee making process. It also has dual boilers that allow you to make espresso shots and steam milk at the same time, which can assist you in getting the perfect drink. If you're willing spend more, consider a high-end espresso machine such as the Lelit MaraX. This model was voted as 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 this machine is definitely worth the investment. Morocco and Sheese both stress that an espresso machine is only good when it's coupled up with. There are a few grinders that are priced in this range that are excellent for espresso. (Morocco prefers the Fellow Opus). We recommend pairing your espresso machine with a high-quality burr grinder, regardless of the type of machine you choose. Maintenance It's only fair to do your best to keep up with the espresso machine after you've spent a lot of time and effort to get it to create excellent drinks and shots. This means you must incorporate regular cleaning and maintenance into your daily routine. This is vital because even the best machines can be prone to blocks that are almost invisible within the internal mechanisms. Blockages can impede the movement of steam and water. This can lead to lower pressure and an absence of performance. It's enough to take a few minutes each day, and an extra time every month to conduct a thorough cleaning. This will help prevent the buildup of coffee residues, oils and scale, which can affect the flavor of your espresso and cause damage to your expensive equipment. Cleaning your espresso machine isn't an overwhelming task. The beer group is easily cleaned with the majority of models. This includes the rubber gasket three-way solenoid, and dispersion screen. It's also a good idea to clean the portafilter and the basket after each use as they may contain rancid oils that affect the taste of your shots. Before you start this process, it's best to make sure you have a portafilter (and blank ones) and the most compact size of brush, or Coffetool as well as some espresso machine cleaner. Before you scrub the portafilter, soak it in a solution made of vinegar, hot water and detergent. You'll also want to remove the brass dispersion plate and stubby screw from the group head. This will enable you to backflush your group head. This requires the small amount of Urnex Cafiza tablets, which basically eliminate the system by releasing a dissolving solution. This will not only clear out a bit of calcification, but also aid in the removal of any old coffee oils that may block the three-way valve and preventing water from flowing smoothly through the system. Follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning products. Certain products can cause damage to your equipment or create mineral deposits. Use filtered, clean water to reduce the amount of calcium in your boiler tank.