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How to Choose the Best Espresso Machines For Home The most efficient espresso machines at home should produce a consistently great cup of coffee. This requires a precise ratio of tightly packed, finely ground coffee and water under high pressure. It also requires a powerful wand of steam that can texturize the milk without forming large bubbles. Some models come with a built-in mill, while others will require you to provide one. Our top picks feature PID controllers that are adjustable to maintain an even temperature of water and a shot timer to ensure proper extraction, and a dual boiler that lets you pull a shot and steam milk at the same time. Buying an Equipment A high-quality espresso machine is a great investment those who want to serve lattes, cappuccino as well as other beverages made of coffee to customers in the restaurant, café or wine bar, or even a salon. When choosing which espresso machine to purchase you must think about how much control and flexibility you'd like. A manual machine is the best choice for those just getting started. These machines use an instrument to create pressure during extraction and often come with an attached steam wand, which is great for making milk drinks. But be aware that these machines take lots of effort and can be difficult to master. If you want to start taking your coffee skills to the next level, a semi-automatic machine may be a good option. These machines are more hands-off yet still create a cup of espresso that is consistent and tastes great. Semi-automatic machines also come with a built in grinder and can save the user money by not having to purchase and maintain a separate grinder. Professional espresso machines are more expensive than consumer models, but they can be difficult to use and require more maintenance. These machines can cost thousands of dollars and it's crucial to understand your requirements and the amount of time you're willing spend on upkeep and maintenance prior to making a purchase. Some of these models also include a dual boiler that allows you to make both milk and espresso at the same time. Giorgio warns that these systems might not be as efficient as those that use a single heating system due to the fact that there will be some delay between when the espresso is made and the milk is frothed. If you're purchasing an equipment for your business, it's more important to think through your needs. If coffee espresso machines looking to reduce human error, consider an entirely automated or capsule machine. These machines will help you save time and ensure consistency in taste by eliminating the need to grind beans, extract coffee and steam milk. Getting Started A home espresso machine can transform the quality of your morning coffee, however it is crucial to remember that making a good cup of espresso will require a significant commitment to time and expertise. That's why you'll want to choose a machine that is easy enough for novices and will motivate you to learn more about the art of making espresso. A few of our options, such as the Rancilio Silvia offer a variety of after-market options to make your espresso maker feel authentically personal. Other espresso makers let you replace the handle for better grip and aesthetic. You can select from wood or a piece made from recycled skateboards. If you're not ready buy a full-time commercial espresso machine, there are several basic models that can make great drinks. Many of these machines are built on the same principles used by professional machines but reduced to be suitable for home use. The Breville Barista Pro X for example, has a programmable PID control on the front that lets you set water temperature to a precise level, a shot-timer that tracks your brewing progress, the wand is powerful enough to texturizing milk, and a gauge that tells you when you've reached your ideal brew pressure (between 8 and 10) If you're looking to take their barista skills to the next level There are options available with dual boilers that allow you to make espresso and steam milk at the same time. This helps ensure consistency in your results, since both processes need to be heated to the same temperature. You can also test different extraction ratios to suit a variety of drinks. If coffee machine espresso decide to purchase a machine equipped with this feature, it's recommended to purchase some extra accessories, such as a Group Head Cleaner for cleaning the brew port, as well as a Descaling Kit. You can also make use of Espresso Machine Cleaner instead of water to get rid of old coffee residues which could alter the flavor of your coffee. These accessories will help you to maintain your espresso machine properly and ensure it is always ready to make delicious drinks for yourself or your friends. Making Great Drinks Making espresso and coffee drinks is a tricky process. From weighing the grounds out to tamping them precisely all of it requires precision. The best espresso machines offer various features that make making coffee as easy and consistent as is possible. This could include a quick warming time, automated making, and a simple to control steam wand to texturize milk. Breville Bambino Plus is our top pick for newbies. The machine is extremely automated and simple to use and comes with five different settings for espresso, cappuccino or macchiato latte. The machine is also simple to clean and has an integrated milk frother, which can make rich, foamy lattes as well as cappuccinos. Our test participants were delighted with the quality of drinks produced by this machine. However it's worth noting that if you are serious about the quality of your coffee, it may be a good idea to invest in an espresso maker with a built in grinder and more customizable options. The Rancilio Silvia, for example is more expensive than the Bambino Plus but offers much more control over all aspects of making your coffee. It also includes 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 right. If you're willing to pay a little more, look for a prosumer-grade espresso machine like the Lelit MaraX. This model landed our top spot in our Best Prosumer Espresso Maker category and is essentially an upscale version of commercial espresso machines (think: Vitamix blenders). If you're a complete coffee lover, this machine is worth the investment. Morocco and Sheese both point out that an espresso machine is only good in the grinder it's paired up with. There are several grinders priced in this range that are excellent for espresso. (Morocco prefers the Fellow Opus). No matter what espresso machine you choose we suggest that you pair it with a high-quality burr grinder. Maintenance If you've put in the effort to make your espresso machine create amazing drinks and shots it's only right to do all you can to keep it running great. This means you must incorporate daily cleaning and maintenance into your routine. This is vital because even the best machines can develop blocks that are almost invisible within the internal mechanisms. Blockages can impede the circulation of steam and water. This could result in lower pressure and a lack of functionality. It is enough to spend only a few minutes a day and a little extra time once a month for a thorough cleaning. This will help prevent the build-up of coffee residues, oils, and scale, which can ruin the taste of your coffee, and damage your expensive equipment. The good thing is that cleaning your espresso machine isn't an overwhelming procedure. The Brew group is easily cleaned on most models. This includes the dispersion screen, three-way solenoid and rubber gasket. It's recommended to clean the portafilter and the basket after each use, as they can harbor rancid oils that alter the taste of your drinks. Before you begin this process, you'll want to make sure you have an espresso portafilter (and empty ones), the most compact size of brush, or Coffetool, and some espresso machine cleaner. Before you scrub the portafilter, soak it in a solution comprised of vinegar, hot water and detergent. It is important to remove the brass dispersion plates and the stubby screws from the group head. This will enable you to backflush the head of the group. Urnex Cafiza is used to flush the system. This will not only remove some calcification but also any old coffee oil that is obstructing your three-way valve, preventing water to flow through the system. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning products. Some may harm your equipment or cause mineral deposits. Make sure to use clean, filtered water to reduce the amount of calcium in your boiler tank.