What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine
The espresso machine is one of the most complicated coffee machines in the world. It is composed of three main components. The bottom contains the water and the middle the filter-basket.
This machine was a huge success and helped popularize the prosumer (home barista) espresso market. Its features include a low pressure pre-infusion with an 2.2L boiler and the brewing pressure of 9 bars.
Pressure
If you are an avid coffee drinker, then you'll be aware that the pressure of your espresso machine is a major factor in the quality of your drink. The pressure of your machine is crucial to brewing great coffee, whether you're looking for a thick layer or the perfect balance of flavor and acidity.
BARs (Barometric pressure) is the force your espresso machine exerts upon the grounds of coffee while pumping high-pressure water. 9 BARs means that the espresso machine is pushing heated water through the ground coffee at a the rate of nine times the current atmospheric pressure.
The pressure of the espresso machine is crucial because it allows the water to move through the grounds of coffee at the proper speed and in the right amount. If the pressure is too low the oils and flavors will not be extracted properly. On the other however, if the pressure is too high the water will be pushed through the coffee grounds too quickly, and you'll end up with a weak, diluted cup of espresso.
The pressure of your espresso machine can be controlled by adjusting the screw located on the espresso pump. Commercial machines and top-end home machines come with rotary pumps with adjustable pressure. But for the more affordable home appliances that utilize the pump that vibrates, adjusting the pressure is difficult without using DIY hacks. However, companies like Cafflano are developing technology that makes use of Pascal's Principle to maintain pressure inside the portafilter during the beer making process.
Temperature
The temperature is one of the most critical factors for the perfect espresso shot. If the water is too hot, it could scorch the coffee grounds and produce an over-extracted bitter brew. The ideal extraction temperature is about 200 degrees Fahrenheit which allows the water to extract all the coffee's desirable flavors without scorching the grounds or over-extracting.
The top espresso machines include a thermoblock which heats the water and keeps it at a steady temperature throughout the whole extraction process. The Breville Barista Express, for example, has PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) system that constantly monitors the temperature of water and adjusts it as needed, ensuring that the brewhead remains at a perfect temperature for extraction.
The majority of coffee drinkers know that the temperature of the espresso machine is vital to brewing a great cup of coffee. The ideal temperature for espresso is between Fahrenheit between 190 and 196 degrees. To achieve this, you require an espresso machine with a top thermoblock, thermocoil, and a boiler that is appropriately sized.
In addition, it's crucial to warm your machine, portafilter, and the cup prior to making an espresso. Beginner espresso makers often make the mistake of not preheating their machine. It is recommended to read your espresso machine's manual prior to attempting to use it for the first time.
Grind
A barista machine must give you a variety of grind settings, so that you have the maximum control over your final cup of espresso. Some machines have an analog pressure gauge, which is cool and can help you gain knowledge about your brewing skills. Ideally, you should get around nine bars of pressure and keep this throughout the entire brewing process. While this machine does not hit that target, it is quite close and will serve you well.
Another wonderful feature of this machine is its built-in burr grinder. This is a great feature for newbies to espresso as it will not require you to pay for a separate burr grinder. The stainless steel conical grinder features 18 settings, ranging from "coarse to fine."
This grinder isn't the same as a standalone, but it's a solid start and will get you on your way to making quality espresso shots. It's easy to clean and you can put the grinder on hold during the process of grinding to avoid creating a mountainous amount of grounds on your portafilter as it's being crushed.
It's a beautiful and functional machine that lets you to experience the thrill of being a barista home. This is an excellent option for those who wish to remember the thrill of pouring microfoam into their morning coffee by locking the portafilter to the head of the grouphead and tamping with accuracy. For those who simply want convenience, a bean to cup machine could be a better fit.
Water
Water can be a tricky thing to master. It's important to find the proper balance. Too much caffeine can cause mineral deposits to form in your machine. But too little will result in an espresso that is weaker.
The ideal espresso water has low alkalinity and hardness level. This can be achieved with an water filter system that eliminates chlorine and brings back a small amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) to add calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will give you the right balance between hardness and acidity, and prevent the need to decalcify.
It is crucial to use filtered water of high-quality for the health and flavor of your machine. Based on the usage and the hardness of your machine, you should use descaling products on a regular schedule. They are available in tab, liquid, or powder form at a majority of hardware stores.
The Breville Barista Express, a luxury high-end home espresso machine is designed to bring the café experience into your home. It has more advanced features over other basic machines that are geared towards coffee lovers who wish to refine their techniques and improve their craft. The thermocoil heating system with an integrated PID controller located on the group head which is actively heated allows you to regulate your brewing temperatures. This is an advantage over other entry-level models that require long periods of "temperature-surfing" to get a consistent espresso shot.