How to choose an espresso machine for home
Jan 24, 2023
About if you want to learn more About about coffee, you're probably considering getting an espresso machine for home use. But it can be confusing as there are so many options and they vary greatly in price. Here you will find all the information you need to make an informed decision About to buy an espresso machine for home use, including our tips on the best models available.
What characterizes a quality espresso machine for home use?
Here are the most important features to consider when buying an espresso machine for home use, given the wide range of functions available.
The size of the portafilter
The size of the portafilter is an important factor to consider. The standard size of 58 mm makes it much easier to acquire accessories such as distribution tools and tamper as well as to upgrade the portafilter with a bottomless or even one that has a wooden handle and its basket.
Espresso machines with dual boilers
You don't have to wait for the espresso machine to catch up when you brew espresso and steam milk at the same time About if you choose an espresso machine with dual boilers. Machines with a single boiler use the steam wand and group head from the same boiler, so About if you steam milk, you have to wait until the machine has regained pressure before brewing espresso. However, in a machine with dual boiler, both the steam wand and group head have their own boiler and work separately, which improves workflow and ensures more reliable drinks. The only downside is that machines with dual boiler are often more expensive.
Direct connection capability
Wouldn't it be convenient to never have to refill the espresso machine with water? Then an espresso machine with the ability to connect directly to the water supply is the obvious choice for you! Most machines have a water reservoir, but not all can be connected to a water line. This is especially useful About if you often want to entertain guests or drink a lot of espresso. Just keep in mind that you might want to hire someone to install it for you About if you don't have any modest experience with plumbing.
PID and digital temperature control
Espresso machines with PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative Controllers) and digital temperature control keep the water at a constant temperature instead of allowing it to fluctuate above and below a temperature. The ideal water temperature is between 90 and 96 degrees, but it is much better About if you have the flexibility to adjust it to suit your taste and the specific coffee varieties you use.
Budget and other things to consider when buying an espresso machine for home use
When it comes to espresso equipment, price really matters. Additionally, it can be difficult to choose a model considering the wide price range, from a few hundred to thousands of kronor. The price for extras, such as grinders, tamper, pitchers, tampers, distribution tools, etc., is something to think about. These are essential accessories to enjoy espresso of high quality, so you should ensure that your budget allows for them.
Time
The time and effort you are willing to put into each drink should be considered when deciding which machine would work best for you. After brewing an espresso shot and steaming the milk, machines with a single boiler need a little time to recover to reach brewing pressure again. Therefore, consider models with dual boiler About if time is a concern.
Maintenance
Compared to coffee makers, espresso machines require significantly more maintenance and cleaning. To get the most out of your system, you need to perform some tasks such as descaling, backflushing, and cleaning. But it's no bigger problem once you know how to do it and is really not difficult.
Espresso Machines: Semi-Automatic vs. Automatic
Most often, you will encounter automatic and semi-automatic equipment. You still need to grind your coffee, press the puck with a tamper and fill the portafilter manually.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
The most common type of machine is a semi-automatic machine, which requires you to fill the portafilter in the group head, press a button to start the espresso brewing, and then press the same button again to stop it when you want it to have a certain weight or volume. Most home brewers will look for a semi-automatic machine. It's smooth and simple.
Automatic Equipment
With a programmable automatic machine, you can fill the portafilter, press a button to start brewing, and it automatically stops brewing at the weight or volume amount you have specified. For most people's needs at home, an automatic machine can be excessive because it doesn't really offer any advantages About if you are just brewing coffee for yourself.
Capsule Machines
A capsule machine eliminates the need for Grind, tamping, and other steps. Similar to a Keurig, all you need to do to use a capsule machine is insert the capsule and press a button to dispense your drink. A predetermined volume of pressurized hot water is then pumped through the capsule and down into your cup. Even About some of these machines come with refillable capsules so you can use your own coffee, but you give up a lot of control over espresso quality when you use these devices.
Pros and Cons of a Built-in Grinder
We recommend looking for built-in grinders with ceramic or stainless steel grinders and a variety of grinding and calibration options. People looking for an all-in-one solution often choose Sage Barista Touch, which is a very popular option.
Besides that, you will probably be looking at highly automated equipment that can brew a espresso and also grinds the coffee at the same time. Similar to capsule machines, these espresso machines provide less control over coffee quality but still give you the advantage of freshly ground coffee.
The Three Best Cheap Espresso Machines for Home
Flair Classic
A perfect manual espresso maker for you who want to get a quality espresso shot every morning.
Sage Barista Express
The most popular espresso machine for home use at the entry level with a built-in grinder.
Shop for a Sage Barista Express
Sage Barista Touch
The most popular espresso machine for home use at entry level with a built-in grinder but with extra supportive features and a stronger boiler.
The 3 best espresso machines for home
Ascaso Steel Dual PID Black
About appearance plays a big role in your purchase is Ascaso Steel Dual PID something for you. They have all the features you need and are built with quality.
Rocket R Cinquantotto
About if you like classic Italian design, then Rocket R Cinquantotto with dual boilers and PID temperature control with a touch panel is something for you. It has all the features you need with extremely good build quality, handmade in Milan, Italy. This espresso machine is truly a model you will not regret!
Rocket Appartamento
Heard I that you needed a compact, stylish, capable espresso machine? Then Rocket Appartamento is perfect for you. A machine with unique design details, and more compact than others is an espresso machine that will fit nicely in your kitchen!
