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How to Choose the Best Espresso Machines For Home The most effective espresso machines for home should provide a consistent cup of coffee. That requires a precise ratio of finely packed, tightly ground coffee to water under high pressure. It also requires an efficient wand of steam which can saturate the milk without large bubbles. Certain models have a built-in mill, while others will require you provide a mill. Our top picks have adjustable PID controllers to maintain the temperature of the water at a constant level and a shot timer that ensures proper extraction. They also have a dual boiler, so you can steam milk while taking shots simultaneously. Buying a Machine A good espresso machine is a great investment for those who wish to serve cappuccino, lattes, and other coffee drinks to customers at the restaurant, café or wine bar, or even a salon. When deciding on which espresso machine to buy you must be aware of the amount of control and customization you want. A manual machine could be the best option for those who are just starting out. These machines use a lever to create pressure during extraction. They often come with an attached steam wand that's great for making milk drinks. But be aware that these machines require lots of effort and can be difficult to master. If you are looking to begin taking your coffee skills to the next level, a semi-automatic machine could be a great option. These machines are more hands-off, but still produce a cup of espresso that is consistent and delicious. Semi-automatic machines also have grinder built-in, saving you money by not having to purchase and maintain a separate grinder. Professional-grade espresso machines are more expensive than the consumer models but can be more difficult to operate and require greater maintenance. They can cost thousands of dollars, and it's important to know your requirements and how much time you're willing to invest on upkeep and maintenance prior to purchasing a machine. Some models have a dual boiler that allows you to make espresso and milk at the same time. However, Giorgio warns that these systems aren't necessarily more efficient than those with one heating system, because there's an in-between time between when the espresso is made and when the milk is frozen. If you're considering purchasing an equipment for your business, it's even more important to think through your needs. Think about a capsule or a fully automated machine if you wish to eliminate human errors. These models can help you save time and maintain the same taste and consistency by eliminating the need for you grind beans, extract coffee, and then steam milk. Getting Started A home espresso machine can enhance the flavor of your morning cup of coffee. However, it is important to remember that the perfect cup of espresso requires a lot of expertise and time. That's why it's important to choose a machine that is easy enough for novices and will inspire you to further study the craft. Some of our picks like the Rancilio Silvia, offer a variety of after-market modifications which can make your espresso maker feel like a piece of art. Similar to other espresso makers, some let you change the handle with a different material to give you a better grip and appearance, such as wood or a piece made from recycled skateboards (you'll have to wait until the pre-order is available). If you're not yet ready to invest in a commercial espresso machine, there are a number of basic models that can make amazing drinks. A lot of them are built with the same principles as professional machines however, they're scaled down to fit into an average kitchen. The Breville Barista Pro X for example, has a programmable PID control in the front and center that allows you to set water temperature to a specific level as well as a shot-timer to track the progress of your brewing as well as the wand is powerful enough to texturizing milk, and a gauge that tells you when you've reached your optimal 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 to ensure consistency in results, as both processes need to be heated to exactly the same temperature. It also allows you to play around with different extraction ratios to suit a variety of drinks. If you decide to purchase a machine with this feature, we suggest getting a few extra accessories such as a Group Head Cleaning Brush to scrub the port for brewing as well as the Descaling Kit, and Espresso Machine Cleaner, which can be used instead of water to eliminate build-up of coffee residue that could affect the flavor of your coffee. These accessories will help you to maintain your espresso machine correctly and ensure it is always ready to make great drinks for you or your friends. Making Great Drinks Making espresso and coffee drinks is a tricky process. From weighing out grounds to tamping them just right all of it requires precision. The best espresso machines have many features that make making coffee as easy and as reliable as is possible. This includes a fast heat up time, automatic making, and a simple to control steam wand to texturize milk. Breville Bambino Plus is our best choice for newbies. This super-automatic machine utilizes whole beans and has five drink presets that make it simple to make espresso shots cappuccino, latte macchiato, cappuccino or black coffee. The machine is easy to clean and comes with a built-in milk frother which can create rich, foamy cappuccinos and lattes. Our test subjects were satisfied with the quality of drinks made by this machine. However it's important to note that if you're committed to your coffee, it could be a good idea to invest in an espresso maker that has a built in grinder and more customizable options. The Rancilio Silvia, for example, costs significantly more than the Bambino Plus but offers much more control over all aspects of making your coffee. It also has a dual boiler, which allows you to steam milk and pull an espresso shot at the same time. This will allow you to create your drink to perfection. If you're willing a little more, look for a prosumer-grade espresso maker like the Lelit MaraX. It was voted the top in our Best Prosumer espresso maker category. It is a smaller version of commercial espresso makers (think Vitamix blenders). This machine is worth the money for those who are a total coffee nut. Morocco and Sheese both stress that an espresso machine is only as 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 recommend that you pair your espresso machine with a good burr grinder, regardless of what type of machine you choose. Maintenance When you've put in the work to make your espresso machine make amazing drinks and shots it's only right to do all you can to ensure that it is running well. This means that you need to incorporate daily cleaning and maintenance into your daily routine. This is important because even the best machines can experience blocks that are almost invisible within the internal mechanisms. These blockages can hinder the movement of steam and water. This could result in lower pressure or a lack of function. It's enough to take just a few minutes every day, and an more time every month for a thorough cleaning. This will stop the build-up of coffee residues, oils and scale, which can ruin the taste of your coffee, and also damage expensive equipment. Cleaning your espresso machine isn't a difficult task. The beer group is easily cleaned on the majority of models. This includes the dispersion screen, three-way solenoid, and rubber gasket. It is recommended to clean the portafilter after every use, since they could contain rancid oil which can affect the taste of your shots. espresso machine pods 'll require a portafilter, a Coffetool or the smallest size brush and espresso machine cleaner prior to beginning. Soak the portafilter and baskets in a solution comprising hot water along with detergent and a small amount of vinegar before thoroughly rubbing them. You'll also need to remove the brass dispersion plate as well as the stubby screw from the group head. This will allow you to backflush the group head. This is done by using the small amount of Urnex Cafiza tablets, which basically eliminate the system by releasing a solution that dissolves. This will not just remove some calcification, but also any old coffee oil that may be blocking your three-way valve blocking water flow through the system. Be sure to follow guidelines of the manufacturer for cleaning products as some can cause damage or create mineral deposits on your equipment. And always make sure that you're using clean and filtered water to minimize the amount of calcium and other mineral deposits in your boiler tank.