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How to Choose the Best Espresso Machines For Home The top espresso machines at home will make a consistently good cup of coffee. This requires a precise proportion of finely ground, tightly packed coffee to water at high pressure. It also requires the use of a powerful steam wand that can help texturize milk without forming large bubbles. Some models come with an integrated mill, whereas others will require you provide a mill. Our top picks come with adjustable PID controllers for the stability of water temperatures and a shot timer to ensure proper extraction, and a dual boiler that lets you pull shots and steam milk at the same time. Buying a Machine A high-quality espresso machine is a good investment for those who enjoy coffee at home or want to serve cappuccino and lattes to customers at a cafe, restaurant, wine bar, or salon. When deciding on which espresso machine to purchase, you should be aware of the amount of control and customization you want. A manual machine is the best option for those who are just beginning to get started. These machines use an instrument to create pressure during extraction and typically come with a steam wand that is ideal for making milk drinks. These machines are hard to operate and require a lot of effort. A semi-automatic machine is a good option if you're looking for a way to elevate your coffee knowledge to the highest level. They are less hands-on yet still create an espresso cup that is consistent and tastes great. Semi-automatic machines also have an integrated grinder, saving you money by not having to purchase and maintain an individual grinder. Professional-grade or prosumer espresso machines offer higher quality than consumer models however, they are difficult to use and require more upkeep. These machines can cost thousands of dollars, and it's essential to consider your requirements and how much time you're willing to spend on maintenance and upkeep prior to purchasing a machine. Some of these models may have a dual boiler, which can allow you to make both espresso and milk at the same time. But electric espresso maker warns that these systems aren't necessarily more efficient than those that have one heating system, since there will be some time between the time that espresso is made and when the milk is frozen. If you're buying a machine for your business, it's even more important to think through your needs. If you're looking to reduce human error, think about the possibility of a fully automated or capsule machine. These models can cut down on time spent preparing espresso and help you maintain a consistent taste by eliminating the need to grind beans, extract espresso, and steam milk. Getting Started A home espresso maker can transform the taste of your morning cup of coffee. However, it is crucial to remember that making the perfect cup of espresso requires a lot of expertise and time. This is why you should select a machine that's simple enough for novices and will inspire you to learn more about the craft. Some of our picks such as the Rancilio Silvia, offer a range of after-market customizations that will make your espresso maker feel more personal. Similar to other espresso makers, some let you replace the handle with a new material to give you a better grip and appearance options, like wood or a piece made from recycled skateboards (you'll need to wait until the pre-order is available). If you're not ready buy a full-time commercial espresso machine, there are a number of entry-level models that can produce excellent 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 front and center that lets you set water temperature to a specific level, a shot-timer that tracks the progress of your brewing and the wand is powerful enough to texturizing milk and a gauge that informs you when you've reached the ideal brew pressur (between 8 and 10) Dual boilers are readily available for those looking to take their barista skills to the next step. They let you make espresso and milk at the same time. This helps ensure consistency in your results, since both processes need to be heated to the exact same temperature. You can also play around with different extraction ratios to suit a variety of drinks. If you decide to purchase an espresso maker that has this feature, we suggest purchasing a few additional accessories such as a Group Head Cleaning Brush to scrub inside the port for brewing and the Descaling Kit, and Espresso Machine Cleaner. These can be used instead of water to get rid of coffee residues that could affect the flavor of your coffee. These tools will help you maintain your espresso maker correctly and ensure that it is always ready to produce excellent drinks for you and your guests. Making Great Drinks Making espresso and coffee drinks is a difficult process. You need to be precise throughout the entire process, from measuring out the grounds to making sure it is tamping just right. The best espresso machines have various features that make making coffee as easy and as reliable as is possible. This includes a quick warming time, automated coffee making, and a steam wand that is easy to control to texturize the milk. If you're just getting into the espresso world We suggest one of our choices for newbies that is the Breville Bambino Plus. This machine is super-automatic and easy to use and comes with five presets for espresso, cappuccino or latte macchiato. The machine is easy to clean, and it comes with a built-in milk frother that makes rich, foamy cappuccinos and lattes. Our testers were impressed with the quality of drinks produced by this machine, but it's important to mention that if you're serious about your espresso, a better option might be to purchase an espresso maker that is barista-grade with an integrated grinder and adjustable settings. The Rancilio Silvia, for example, costs significantly more than the Bambino Plus but offers much more in the way of control over every aspect of brewing. It also includes two boilers that allow you to pull an espresso shot and steam milk at the same time to assist you in getting the perfect drink. If you're willing invest more, think about an espresso machine that is professional grade, such as the Lelit MaraX. This model was awarded our top spot in our Best Prosumer Espresso Maker category, and is basically smaller versions of commercial espresso machines (think: Vitamix blenders). This machine is worth the cost in the event that you're a complete coffee lover. Morocco and Sheese both emphasize that an espresso machine is only good when it's coupled up with. There are some grinders in this price range and are great for espresso. (Morocco prefers the Fellow Opus). We recommend that you pair your espresso machine with a high-quality burr grinder, no matter which model you choose. Maintenance When 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 that you incorporate daily cleaning and monthly maintenance into your routine. It's important to do this because even the best machines can create virtually invisible obstructions within internal mechanisms that block water and steam flow. This can result in lower pressure and an absence of functionality. It's only a matter of spending only a few minutes a 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 taste of your espresso and cause damage to your expensive equipment. The good thing is that cleaning your espresso machine isn't an overwhelming procedure. The brew group is easily cleaned on the majority of models. This includes the dispersion screen, three-way solenoid, and rubber gasket. It is also recommended to clean the portafilter after each use, as they may contain rancid oils which can affect the taste of your shots. Before you begin this process, you'll need to be sure that you have an espresso portafilter (and empty ones), the smallest size of brush or Coffetool as well as some espresso machine cleaner. Soak the baskets and portafilters in a solution comprising hot water along with detergent and a little vinegar prior to thoroughly cleaning them. You'll want to remove both the brass dispersion plates and the stubby screws from the group head. This will allow you to backflush your group head. Urnex Cafiza is used to flush the system. This will not only flush out a bit of calcification, but also help to remove any old coffee oils that may be obstructing the three-way valve and preventing water from flowing through the system. Be sure to follow guidelines of the manufacturer for cleaning products, as they can cause damage or create mineral deposits on your equipment. Make sure you use clean, filtered water to decrease the amount of calcium in your boiler tank.