What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine
The espresso machine is one of the most intricate coffee machines in the world. It is comprised of three major components. The bottom is where the water goes and the middle contains the filter-basket.
The machine was a huge hit and helped popularize home barista espresso. Features include a 2.2L steam boiler, low pressure pre-infusion & 9 bar brewing pressure.
Pressure
If you're 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 coffee. The pressure of your machine is vital to brewing great coffee, whether you're seeking a thick layer or a perfect balance of flavor and acidity.
BARs (Barometric pressure) is the amount of force that your espresso machine exerts on grounds of the coffee while delivering high-pressure water. Your espresso machine is pushing hot water through the grounds of the coffee at a rate nine times that of Earth's current atmosphere pressure.
The pressure of your machine is essential because it allows water to flow through coffee grounds at the correct speed and intensity. If the pressure is too low the dissolved oils and flavors won't be properly extracted. On the other side, if the pressure is too high the water will be pushed through the coffee grounds too fast and you'll end up with an over-extracted, weak cup of espresso.
You can control the pressure of your espresso maker by adjusting the screw that is attached to the espresso pump. Commercial machines and high-end home machines have rotating pumps that can be adjusted in pressure. For the cheaper home machines that have an oscillating pump, changing the pressure is difficult without using DIY hacks. Companies such as Cafflano, however, are developing technology that is based on Pascal's Principle in order to maintain the pressure inside the portafilter throughout the brewing process.
Temperature
The temperature is one of the most critical factors for an excellent espresso shot. If the water is too hot, it can scorch the coffee grounds and create an over-extracted bitter brew. The ideal temperature for extraction is 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This lets the water extract all the desired coffee flavors without scorching the grounds or over-extracting.
The top espresso machines come with a thermoblock, or thermocoil, which heats water and maintains it at an unchanging temperature throughout the extraction. The Breville Barista Express, for example, has a PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) system which constantly monitors the water temperature and adjusts according to the need, ensuring that the brew head remains at the ideal temperature to extract the coffee.
Many coffee enthusiasts know that the temperature of your espresso maker is a crucial factor in brewing a great cup of coffee. The ideal temperature for brewing espresso is between 190 and 196 degrees Fahrenheit. To attain this, your machine should have a high-quality thermoblock or thermocoil, and the boiler should be of the right size.
It is also essential to heat your machine as well as the portafilter and cup prior to making the espresso. Beginners often make the mistake of not preheating their equipment. This is why it is important to always read the instruction manual before making use of your espresso maker for the first time.
Grind
A barista machine should give you a range of grind settings, so that you have the maximum control over the final cup of espresso. Some machines include an analog pressure gauge which looks cool and can help you learn about the brewing process. The goal is to maintain a pressure of nine bars throughout the brewing cycle. While this machine does not hit this mark, it's pretty close and will serve you well.
Another wonderful feature of this machine is the built-in burr grinder. This feature is perfect for those who are new to the field because it avoids having to buy an additional grinder. The grinder is a conical stainless steel unit with 18 settings ranging from "coarse" to "fine."
It's not as efficient as a stand-alone device, but it can help you get to the right path to making great espresso shots. It's easy to clean and you can stop it while grinding, which helps you avoid creating a pile of grounds that spill across your portafilter as it makes its way to making tamps.
This beautiful and functional machine will let you feel like a barista from your own home. This is a great choice for those who wish to relive the excitement of pouring microfoam into their morning coffee while locking the portafilter in the head of the grouphead and tamping with accuracy. A bean-to-cup machine is a good option for those looking for a simple and convenient solution.
Water
Water can be a difficult thing to master. The trick is to find the optimal balance. Too much caffeine can cause mineral deposits in your machine, while too little and you'll struggle to make a full cup of espresso.
The ideal espresso water has a low hardness and alkalinity level. This is best achieved using a water filter system which eliminates chlorine and brings back in a small amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) to add some calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will give you a good balance between acidity and hardness and also avoid the need to decalcify.
Using a high-quality filter water is vital to your machine's overall health and the taste of the coffee it produces. Descaling products should be regularly used, depending on the hardness and frequency of use of your machine. They are available in powder, liquid or tab form at a majority of hardware stores.
The Breville Barista Express is a high-end, premium home espresso machine that was designed to bring the experience of a cafe into your home. It has more advanced features than other espresso machines that are beginner-friendly, and is designed for those who are looking to refine their techniques and perfect their art of coffee. The thermocoil heating mechanism with a built-in PID controller centered around the heated group head makes it easy to control your brewing temperature. This can be a huge benefit over other models which require longer "temperature surfing" to achieve a consistent espresso.