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How to Choose the Best Espresso Machines For Home The top espresso machines for your home should give you a consistently excellent cup of coffee. That requires a precise ratio of tightly packed, finely ground coffee and water at high pressure. It also requires a powerful wand of steam that can help texturize milk without large bubbles. Some models come with an integrated mill, whereas others will require you to provide a mill. Our top picks have PID controllers that can be adjusted to ensure a stable water temperature as well as a shot timer that helps ensure proper extraction, and a dual boiler that allows you to pull a shot and steam milk at the same time. Buying a Machine A good espresso machine is a great investment for those who want to serve cappuccino, lattes as well as other coffee drinks to customers at restaurants, cafes, wine bar or salon. However, it is essential to consider the amount of control you'd like over your espresso when deciding which type of machine to buy. A manual machine is the best option for those who are just starting out. They use a lever to create pressure during extraction. They typically come with a steam wand, which is great for making milk drinks. But be aware that these machines require a lot of work and can be difficult to learn to operate. A semi-automatic machine can be a great option if you're looking for a way to elevate your coffee knowledge to the highest level. These machines are more hands-off however they still make an espresso cup that is consistent and delicious. Semi-automatic machines also have an integrated grinder, saving you money by not having to purchase and maintain an individual grinder. Professional espresso machines are more expensive than consumer models, but they are also more difficult to use and require greater maintenance. They 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 before purchasing a machine. Some of these models also include a dual boiler that lets you make milk and espresso simultaneously. Giorgio warns that these systems might not be as efficient as those with a single heating system due to the fact that there will be an in-between period between when the espresso is made and the milk is frozen. It is important to think about your needs when buying a machine. If you're looking for a way to eliminate human error, consider an entirely automated or capsule machine. These machines can cut down on the time spent making espresso and allow you to maintain an even taste by removing the need to grind beans, extract espresso, and steam milk. Getting Started A home espresso machine can transform the taste of your morning coffee, but it is important to remember that a successful cup of espresso will require a significant commitment of time and skills. You'll want a machine that is easy to use even for novices and will motivate you to continue learning. Certain of our choices like the Rancilio Silvia offer a variety of after-market customizations to make your espresso maker truly personal. Other espresso makers let you replace the handle for more secure grip and an aesthetic. You can select from wood or a piece constructed from recycled skateboards. If you're not ready commit to a full-fledged commercial espresso machine, there are many entry-level models that can produce great drinks. They're built on the same principles as professional machines, but they are scaled down to fit in an average kitchen. The Breville Barista Pro X for example, has a programmable PID control on the front that allows you to set water temperature to a precise level as well as a shot-timer to track the progress of your brewing, 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 available for those who want to take their barista abilities to the next step. They let you make espresso and milk at the same time. This helps ensure consistency in your results, since both functions must be heated to the same temperature. It also lets you play around with different extraction ratios for a wide range of beverages. If you decide to invest in an espresso maker that has this feature, we recommend purchasing a few additional accessories like a Group Head Cleaning Brush for scrubbing inside the port for brewing, the Descaling Kit as well as an Espresso Machine Cleaner, which can be used in lieu of water to remove build-up of coffee residue which could alter the flavor of your coffee. These items will help maintain your espresso maker properly and will ensure that it is always ready to create great drinks for you and your guests. Making Great Drinks Making espresso and coffee drinks can be a challenging process. It is essential to be precise throughout the entire process, from weighing the grounds to making sure it is tamping just right. The top espresso machines come with many features that make making coffee as easy and consistent as possible. This includes a fast heating time, automatic coffee brewing, and a simple-to-control steam wand to texturize milk. If you're just beginning to get into the espresso game we suggest one of our picks for newbies that is the Breville Bambino Plus. The machine is extremely automated and simple to use and comes with five pre-sets for cappuccino, espresso or latte macchiato. The machine is easy to clean, and it includes a milk frother which can create rich, foamy cappuccinos and lattes. Our test participants were delighted with the high-quality drinks made by this machine. However it's important to note that if you are committed to the quality of your coffee, it may be beneficial to invest in an espresso maker that has a built in grinder and more options for customization. The Rancilio Silvia costs more than the Bambino Plus, but it gives you greater control over the coffee making process. It also includes a dual boiler that allows you to make espresso shots and steam milk at the same time, which can assist you in getting the perfect drink. If you're willing a little more, look for a professional-grade espresso maker like the Lelit MaraX. This model landed our top spot in the Best Prosumer Espresso Maker category. It's basically a scaled-down version of commercial espresso machines (think: Vitamix blenders). If you're a total coffee lover then this machine is well worth the price. Both Morocco and Sheese point out that any espresso machine is only as good as the coffee grinder it's used with, and there are a few grinders within this price range that are excellent for espresso (Morocco likes the Fellow Opus). Regardless of what kind of espresso machine you pick we suggest that you pair it with a high-quality burr grinder. Maintenance It's only fair that you do your best to keep up with the espresso machine once you've worked hard to get it to produce amazing shots and drinks. This means that you need to incorporate daily cleaning and maintenance into your routine. This is crucial because even the best machines can develop blockages that are virtually invisible within the internal mechanisms. Blockages can impede the circulation of steam and water. This can result in a lower pressure or a loss of functionality. It's only a matter of spending just a few minutes every day and a little extra time every month for a thorough cleaning. This will prevent the accumulation of coffee residues, oils, and scale that can ruin the flavor of your espresso, and damage your expensive equipment. The good thing is that cleaning your espresso machine isn't a complicated procedure. The beer group can be cleaned easily on the majority of models. This includes the gasket made of rubber, three-way solenoid and dispersion screen. It is recommended to clean the portafilter after each use, as they could contain rancid oil which can affect the taste of your drinks. You'll require a portafilter, a Coffetool or the smallest size brush, and espresso machine cleaner before you begin. Before you scrub the portafilter clean, soak it in a solution of vinegar, hot water and detergent. You'll want to remove both the brass dispersion plates and the stubby screws that are on the group head. This will allow you to backflush your group head. This is done by using a small amount of Urnex Cafiza tablets, which basically flush the system out 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 hindering water flow through the system. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning products. Some may harm your equipment or cause mineral deposits. And always make espresso machines for home that you're using clean, purified water to reduce the amount of calcium and other mineral deposits inside your boiler tank.