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How to Choose the Best Espresso Machines For Home The top espresso machines for home should provide a consistent cup of coffee. This requires a precise proportion of finely ground, tightly packed coffee to water that is pressured at a high level. It also requires a powerful wand of steam which can saturate the milk without forming large bubbles. Some models come with an integrated grinder, while others require a grinder you supply. Our top picks feature adjustable PID controllers to maintain a constant water temperature as well as a shot timer that ensures an efficient extraction. They also come with a dual boiler, so you can steam milk and pull shots at the same time. Buying a Machine A high-quality espresso machine is a good investment for people who drink coffee at home or wish to serve cappuccino and lattes to customers at the cafe, restaurant or wine bar salon. However, it is essential to determine the amount of control you'd like over your espresso when you decide which type of machine to purchase. If you're just beginning your journey, a manual machine might be the best option for you. These machines employ an instrument to create pressure during extraction and often come with an attached steam wand that's great to make milk drinks. These machines are challenging to operate and require lots of effort. If you want to start improving your coffee skills to the next level, a semi-automatic machine might be a good choice. They are less hands-on, but still produce an espresso cup that is consistent and tastes great. Semi-automatic models also typically include grinders built-in, which can save you money by not having to purchase and maintain an individual grinder. Professional-grade or prosumer espresso machines provide a higher level of quality than the consumer models, but they can be complicated to use and require more upkeep. These machines can cost thousands of dollars and it's crucial to understand your requirements and the amount of time you're willing to invest on upkeep and maintenance prior to purchasing a machine. Some of these models could include dual boilers that allows you to make milk and espresso at the same time. Giorgio warns that these systems will not be as efficient as those that use one heating system since there is some delay between when the espresso is made and when the milk is frozen. If you're buying a machine for your business, it's more crucial to consider your requirements. If you're looking to eliminate human error, you should consider the possibility of a fully automated or capsule machine. These models can help you save time and ensure consistency in taste by eliminating the need for you grind beans, extract coffee, and then steam milk. Getting Started A home espresso machine can transform the flavor of your morning cup of coffee. However, it is important to remember that the perfect cup of espresso takes a lot of skill and time. You'll want a machine that is easy to use for novices and will motivate you to keep learning. Some of our picks, like the Rancilio Silvia, offer a range of after-market options that can make your espresso maker feel more personal. Other espresso makers let you replace the handle for a more comfortable grip and a more aesthetic. You can select from wood or a piece constructed from recycled skateboards. There are a variety of espresso machines for sale that produce excellent drinks if you're not yet ready to purchase an expensive professional espresso machine. Many of them are built on the same principles as professional machines, however, they're scaled down to fit into a home kitchen. The Breville Barista Pro X for instance, comes with a variable PID control on the front that lets you set temperatures to a precise level, a shot-timer that tracks your brewing progress as well as a powerful wand capable of texturizing milk, and a gauge that informs you when you've reached your optimal brew pressur (between 8 and 10) Dual boilers are readily available for those who want to take their barista skills to the next step. They allow you to make espresso and milk simultaneously. This feature ensures consistency in your results, since both processes must be heated to the same temperature. It also lets you test different extraction ratios for a wide range of beverages. If you choose to purchase a machine with this feature, it's recommended that you invest in additional accessories, such as a Group Head Cleaner for cleaning the brew port as well as a Descaling Kit. You can also use Espresso Machine Cleaner instead of water to remove old coffee residues that may affect the taste of your coffee. These supplies will allow you to keep your espresso machine in good condition and ensure that it is always ready to make great drinks for you or your friends. Making Great Drinks Making espresso and coffee drinks can be a complicated process. It is essential to be precise throughout the entire process, from measuring out the grounds to making sure it is tamping just right. The top espresso machines come with many features that make coffee making as easy and as constant as it can be. This could include a quick warming time, automated brewing, and an easy-to-control steam wand that can be used to texturize milk. Breville Bambino Plus is our top choice for those who are just starting out. This machine is super-automatic and easy to use and comes with five presets for espresso, cappuccino or macchiato latte. The machine is also simple to clean and has a built-in milk frother that makes rich, foamy lattes and cappuccinos. Our testers were awestruck by the quality of the drinks brewed by this machine, however it's important to note that if you're serious about your coffee an alternative could be to purchase an espresso maker that is barista-grade with an integrated grinder and customizable settings. The Rancilio Silvia, for example is priced higher than the Bambino Plus but offers much more control over every aspect of brewing. It also includes two boilers, which allows you to steam milk while pulling an espresso shot at the same time. This will allow you to make your drink exactly as you want it. If you're willing to spend an extra amount, look for a professional-grade espresso maker like the Lelit MaraX. This model landed our top spot in our Best Prosumer Espresso Maker category and is essentially an upscale version of commercial espresso machines (think: Vitamix blenders). If you're a total coffee nerd then this machine is well worth the investment. Both Morocco and Sheese point out that espresso machines are only as effective as the coffee grinder it's connected to, and there are several grinders within this price range that are great for espresso (Morocco prefers the Fellow Opus). Whatever espresso machine you select we suggest that you pair it with a high-quality burr grinder. Maintenance It's only fair to try your best to maintain the espresso machine after you've worked hard to get it to produce great shots and drinks. This means that you should incorporate regular cleaning and maintenance into your daily routine. It's crucial to keep this in mind because even the top machines can develop obstructions within internal mechanisms that obstruct steam and water flow. This could result in lower pressure or lack of performance. It's only a matter of spending just a few minutes every day, and an extra time every month to conduct a thorough cleaning. This will stop the accumulation of coffee residues, oils and scale, which can affect the taste of your espresso and cause damage to your expensive equipment. The good part is that cleaning an espresso machine isn't a complicated procedure. For most models the brew group is easily accessible for cleaning. This includes the dispersion screen, three-way solenoid and rubber gasket. It is also recommended to clean the portafilter following each use, as they could contain rancid oil which can affect the taste of your drinks. Before you start this process, you'll need to make sure you have an espresso portafilter (and blank ones) as well as the most compact size of brush, or Coffetool as well as some espresso machine cleaner. Soak the baskets and portafilters in a solution of hot water as well as detergent and a bit of vinegar prior to thoroughly cleaning 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 head of the group. Urnex Cafiza is used to flush the system. This will not only take out a bit of calcification, but it'll aid in removing any old coffee oils that may block the three-way valve and hindering water from flowing through the system. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding cleaning products, as they can cause damage or mineral deposits on your equipment. And always make sure that you're using clean and filtered water to reduce the amount of calcium and other mineral deposits inside your boiler tank.