What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine

The espresso machine is among the most complex coffee machines available. It is comprised of three primary components. The bottom is where the water goes and the middle contains the filter-basket.

This machine was a huge success and helped to popularize the prosumer (home barista) espresso market. It features a 2.2L steam boiler, a low pressure pre-infusion and 9 bar brewing pressure.

Pressure

If you are an avid coffee drinker, then you'll be aware that the pressure of your machine is a key factor in the quality of your drink. The pressure of your machine is vital to making excellent coffee, whether you're seeking a thick layer or a perfect balance of flavor and acidity.

BARs (Barometric pressure) is the force your espresso machine exerts upon the grounds of your coffee while delivering high-pressure water. 9 BARs indicates that your espresso machine is forcing heated water through the ground coffee at a 9 times the Earth's current atmospheric pressure.

The pressure of your machine is important because it allows water to pass through the coffee grounds at a proper speed and intensity. If the pressure is too low the flavors and oils that are dissolved won't be extracted properly. On the other side, if the pressure is too high the water will be forced through the coffee grounds too fast and you'll end up with a weak, over-extracted cup of espresso.

You can control the pressure of your espresso maker by changing the screw that is attached to the espresso pump. Commercial machines and some high-end home appliances have pumps with rotary that can be adjusted. For the less expensive home machines that utilize a vibration motor, it is impossible to adjust the pressure without DIY hacks. However, companies such as Cafflano are developing technology that employs Pascal's Principle to create maintained pressure in the portafilter during the beer making process.

Temperature

The temperature is one of the most important aspects for the perfect espresso shot. If the water is too hot, it could heat the coffee grounds and result in an over-extracted bitter brew. The optimal temperature for extraction is 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the water to extract all of the desired coffee flavors without burning the grounds or excessively extracting.

The top espresso machines come with the thermoblock, also known as a thermocoil which heats the water and keeps it at a constant temperature throughout the extraction. The Breville Barista Express, for instance, is equipped with a PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) system which constantly monitors the temperature of the water and adjusts if needed, ensuring that the brew head stays at a perfect temperature for extraction.

Most coffee lovers know that the temperature of the espresso maker is essential to making a great cup of coffee. The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is between 190 to 196 degrees Fahrenheit. To achieve this, you need an espresso machine that has a high-quality thermoblock, thermocoil and boiler that is properly sized.

It is also crucial to pre-heat your espresso maker as well as the portafilter and cup prior to making the espresso. Inability to heat your equipment is among the most common mistakes committed by novice espresso makers. You should always read your espresso machine's instructions before you start using it for the first time.

Grind

A barista espresso machine should also offer a variety of grind settings to give you the best control over the final cup of coffee. Some machines include an analog gauge which looks cool and aids you improve your brewing skills. The ideal goal is to get around nine bars of pressure, and keep this throughout the entire brewing process. Although this machine isn't hitting the desired pressure, it's pretty close and will be able to serve you well.

A built-in grinder is another good feature. This feature is ideal for novices because it doesn't mean the need for a separate grinder. The grinder is an stainless steel conical unit with 18 settings from "coarse" to "fine."

It's not as efficient as a stand-alone device, but it can help you get started on the path to creating great espresso shots. It's easy to clean and you'll be able to stop the grinder in the grinding process to avoid accumulating an overwhelming amount of ground on your portafilter while it's being put through the tamper.

This gorgeous and practical machine will allow you to experience being a barista in your home. This is an excellent choice for those who want to recall the thrill of pouring microfoam into their morning coffee while locking the portafilter in the head of the grouphead and tamping with accuracy. For those who simply want convenience, a bean to cup machine might be a better italian espresso machine fit.

Water

Water is a tricky thing to master. Finding the right balance is essential. Too much can cause mineral deposits to build up in your machine. But too little will result in an espresso cup that is weaker.

The perfect water for espresso is low in hardness and high in alkalinity. This is best accomplished by using an water filter system that removes chlorine and puts back in a small amount of total dissolving solids (TDS) to add some calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will help you achieve a good balance between hardness and acidity and avoid the need to decalcify.

It is crucial to use filtered water of high quality for the health and flavor of your machine. A descaling product should be utilized on a regular basis based on the hardness and usage of your machine. These products come in powder, liquid and tab forms and are available at all hardware stores.

The Breville Barista Express, a premium espresso machine for home use, is designed to bring the cafe experience into your home. It is equipped with more advanced features than other beginner machines, and is targeted at those who are looking to refine their technique and master the craft. The thermocoil heating system that comes with integrated PID controller that is centered on the actively heated group head makes it easy to control your brewing temperature. This is an enormous advantage over the other models which require longer "temperature surfing" to ensure an even shot of espresso.