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How to Choose a Good Espresso Maker Manual espresso makers differ from machines that can do everything for you. You must grind the coffee beans, tap the beans, and then pull every shot with the press of a button. Some models come with a milk frother that allows you to make espresso as well as foamed milk at the same time. You should choose the one with between nine and 15 bars of pressure. This is the ideal pressure for a good shot. Certain machines feature automatic pressure regulation. This is a great feature for those who are just starting out. Simple to Use Nicole Papantoniou is the director of Good Housekeeping's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. She believes that a decent machine should have an easy-to-use interface. If you like to play with settings, a machine that is more flexible might be the best choice ideal for you. “But when you're trying to master the basics, it shouldn't be hard to figure out how to use the machine.” Most espresso machines come in three categories: semi-automatic, automated and super-automatic. Automated machines, which come with a push-button for brewing and allow you to choose the amount of coffee you would like to drink; some are also programmable, which could aid in the development and refinement of a recipe over time. These types of machines tended to perform best in our lab tests. Semi-automatics include a lever that can start and stop the brewing. You can grind and tamp the beans yourself. Some models also come with a built-in mill that can be used for grinding and tamping. These models are less expensive and can make several small espressos simultaneously. Some come with a steam wand for heating and frothing milk, which is handy for cappuccinos and lattes. These machines typically have a little learning curve and may require a bit of manual effort, but they typically provide more consistency than an automated model. To create a shot of espresso coffee, you put ground beans in an espresso portafilter that is locked into the group head, a handle-attached piece that's located on the front of the machine. Then, you grind the grounds to ensure that they're evenly dispersed. This results in a rich and flavorful cup. Some models have portsafilters that help the grounds to form an even layer. Others feature the double-walled, more robust filter. A steam-driven device heats the water for brewing and steaming at the same time, which may lead to over-extraction. A pump-driven machine, which uses an electric motor to push water through the grounds, is able to avoid this issue because it produces lower temperatures. The result is a balanced espresso that has the perfect sweet, smooth flavor. Cleaning is easy A clean espresso machine is essential for making great coffee. Coffee oils can adhere to metal surfaces, and then, over time, turn rancid, resulting in a coffee with a bitter, musty taste. They can also block water lines, leading to expensive repairs and replacements. Keeping your espresso machine clean prevents these issues, prolongs its lifespan and enhances the flavor and quality in every cup of coffee you make. We recommend that you clean the chamber of brewing, as as any other removable parts using a specific cleaner made for espresso machines. We also recommend using filtered water to prevent the build-up of mineral deposits within the espresso machine. Urnex Cafiza tablets are a great option to perform regular backflushing, specifically on machines that have an a group head. Cleaning your espresso machine is an easy and fast process. After each use, wipe down the brew tray, drip tray and steam wand with a damp cloth that is designated for this purpose. We also recommend cleaning/wiping your group's head and portafilter daily using a toothbrush and backflushing once a week, or as suggested by the manufacturer. Backflushing is the process of removing the portafilter, replacing it with a blind filter and then running a cycle to dispensing cleaning chemicals or water until you can see clear. Certain machines come with built-in backflushing programs; for others, you will need to remove the portafilter and then fill it with an aqueous solution of water and cleaning chemicals. The right cleaning solution is essential for your espresso machine's health. You should look for an ingredient that is powerful enough to penetrate and dissolve substances like coffee oils, grimes, calcium and limescale. Also, consider compatibility with your espresso machine brand as well as its ability to rinse out without leaving harmful residue. Taking the time to do these simple tasks can greatly enhance your experience with espresso and extend the life of your coffee machine. Regular cleaning and maintenance, which includes the use of a descaling agent every couple of months, will aid in preventing damage caused by mineral deposits. You can also enjoy consistently great espresso by keeping the brew chamber along with the tamper, shower screen and brew-chamber clean. Ease of Maintenance Regular maintenance and cleaning is vital as espresso machines become more accessible to consumers. This will stop the build-up of minerals, which can damage and interfere with the performance of your machine. It also helps extend the life of the machine, and also prevents it from needing expensive repairs or replacement parts. Additionally, regular maintenance can enhance the quality of the espresso produced by the machine. Whether you're purchasing an espresso machine for your home or for use in a coffee shop, you need to understand the process of maintenance like for each type of model. Most models require a weekly cleaning and a descale every 2 to 4 weeks. Cleaning involves wiping the brew group and steam wand with a soft cloth or brush to remove any debris. Also, it's a good idea to backflush the machine on a weekly basis to get rid of any residue left by previous coffee brews. Some models require lubrication addition to cleaning in order to function properly. A brew group that requires lubrication should be greased with silicone oil to ensure it is working as it should and to reduce wear. In some models, you'll also have to replace the filter. If the filter is in need of replacement, it should be done on a monthly basis. A basic, fully automated espresso machine comes with an increased level of maintenance than a professional or premium model. If you have a basic espresso machine, you'll need to clean and descale the brew group and the water tank every week and clean the milk system on a daily basis. In addition, you'll need backflush the machine each week and clean it with the use of a specific cleaner. It's not necessary to clean your brew group or steam wand as often when you use a professional or premium espresso machine. They also have an intelligent filter that removes the need to descal. This saves time and effort. You may still need to clean the machine, though, to remove any oil rests from the pipes of the machine. If you are buying a coffee maker for your home or commercial establishment, it is important to create a maintenance plan to avoid expensive repairs or replacement parts. Ease of Service Making espresso can be a tricky process. From the weighing of coffee beans and grinding them properly to tamping them with enough pressure, everything is vital. Anything that makes the process more efficient and more reliable will be appreciated. smeg espresso machine could be a quick heating time, the capability to set a specific brew-time, or a steam wand that is simple to control to texturize milk. Think about a super-automatic device If you are just beginning or want to streamline your process. It will take care of everything for you. All you have to do is hit a button and wait. These machines are particularly attractive to new baristas since they make you feel like a pro without requiring high levels of expertise. There are many different types of espresso machines, but the one that is right for you will depend on your style and the amount of work you'd like to accomplish. Manual espresso machines are smaller and easier to transport, but they require you complete the entire job. They also tend to have better temperature control, since you're controlling every step of the making process. Semi-automatics are also the primary kind of espresso machine. They are a little bigger and more automated than manuals, but not as sleek as the super-automatics. You can make a lot of drinks in one go with these machines, and they usually come with grinders and tampers built-in. Examine the variety of espresso it produces in one go when looking for an espresso machine. Also, be sure to look at the brew capacity and whether it comes with an integrated coffee grinder or requires one. Also, you should look for features that make it easy to make milk-based drinks, such as a movable milk hopper and an arm with a frothing feature. Last but not least, check the filtration system of the machine and the way it's installed. It's crucial to select an appropriate filter to handle the hardness of your water. If you don't, you might have to flush your system more frequently and clean the portafilter frequently. A good filter can ensure that your shots are excellent and a system with an AquaClean water-hardness filter can help reduce the buildup of limescale.