What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine
The espresso machine is one of the most complicated coffee machines available. It is comprised of three major components. The bottom holds the water and the middle is the filter-basket.
This machine was a huge success and was instrumental in establishing the prosumer (home barista) espresso market. Features include a 2.2L steam boiler, a low pressure pre-infusion, and 9 bar pressure for brewing.
Pressure
If you're serious about your coffee, then you know the pressure of your espresso machine is a crucial factor in how well your drinks turn out. The pressure of your machine is crucial in brewing excellent coffee whether you're seeking a thick layer or the perfect balance of flavor and acidity.
BARs (Barometric Pressure) refer to the force that is imposed on the coffee grounds when your espresso machine is delivering its high-pressure water. 9 BARs means that your espresso machine is forcing heated water through the ground coffee at 9 times the Earth's current atmospheric pressure.
The pressure of the espresso machine is crucial because it allows the water to move through the grounds of coffee at the proper speed and in the right amount. If the pressure is too low, the dissolved oils and flavors will not be extracted properly. On the other however, 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 and over-extracted cup of espresso.
You can regulate the pressure of your espresso maker by changing the screw of the espresso maker. Commercial machines and some of the top-end home machines use rotary pumps that are adjustable. For the cheaper home appliances that utilize the pump that vibrates, adjusting the pressure is not possible without getting into DIY hacks. However, companies such as Cafflano are working on technology that makes use of Pascal's Principle to create maintained pressure inside the portafilter during the beer making process.
Temperature
Temperature is among the most important elements in the making of a good espresso shot. A hot water can burn the grounds of the coffee, resulting in bitter brew. The ideal extraction temperature is about 200 degrees Fahrenheit which allows the water to extract all the desired coffee flavors without scalding the grounds or over-extracting.
The best espresso machines have the thermoblock, also known as a thermocoil which heats the water and maintains it at an even temperature throughout the extraction process. The Breville Barista Express has a PID system (Proportional Integral Derived) which continuously monitors and adjusts the temperature of water. This ensures that the brewhead remains at the right temperature for extraction.
Many coffee drinkers know that the temperature of your espresso machine is an essential element in brewing a great cup of coffee. The ideal temperature for espresso is between between 190 and 196 degrees. In order to achieve this, your espresso machine should have a high-quality thermoblock or thermocoil and the boiler must be sized to the correct size.
It is also important to heat up your machine or portafilter before making the espresso. Inability to heat your equipment is among the most common mistakes that can be committed by novice espresso makers. This is the reason you should always go through the instruction manual prior to making espresso for the first time.
Grind
A barista espresso machine must also offer a variety of grind settings to give you the greatest control over the final cup of coffee. Some machines come with an analog pressure gauge which is cool and can help you gain knowledge about the brewing process. It is recommended to maintain a pressure of nine bars throughout the entire brewing process. This machine is very close to getting to that point.
Another wonderful feature of this machine is its built-in burr grinder. This feature is ideal for beginners because it eliminates having to buy a separate grinder. The grinder is a conical stainless steel device with 18 settings ranging from "coarse" to "fine."
This grinder isn't as powerful as a stand-alone device, but it can get you started on the right track to making excellent espresso shots. It's easy to clean, and you can even pause it during the grinding process, which helps you avoid creating a mountain of grounds that spill all over your portafilter on its way to grinding.
This beautiful and functional machine lets you feel like a barista from your home. This is a great choice for those who want to relive the excitement of pouring microfoam in their morning coffee, locking the portafilter into the head of the grouphead and tamping the coffee with precision. A bean-to-cup machine is a good option for those who are looking for convenience.
Water
Water can be a difficult thing to master. The trick is to find the right balance. Too much caffeine can cause mineral deposits to form inside your machine. But too little will result in a weaker cup of espresso.
The best espresso water has an alkalinity and hardness that is low level. This can be achieved with an water filter system espresso machine with frother that eliminates chlorine and brings back in a small amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) to add calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will help you achieve the right balance between acidity and hardness and will also prevent the necessity of decalcifying.
A high-quality, filtered water is essential to your machine's longevity health as well as the flavor of the coffee it produces. Depending on the use and hardness of your machine you should use a descaling product on a regular basis. These products come in powder, liquid and tab forms and can be found in the majority of hardware stores.
The Breville Barista Express, a luxurious, high-end espresso machine for your home designed to bring the café experience into your home. It is equipped with more advanced features in comparison to other machines for beginners, and is geared towards coffee enthusiasts who want refine their technique and perfect their craft. The thermocoil heating system with integrated PID controller, centered on the active heated group head makes it easy to regulate your brewing temperature. This is a major advantage over the other models which require longer "temperature surfing" to ensure a consistent shot of espresso.