Making great
espresso at home, similar to what you get in your favorite cafe,
requires a good understanding of the principles of espresso making
and a reliable machine that suits your needs. Add a little patience
and regular practice and you will soon be making delicious espressos
just like your favorite neighborhood cafe.
Before we get into a
discussion about the various machines on the market, let's review
some basic facts about espresso that may help you in your
espresso-making adventures.
Espresso is the
process by which a tiny cup of delicious coffee is made. Many people
think the word refers to a type of bean or roast and the term is
mistakenly used in this manner.
Most coffee roasters
have their own special blend of beans. This is usually a mix of
arabica beans but may also include some robusta beans to give unusual
flavor nuances to their espressos. The bean designated for an
espresso is roasted just slightly longer than regular coffee beans so
that the rich oils in the coffee are brought to the surface the bean.
It is a surprise to most people to learn that this dark roast
contains less caffeine than lighter roasts because the espresso
process, hot water passing swiftly through ground coffee, leaves more
caffeine in the grounds and less in your demitasse.
Another important
factor that affects a cup of espresso is the grind. "An
incorrect grind will result in a poor quality and inconsistent cup,"
says espresso machine expert, Christopher Cara of Thomas Cara, Ltd.
in San Francisco.
If your beans are
too oily and your grind is too fine, your espresso maker can't
produce an even flow of liquid -- it will trickle out with no crema.
[Crema is the beautiful, brown cream found on the top of a perfect
espresso.] If your grind is too coarse, the espresso pours out of
your machine like Niagara Falls...too fast for good flavor and
definitely no crema.
The best grind for
espresso exhibits a fine, gritty, consistent texture. Inconsistency
will produce an uneven cup of espresso. As I've discussed in a
previous article, electric burr grinders are best at providing the
proper grind for your coffee beans.
Lastly, you'll get
the best results from your espresso-making if you follow these few
important tips:
Now that we've covered the basic components in a great cup of espresso, let's move on to review some of the better-known pieces of equipment available to the home espresso maker.For every four tablespoons of water (one demitasse cup), use two teaspoons of ground coffee which is gently, but firmly, packed into your gruppa (the metal cup which holds your grounds.)Before starting your machine, heat your espresso cups under hot running water or on the machine's warmer.Use low fat milk, preferably skim milk, to make your froth for lattes and cappuccinos.
Stovetop
Espresso Makers
The Moka Pot
Made in Italy of
aluminum, this simple device is not really considered a true espresso
maker because it lacks a steaming wand, although it is used widely in
European homes. A bottom chamber (which can range from a single to a
twelve cup capacity) holds the water. The top chamber holds the
finished coffee. The espresso is created when steam pressure forces
the hot water up a tube and onto the coffee grounds located in a
filter between the two chambers. The coffee then dribbles into the
top chamber where it can be poured from a spout. The Moka Pot makes
only espresso as it lacks the frothing wand used to steam milk. The
espresso quality is certainly not that of a cafe, as it makes an
inconsistent, bitter cup of espresso.
Graziala Steamer
This stovetop model
is much heavier than the Moka Pot because it is made of stainless
steel. As with the Moka, this incorporates a water tank below coffee
grounds and uses steam to make espresso. The major difference is that
this model is a true espresso/steam maker for your stovetop. It has a
frothing wand, a valve to dispense steam, a pressure release valve
and a valve to extract your espresso. Unfortunately, the quality of
the espresso is not the best; but, for such a compact, inexpensive
device, the froth produced is amazingly light, delicious and
long-lasting. The coffee is a heavier extraction, more typical of a
European's preference, but not as full-bodied and dense as an
espresso. If you desire espresso-making only on rare occasions, you
should investigate this equipment.
Countertop
Espresso Makers
The Steam
Pressure Style
Although the models
represented make acceptable frothy milk, I am not impressed with the
overall quality of the espresso made. The coffee does not resemble
the cafe-style espresso that one would hope for, but I do think the
Krups produces the best of the lot. The steam pressure machine seems
to be designed for the infrequent espresso brewer who does not want
to invest too much in their machine and is not too finicky about
their cup of espresso. Pressure for brewing is supplied by a build-up
of steam in the boiler. The pressure builds to a point where it
forces the water underneath into a pipe that flows onto the coffee
grounds. Unfortunately, you cannot open the reservoir to add water
while the machine is running: the machine must be cooled before
adding water. The steaming wand is controlled by a valve or on-off
switch. All water reservoirs are made of aluminum and this makes for
fairly lightweight machines.
Delonghi Cafe
Pronto
This Italian-made
model is a small and simple approach to the traditional steam brew
process. The espresso is brewed directly into a four-cup lidded glass
carafe which offers graduated markings for brewing two to four cups.
A single on-off switch and a steam valve are on the front of the
black or white plastic housing which offers a removable, deep drip
pan. This machine is very lightweight. I didn't enjoy the thin,
watery cup of espresso that I had from this pot.
Delonghi Cafe
Siena
This machine offers
a variable brew strength dial which allows the consumer to determine
the strength of the espresso. Unfortunately, the retailer I spoke to
wasn't clear how this was achieved. This model offers a pressure
safety valve and an instant froth dispensing system. A single push
button for "on" and "ready" signals controls the
machine. The housing is made of heavy black plastic with a removable,
shallow, plastic drip pan. Brewing takes place in a four-cup lidded
glass carafe instead of directly into your cups.
Krups II Primo
Krups is notorious
for producing good quality household products, as witnessed by the
high ratings many of its appliances receive in Consumer Reports. This
particular model of steam espresso maker is no exception. If you are
looking for a machine that will provide decent espresso, not cost too
much and will perform comfortably under lighter use conditions, this
is a machine you may want to consider. Brewing and frothing work
independently. The steam wand has a patented "Perfect Froth"
attachment to provide more aeration to your milk, making a better
froth for your lattes and cappuccinos.
The Pump Style
According to my
research, pump models come very close to making espresso bar quality
drinks. Each model reviewed offers a water chamber refillable while
the machine is running, without any changes in water temperature or
function, a definite advantage. The quality of the espresso may be
attributed to the lower brewing temperatures, which range from 186
degrees F. to 192 degrees F. Because the brewing action is kept
separate from the frothing function, this affords better temperature
control as compared to other types of countertop machines.
This style of
espresso maker brews faster and provides a better cup of coffee than
steam machines because they provide the necessary pressure, about 15
bars, to function. Steam valves and wands are provided on all models
reviewed. Most models reviewed have two thermal units: one to heat
the water for the coffee and one to heat the steam for the frothing
mechanism. In most models reviewed, a pump is used to force the room
temperature water from the reservoir into a boiler and then through
the packed coffee grounds in the gruppa.
These are the most
popular household espresso machines. They can range in price from
$150.00 to $300.00 for the less expensive and lighter weight models.
The inside boiler on these machines is usually made of aluminum and
the outside housing is made of plastic, hence, their lighter weight.
The next range of common household machines are the heavier models
costing from $350.00 to $700.00. They usually have a brass boiler
chamber and heavier filter holders, plus housings composed partially
or entirely of metal. These heavier models stand up to frequent use.
Espresso Gaggia
Housing is composed
of plastic, making it a lighter weight unit. Water reservoir holds 25
cups and is removable. You can warm your cups on the heating surface
on top of the machine. Has a deep, removable drip tray which
facilitates in clean up. Like the commercial machines that Gaggia
began making decades ago, this machine demonstrates the company's
care and concern for the quality of their products. Evidence of this
is seen in the secure chrome-plated brass portafilter and other main
components. The machine makes a smooth, bittersweet, delicious cup of
espresso with a generous layer of golden brown crema. Switching from
brew function to steam function occurs in seconds. Frothing wand has
a patented black plastic "Turbo Froth" nozzle which assists
in producing better aeration.
Coffee Gaggia
Housing is mostly
metal with some heavy plastic, accounting for the price difference in
from the previous Gaggia model. The main components are made of
chrome forged brass. This model offers a 30 cup removable reservoir
and has a deep, removable drip tray. As with the Espresso Gaggia,
this model makes a good cup of espresso. Gaggia's patented "Turbo
Froth" steaming nozzle is also on this model.
Krups Novo
Compact
This, as with all
Krups models, comes with a "Perfect Froth" wand for making
good froth. The stainless steel boiler makes this is a heavier
machine than the previous Krups model mentioned. Offers a 34 ounce
reservoir which is visible in the back of the machine, plus a
removable, shallow, metal drip tray. Also has a control for
pre-heating to reduce the waiting time for a cup of espresso. Has a
manually-controlled steam valve for froth. I thought this model
produced a descent cup of espresso, but I was more impressed by the
froth produced by their patented wand: consistently good. This seems
to be a good investment.
Cuisinart Coffee
Bar
This machine won my
award for best in the lighter weight pump style category. You will
have to spend a little bit more (unless you can track down a coupon
from Coupon Sherpa) but, for the extra dollars, you are getting the
quality and reliable testing that are the benchmarks of Cuisinart. It
offers a brew mode selector (no separate steam valve control) which
can be switched from brew to froth without a wait. It produces
unlimited amounts of steam because it has no boiler. Instead, a
thermoblock unit maintains a continuous water temperature by pumping
it through a heated coil to arrive at the brew temperature. This
thermoblock unit allows you to get continuous cups of coffee, allows
you to add water as it brews, and, after use, it empties itself so
water doesn't stale in the brewing system. The housing is made of
heavy black plastic and includes a warming tray. Cuisinart provides
it's own style of frother attachment. The cup of espresso was
delicious and quite close to cafe quality with golden, thick crema.
The latte had a dense, thick froth which lasted longer than many I've
tasted.
Rancilio's Miss
Rancilio/Audrey
This model is also
known as Rialto. This is as close to a commercial espresso maker that
I tested and am including this for those who are seriously addicted
to their several daily cups of espresso. It's a very sturdy model
that will stand up to the heaviest use. Espresso is near cafe quality
and the crema has a nice body (thick, golden and delicious). The
machine is solidly built with a brass boiler, a commercial strength
pump and a commercial size and weight portafiller that is made of
chrome-plated brass. It has a separate on/off switch, a steam switch
and a brew switch with a quick transition between each function. The
water tank offers a large 52 ounce capacity and is removable.
Although it has a water filtering system, Patrick McAllister of
Peet's Coffee in Berkeley recommends using filtered water to prevent
build up of chemicals in the interior piping. As a safety feature,
the pump won't run if the water level is too low. The steam wand has
a nice range of motion so that both large and small pitchers of milk
can be frothed easily. The housing is made of white enameled cast
aluminum and a black plastic base. This was the least attractive of
the models I reviewed but it certainly does the job well. According
to Patrick of Peet's, "It's easy enough for a beginner to use
but offers all the amenities that an expert would want."
Countertop
Espresso Makers
The Piston Style
This style of
espresso maker's piston are driven by either manual pressure or
spring-loaded action. When lifted, the piston pulls heated water from
the reservoir and into a small chamber where it is forced into a
filter of ground coffee by the lowering of the piston. These
beautifully crafted machines have sleek, atomic-looking chrome
exteriors which beg to be kept on your kitchen countertop for all to
admire. Basically, they are fairly quiet and simple to use, once
you've mastered them. They make good espresso and have a valve and
frothing wand which make steamed milk reminiscent of the froth I
found on cappuccinos in Italy. All have visible water level
indicators. A disadvantage of these models is that the machine has to
be turned off, cooled, and the steam must be allowed to escape before
you can refill the boiler chamber. Then, you must wait until the
water reheats, which can take up to fifteen minutes, before coffee
can be brewed again. Also, one chamber is used for both the brewing
and the frothing and this results in water temperature that is hotter
than the preferred 186 degrees F. to 192 degrees F. range. But, if
you are a romantic at heart who has the patience to learn the art of
making espresso like a seasoned Italian barista, these models just
might be what you want
Europiccola
Pavoni
A popular home
brewing model that comes either in combination chrome body with a
black base or an all chrome machine. Makes 1-2 cups at a time. Tank
capacity is 12 cups. Makes a good cup of espresso with pleasant
amount of golden crema. The all chrome model cost more than the
chrome/black model.
Baby Lusso, by
Riviera
A favorite among the
piston-driven home model . This also offers a 12 cup capacity
reservoir. All chrome housing. Provides a delicious cup of espresso
and crema.
Professional
Pavoni
An all chrome model
with a large 16 cup capacity water reservoir. The larger size may be
a drawback for many households as you have to wait quite a while
before refilling the water tank. The machine's appearance is a plus:
it made of attractive, gleaming chrome. The cup of espresso wasn't as
snappy and bittersweet as the smaller Pavoni models.
Alessi Gaudensio
Although I didn't
have an opportunity to taste the espresso from this model, I couldn't
resist putting this on my list. It's made by the reputable Riviera
espresso makers and was just released for sale this year. The
exterior boasts the sleekest chrome design of all models I've seen.
It has a domed appearance similar to those Alessi-designed chrome
cream and sugar sets that are in some of the better design and
housewares stores. It offers a 12 cup capacity reservoir.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.
Source: https://sallybernstein.com/beverages/coffee/expresso_machine.htm
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