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small espresso machine – Which One is Right For Your Home? The top espresso machines are easy to use, simple to clean, and able to create rich and balanced shots. But how do you know which one is the right fit for your home? This Breville model with its fast-heating thermocoil design and digital convenience is perfect for a person who doesn't have the time to learn barista skills but wants good coffee at home. Pump-driven Pump-driven machines use an electric pump to supply the force required for espresso brewing. These machines typically take water from a mains supply, which is common in commercial installations or a reservoir that must be filled manually (common with smaller commercial espresso machines). The pumps used are typically solenoid-piston types that can generate high levels of pressure. Some espresso machines with pump-driven systems have a fixed flow rate while others let you adjust the pre-infusion or brewing pressure. These are the most sought-after machines, and are perfect for those who want an consistent, high-quality cup of coffee. They can also be easier to maintain and clean than other types of machines, but do require a certain amount of electrical power and space near an outlet. There are two basic types: semi-automatics and super-automatics. Semi-automatics let you regulate how long the shot is pulled with the manual switch or programmed function. You can also alter the grind setting, and tamp down the coffee. Some semi-automatics are equipped with rotary motors as well as others that vibrate. Rotary pumps are quieter and more reliable however they require a constant flow of pressurized water. A vibrating pump, on the other hand, starts out with a quiet start. However, it could sound like a scream when water is added to the machine. Both have pros and cons and you should pick the one that suits your lifestyle best. Pump-driven machines are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges. The most expensive models are typically super-automatic and have multiple boilers that separate the water used to steam and brew. These models come with heat exchangers which can be set at different temperatures to allow for variations in flavor. This additional feature makes them a great option for the busy home barista however, it will increase their price. The middle ground is a semi-automatic, which can be very affordable but doesn't provide the same consistency and flexibility as other alternatives. Steam-driven Steam-driven machines employ a simple mechanism to produce a strong espresso. In an airtight container, steam is heated to create pressure, which is transferred to the coffee grounds for brewing. This is similar to the process that occurs inside a stovetop moka pot and they are used today for their affordability and compact size. These models aren't capable of achieving the 9 bar pressure needed for true espresso. These models are suitable for those who are just beginning with home brewing or those who don't worry about making the perfect espresso. One of the earliest examples of a steam-driven machine is the 1878 compensation siphon balancing machine designed by German engineer H. Eicke. The steam generated by this device pushes boiling water through a filter containing ground beans, which are then depressurized by the heat from an open flame spirit burner. This technique produces a robust shot, but doesn't provide the quality of consistency that many espresso drinkers like. Luigi Bezzera patented improvements in 1901 that led to the next breakthrough. His design was able to lower the temperature of the boiler, which allowed for more stable pressure and temperature control. Bezzera included a piston device to help make this machine semi-automatic. The only problem was that it required the barista a while to grind, measure and tamp the beans manually. This led to the creation of an espresso machine that is driven by a pump. This type of espresso machine, unlike the older steam-driven ones that were heated by an open flame, is equipped with an electric pump capable of producing high levels of pressure required to make espresso. The machines can take water from a cold line, which is a common feature in commercial installations. Or they can use a separate water tank that has to be filled manually. They also come with two temperature settings that can be controlled by the push of a button. One of these buttons activates the brew thermostat, while another switch is for the steam thermostat. This kind of machine can produce consistent shots at less than what it costs when compared to steam-driven models. Semi-automatic For those who are looking for an easy method to make espresso with less hassle, the semi-automatic machine is the solution. It eliminates the need for barista-level education by automatizing the grinding extraction, and tamping processes to produce consistent results. However, it can't complete the entire process for you. You'll still need to grind the beans and tamp them in the portafilter prior to the water is pushed through them. Many amateur and professional coffee-lovers prefer semi-automatic coffee makers for this reason, as they enjoy the feeling of being more involved in the process of brewing. These machines are also cheaper than fully automated counterparts and are generally more reliable. These espresso machines are usually located in non-specialty coffee shops and in homes of coffee enthusiasts who are willing to pay more money to enjoy convenience. Dual boilers permit the steam and brewing process to be kept separate. One is used for heating, while the other is used to make your favorite beverage. Some models come with an integrated grinder that can save the user a lot of time. However the built-in grinder typically has a limited selection of settings, which can be frustrating for those who are more interested in tinkering with the espresso-brewing process to make their own personal favorites. It is recommended to combine a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grind to ensure total control over the size of the grinder. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is semi-automatic, look for one with an extremely quiet electric pump, and a temperature controller that allows precise temperature regulation. The PID is a piece of technology commonly used in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens and helps stabilize a brewing boiler by measuring the temperature variations during the heating cycle. Additionally, a quality semi-automatic machine must have a sufficient steam wand to create microfoam and be able to switch between steaming and brewing modes quickly (if it doesn't have two boilers). With all of these features, a high-quality semi-automatic espresso maker is an ideal choice for those who want to save the time and money of learning how to make coffee of a high-quality, but appreciate some flexibility with the process. Manual Manual espresso machines operate with levers which push the coffee grounds through the bed. This results in extremely concentrated shots. They are cheaper than fully automated or semi-automatic machines and are therefore popular with coffee enthusiasts. Manual espresso machines require more focus and experience by the operator to maximize their potential. It is also important to select the correct grinder and make sure that the brew proportion is right. Although some people find the learning curve of manual machines challenging and difficult, those with the right skills can make it worth the effort. Our expert barista in-house at CHOICE, Adrian Lini, says that if you have the right equipment and patience to learn how to operate a manual espresso machine, it can provide the ultimate espresso experience. In recent times, espresso machines operated by hand have grown in both form and function with more sophisticated features such as digital pressure gauges that allow users to track the pressure of extraction. Charles who works for Flair Espresso, says that these machines can be used using Bluetooth devices to plot graphs for flow rate. This aids users in understanding how changing variables during extraction can affect the final outcome. There are two major types of manual espresso machines including spring piston and direct. Direct levers are equipped with a spring in their group heads, which helps boost pressure during brewing. They're more expensive than spring-assisted units, but can still be easier to operate. Springs piston machines only have the steam valve in their group head. They're much more user-friendly than direct lever machines however they don't provide as much control over the process of brewing. The choice of the best machine is dependent on your personal preferences and budget. Whichever you choose an espresso machine that is manual will need a few essential accessories, including kettles, coffee grinder and a portafilter that has a removable metal dispersion screen.