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Espresso Machines – Which One is Right For Your Home? The best espresso machines are simple to operate, simple to clean and able to make rich and balanced shots. But how do you know which one is the right one for your home? This Breville model with its rapid-heating thermocoil design and digital convenience is ideal for someone who doesn't want to develop barista skills but still wants to make great coffee at home. Pump-driven Pump-driven machines use an electric pump to supply the force needed to prepare espresso. These machines either accept water directly from the mains as is the norm in commercial installations, or they have a reservoir that must be manually filled (common for home espresso machines and smaller commercial espresso machine). Pumps are typically solenoid pistons that can generate high pressure. Some espresso machines driven by pumps come with a fixed flow regulator while others let you alter the pre-infusion or the brewing pressure. These are the most popular machines, and are perfect for anyone who wants an steady, high-quality cup coffee. They can also be easier to clean and maintain than other types of machines however, they require an amount of electrical power and space near an outlet. There are two types of basic of semi-automatics and super-automatics. Semi-automatics allow you to control how long the shot is pulled by using the manual switch or programmed function. You can also alter the grind setting, and then tamp down the coffee. Some semi-automatics are equipped with rotary motors, while others vibrate. Rotary pumps are quieter and more reliable but require a constant stream of pressurized water. A vibrating pump begins very quietly but it can soon sound like a scream when the machine needs to be fed water. Both have pros and cons and you should pick one that suits your lifestyle. Pump-driven machines are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges. The most expensive ones are usually super-automatic and feature multiple boilers that separate the water used for steaming and brewing. The heat exchangers on these models can be set to different temperatures, allowing for some variations in the flavor of the espresso. This additional feature makes them a good choice for the busy home barista however, it will increase the cost. Semi-automatics are a good middle ground. They aren't expensive but they don't provide the same level of consistency and versatility of other alternatives. Steam-driven Steam-driven machines utilize a simple system to produce an intense espresso. Inside an airtight tank steam is heated to create pressure, which is then transferred to the coffee grounds for brewing. This is similar to what happens in a stovetop moka pot and these machines are still popular today due to their low cost and small size. However, these machines do not have the ability to achieve the 9 bar pressure needed for a authentic espresso. This makes them ideal for those who are just starting out with making espresso at home or aren't concerned about making the perfect cup of espresso. One of the earliest examples of a steam-driven device is the compensatory siphon balancing machine in 1878 developed by German engineer H. Eicke. Steam is produced by this machine, which is used to push boiling beans through a filter. The water is released by heating from an open flame. This makes a powerful shot, however it does not meet the standards of consistency that many espresso lovers prefer. Luigi Bezzera patented improvements in 1901 which led to the next breakthrough. His invention was able lower the temperature of the boiler, allowing for more stable pressure and temperature control. Bezzera also included an engine piston to make the machine semi-automatic. The only problem was that it took the barista to grind, measure and tamp the beans manually. This led to the development of an espresso machine that is driven by a pump. This brand new espresso machine, in contrast to the steam-driven models of the past, which were heated by an open flame, features an electric pump that is capable producing the high pressure levels required for brewing the espresso. These machines can be able to take water from a cold line, which is typical in commercial facilities. They can also use an additional water tank that must be filled manually. They also have two temperature settings controlled by a push button. One of these buttons switches on the temperature of the brew, while the second switches on the steam temperature. This kind of machine is able to provide consistent shots for a fraction of what it costs compared to older steam-driven models. Semi-automatic Semi-automatic machines are the best option for those who want to make espresso quickly and easily. It removes the need for barista-level instruction by automatizing the grinding tamping and extraction process to ensure consistently good results. However, it doesn't take care of everything for you: You still need to grind the beans and tamp them in the portafilter prior to the water is pushed through them. Many coffee lovers, both professional and amateur prefer to use semi-automatic coffee makers because they like the feeling of being more involved in the process of brewing. They also come with an affordable price compared to their fully automated counterparts, and tend to be more reliable, too. These espresso machines are typically found in shops that are not specialty and in the homes of casual coffee drinkers who are willing pay more for convenience. They feature dual boilers so that the steam and brewing water are kept separate while one is heating while the other is being used to prepare your drink of choice. Some models include an integrated grinder which can save the user much time. The espresso grinder that comes with the machine is usually limited in its settings, which can be frustrating for those who wish to alter the process of brewing their own espresso. Coffeee is best to use a semi-automatic espresso machine with an external grinder to have full control over the size of the grinder. If you are interested in an espresso machine semiautomatic, look for one with an extremely quiet electric pump, and a temperature controller that can provide precise temperature control. The PID is usually found in top-quality toasters and immersion circulators. It assists in stabilizing a brewing system by measuring temperature fluctuations during the heating cycle. A decent semi-automatic espresso maker should also have an efficient steam wand to make microfoam and the capability to switch between steaming and brewing modes quickly (if it doesn't have two boilers). With all these options, a top-quality semi-automatic espresso maker could be a great option for those who want to get rid of the hassle and expense of learning how to make coffee of a high-quality, but have fun experimenting with the process. Manual Manual espresso machines use levers to push pressurized water over a bed of finely ground coffee, resulting in extremely concentrated shots. They are cheaper than semi-automatic or fully automated machines and are therefore popular with coffee enthusiasts. Manual espresso machines require more focus and experience by the operator to maximize their capabilities. It is also important to select the correct grinder and make sure that the brew proportion is right. While some people may find the learning curve operating a machine manual difficult but for those with the right set of abilities, it is worthwhile. Adrian Lini, CHOICE's expert barista, believes that if one has the patience and the right tools, a manual machine will make the finest espresso. In recent years, espresso machines that are operated by hand have improved in both appearance and function with more sophisticated features such as digital pressure gauges that let users monitor the pressure during extraction. Charles who works at Flair Espresso, explains that these machines can also be paired with bluetooth devices to digitally draw graphs of flow rate to help users understand how changing various variables during extraction can affect the final outcome. There are two types of manual espresso machines including spring piston and direct. Direct levers feature springs inside their group heads which help to increase the pressure when making coffee. They're more expensive than spring-assisted machines but can still be easier to use. Springs piston machines have only the steam valve inside their group head. They are easier to use however they do not provide the same degree of control over the making process. The ideal machine for you will be based on your budget and personal taste. Whichever you choose, an espresso machine that is manual will require a few basic accessories, including kettles, coffee grinder and a portafilter that has a removable metal dispersion screen.