best The Right Espresso Machine For You
Brewing an espresso coffee drink is different compared to most other types of coffee. In fact, the rise in the popularity of espresso coffee over the last 20 years or so has been very significant.
Companies took notice and banked on the salability of espresso machines, competing for features and designs.
Due to this competition, espresso machines today come in varied forms, brands designs and sizes. That variation gives rise to another problem: Which espresso machine is right for your needs?
Espresso machines, no matter what the brand, will serve the same basic purpose.
Espresso machines pump out steam through a finely packed puck of powdered coffee beans for about 20 seconds and produces a drink that is slightly thick and deep brown in color, with a foam layer on top.
Espresso machines may have a combination or may include all of the following components:
• Pump
• Heating Chamber
• Steam Wand
• Control Panel
• Reservoir
Espresso machines have four basic styles. Each type has its own positive features and each has its own disadvantages.
The pump style espresso machine
This type of espresso machines are of the larger variety and uses a power pump to provide the correct amount of water pressure.
The pump style espresso machines are quite large and could be noisy. These machines are suitable for commercial establishments as they can produce more espresso coffee with settings.
The machine is also the most expensive type, but produces the best tasting espressos. The disadvantage is that water deposits, which require regular and more vigorous maintenance, can clog the pump type espresso machine.
The lever style espresso machines
This machine is operated by manipulating the lever arm so that pressure is created that will force the steam through the coffee grinds.
Compared to the pump style espresso machine, this espresso machine type is quiet, although it could be quite hard on the hands.
Because this machine is manually operated, the quality of the espresso that is produced may vary. Compared to the pump style however, lever types have fewer parts and require less maintenance.
Steam powered espresso machines
The steam coming from the heated water creates the pressure for this espresso machine type. Because the pressure could be inconsistent and may not always be strong enough,
the quality of espresso that may be produced may not always be good. The steam type espresso machine, however, is easy to use thanks to is smaller design.
The Moka Pot
The moka pot is the simplest and possibly the most ingenious way of producing espressos. The moka pot is placed on top of your stove and the burner is turned on.
As the water boils in the bottom chamber of this espresso machine, a steam is forced through the upper chamber of the pot. Because the moka pot is not a mechanized espresso machine,
the pressure produced from the process is weaker than its counterparts. The main feature of this espresso maker is its simplicity.
As a disadvantage, it does not have attachments for foaming. The moka pot is the least expensive of all espresso machines on the market.
The sales of espresso coffee machines have been increasing. Espresso machines for home use, though, will naturally tend to be less bulky.
The features mentioned above should be enough to determine the kind of an espresso machine that will suit your needs. Other features are merely bonuses.
Espresso Machines
Instead of going to the local coffee shop, use your espresso machines instead. There are some excellent opportunities out there for you in these new, must have options for your kitchen.
Once only used in coffee shops and in restaurants that were high end, these machines have been made so that anyone, anywhere can use them rather easily.
Espresso machines are available in several ways. You may have a favorite method of making the espresso or perhaps you are looking for something that offers a distinctive taste.
In most cases, you will find that there are espresso machines that do just what you are looking for. Because they are so easy to use, you will be able to make your favorite espresso flavors yourself as well.
On top of this, you will also find that some machines are also combinations. Love cappuccino as well? Would you like a standard coffee maker along with your new espresso machine? These too can be purchased. You will find them available in a variety of styles and colors to fit any kitchen.
Yet another feature that is important to comment on is their quality. Some of the espresso machine styles that are on the market for individual use are in fact quite capable of making coffee house style coffee that is rich and full flavored, missing nothing except the price tag.
And, you can experiment with coffee beans that fit your tastes while in a coffee house you may be limited. Purchase gourmet varieties for pennies on the dollar online and enjoy the coffee that is nothing short of amazing every day that you wake up.
Worried about dealing with these things each morning? Don’t be, because you will find it very hard to find an espresso machine that isn’t easy to use.
Clean up is often just as easy as a standard coffee maker so that is not a problem as well. Espresso machines look great, work great and add an air of sophistication to your life.
Espresso Machines: Not For The Coffee Shop Anymore!
Instead of going to the local coffee shop, use your espresso machines instead. There are some excellent opportunities out there for you in these new, must have options for your kitchen.
Once only used in coffee shops and in restaurants that were high end, these machines have been made so that anyone, anywhere can use them rather easily.
Espresso machines are available in several ways. You may have a favorite method of making the espresso or perhaps you are looking for something that offers a distinctive taste.
In most cases, you will find that there are espresso machines that do just what you are looking for. Because they are so easy to use, you will be able to make your favorite espresso flavors yourself as well.
On top of this, you will also find that some machines are also combinations. Love cappuccino as well? Would you like a standard coffee maker along with your new espresso machine?
These too can be purchased. You will find them available in a variety of styles and colors to fit any kitchen.
Yet another feature that is important to comment on is their quality. Some of the espresso machine styles that are on the market for individual use are in fact quite capable of making coffee house style coffee that is rich and full flavored, missing nothing except the price tag.
And, you can experiment with coffee beans that fit your tastes while in a coffee house you may be limited. Purchase gourmet varieties for pennies on the dollar online and enjoy the coffee that is nothing short of amazing every day that you wake up.
Worried about dealing with these things each morning? Don’t be, because you will find it very hard to find an espresso machine that isn’t easy to use.
Clean up is often just as easy as a standard coffee maker so that is not a problem as well. Espresso machines look great, work great and add an air of sophistication to your life.
The History of Espresso
If you are an avid coffee drinker then chances are that you probably know all about the varieties, types, flavors, and prices of various coffees that you drink on a regular basis.
However, if you’re not that familiar with espresso then you may be in for a surprise. Espresso is quite different from coffee products because there is a very different method of making the liquid.
Here are some interesting facts about the history of espresso, though, that you may not have known previously.
Developed in Italy
Did you know that espresso was actually developed more than ten centuries after the coffee beverage became popular? In fact, regular coffee and coffee beans weren’t found until about the 9th Century.
On the flip side, espresso was actually developed from the beginnings of coffee, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that people began producing a beverage that is known today as espresso!
Indeed, espresso was developed in Milan, Italy around the early 20th Century and the drink was actually made by hand even though it was very time consuming to do so.
This resulted in a machine being made specifically for the creation of espresso beverages. In fact, workers in cafes and coffee shops throughout Italy who dealt with using espresso machines to make espresso were
regularly known as “baristas,” and becoming a barista was actually a job often given to young people, just as a job at McDonald’s or another fast food restaurant might be considered a starting point for young people in America to work.
The Switch to Machines
As mentioned, espresso was originally made by hand. However, there are a couple things that lead up to the beverage being made in a machine.
First, the spring piston lever was designed to emit pressure on a certain something, and this machine was used to make espresso since espresso was made through the use of pressure and hot water.
Although before the machines typically made espressos beginning in the 1940s, steam pressure was mainly the culprit and the method that people in Italy used to make espresso by hand!
Needless to say, however, coffee beverages that didn’t include espresso were popular long before espresso was being made.
Just as there are all sorts of different flavors that coffee can be made with, though, there are also many different flavors that can be added to the espresso beverage.
For example, some cultures usually add a bit of cinnamon to the espresso mixture and cinnamon is actually the most widely used spice for espresso as a whole.
On the other hand, some of the other spices and herbs that are used with espresso include peppermint, mint extract, vanilla, and a brown sugar mixture just to name a few.
It’s undisputable, though, that the finding of espresso totally transformed the popularity and consumption of coffee beverages worldwide!
Granted, many people are thankful for this change, but the fact of the matter is that espresso and coffee are considered two different drinks altogether although one was derived from the other!
An Espresso Coffee Maker….Just The Thing To Help You……
……get moving quicker and faster in the morning.
Worried that your first cup of coffee for the day is starting to lose its edge?
Then fear no more. These days’ manufacturers are making the espresso machine available to just about anyone who wants one. Creating the perfect café style shot of this black aromatic brew first thing in the morning has never been easier.
And these new fangled machines are nothing like your Dad’s old style Coffee Maker either.
The older generation just don’t seem to understand our modern day fascination with drinking a good espresso. The social forces underlying life today are bringing household accessories like espresso machines to the forefront of our collective minds.
Almost daily there seems to be new international influences popping up in the coffee scene and this, coupled with the widespread acceptance of the local specialty coffee shop have all helped people from America, Australia, the UK, Asia and many other countries around the world to totally embrace the idea of owning an espresso machine.
Life today is all about the quick fix – it is our need for instant gratification.
What else is there that provides a quicker fix than the punch delivered by a shot of good steaming espresso?
It makes perfect sense that coffee drinkers want to add an espresso coffee maker to their list of kitchen gadgets all in the name of getting that instant morning heart starter – you can also justify your thoughts by saying that there is the superior flavor too!
Then make mine a double please!
Is that a double shot you mean? Well some mornings – yes!
Now days the espresso coffee maker is available in just about any style or configuration you could possibly imagine.
You can start with the small, single-cup models and go right on up to the top end of the range to the more expensive imports better suited to busy coffee shops than a home kitchen.
Really it is only a matter of how deep your pockets are and how much spare space you have on your kitchen bench.
Technically espresso machines range from piston operated models that offer a “throw-back” feel of old world coffee houses all the way up to the super dooper automatic models that do everything apart from drink the coffee for you – they are even self cleaning – all at the touch of a button.
For our time-starved generation, it’s little wonder that the fastest growing category amongst the espresso coffee maker offerings is the fully automatic machine.
Can you just imagine…..at the touch of a button this machine grinds the beans, tamps them, brews the coffee, dumps the leftover grinds and even froths the milk. All that’s left for you to do is drink it – and enjoy that full fresh flavor!
As far as the espresso coffee maker goes, the super-automatic model is the pinnacle of innovation and is gaining wide acceptance all over the world for its ease of use and product quality.
However, this amount of innovation does not come cheaply. To own one of these ‘super’ machines you could have to shell out a few thousand dollars.
But when you think about it, why worry about price when your espresso machine can make so many variations of top quality brew based on espresso – all at the mere touch of a little black button?
Are you convinced yet? In the end I suppose it really depends on how much you love your coffee.
Fortunately you don’t need to go out and mortgage the family home just to own a good quality espresso maker.
There’s a good selection of models across the whole spectrum of prices that are more than capable of making a good quality espresso, cappuccino, latte or flat white in the comfort of your own home.
But for the really serious coffee connoisseurs – a good quality espresso maker is the perfect appliance to provide you with many years of coffee brewing pleasure.
Enjoy!
Okay, I’ve Made My Espresso, Now What Do I Do With the Milk?
I did all of the right things to make espresso at home. I bought myself a good espresso machine. I learned which espresso beans have the best taste and how to grind them to the correct fineness.
I managed to insert the gadget with the grinds, known as a portafilter, into the espresso machine, lock it into place, turn on the machine and let her rip. Great espresso!
But I wanted a cappuccino. Sue wanted a latte. Time to figure out how to steam the milk.
Sue is always dieting, so she wants nonfat milk. I found out that low fat and nonfat milk foam really easily. Whole milk takes more practice. Same thing with half and half if you want a breve.
Some espresso machines have a built in steam nozzle and some don’t. You may need to buy a separate steamer. I recommend getting an espresso machine with one built in. Saves space.
The first thing to do is to put that stainless steel pitcher and milk into the refrigerator to get cold. Always start with them cold.
And then my next learning curve came with remembering to fill the pitcher about a third to a half full. Milk expands really well when it’s steamed. It takes only once for it to foam up, overflow and hit the floor to remember to start with a pitcher no more than half full.
Start by putting the nozzle on the surface of the milk and turning the steam on full. The milk is going to begin to foam, so keep lowering the pitcher so that the nozzle is just under the surface of the milk.
About a half inch will do fine. You can turn down the pressure when the foam really begins to rise, or just take the pitcher away. Now the milk is just about at the boiling point.
Now here is something important. Don’t let it boil. This is another way to get the milk to overflow the pitcher. Or even worse, it will taste burnt. Ugh. Nasty.
Your steamed milk should have little bubbles all the way through it, and there should be a light foam on the top. There you are. That’s it.
Now you go make whatever espresso drink you want. Next up, you can start learning how to make all those fancy designs in the top.
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