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Coffee and Espresso Machines Espresso machines make use of pressure to force water through finely ground and tamped coffee beans. They make a rich, flavorful brew. Good Housekeeping Institute experts recommend models that can be brewed with 9 bars minimum to ensure a perfect extraction. Beware of companies who claim they use more pressure than is necessary. Types The espresso machine (also known as a coffee or Espresso maker) makes coffee that is more concentrated and of higher quality, than the typical coffee drinks at the cafe. It works with an average of nine bars of pressure. They typically come with many features, such as temperature and brew strength control as well as programmable brewing and different sizes of drinks. They can also have steam wands, either manual or automated, to create the appearance of latte art using texturized milk. They are available in three main kinds of espresso machines including semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic models. Each has its own level of supervision and automation. Semi-automatic espresso machines are the most sought-after for specialty coffee shops. This gives baristas full control over the brewing process however, it's not as user-friendly as an automated or fully automatic machine. To get the most perfect espresso shot, you need to grind the beans, fill the portafilter, tamp it down, then adjust the time of extraction. Automatic machines have built-in grinders that can measure and grind the grounds for you. They automatically pour out enough water to extract espresso, and are often equipped with an adjustable beverage size. In our laboratory tests, they were the most favored kind of espresso machine. They provide a great combination of control and consistency. Functions You'll require a reservoir to hold the water you need for making coffee, whether you opt for a steam-driven machine or a pump-driven machine. There's also a heating element that heats up the cold water, generating the intense pressure needed to extract coffee from the grounds. When the button for brewing is pressed, the water inlet valve is sealed so that only hot water under high pressure can pass through the portafilter, and then into the ground coffee. The water takes about 25 seconds to turn into espresso. The insulated tubing, also known as the hot-water tube is affixed from the reservoir to the spout that is on top of your machine. The resistance heating element warms the water as water passes through the aluminum tube and warming plate. When the spout has been turned on, you'll place your cup underneath the spout to catch the espresso as it flows through the portafilter into your cup. The coffee maker will also have a steam wand, that you can use to heat and froth milk for drinks that are espresso-based, such as cappuccino or the latte. Automated machines remove the guesswork out of the process of brewing. They are simple to use, programmable, and are able to measure and grind beans as well as to tamp down. In our Lab tests they tend to perform the best because they're user-friendly and don't require a lot of user skills. Materials Inside an espresso machine, there's a maze of copper tubes and boilers made of stainless steel. There's also an intelligent firmware. While they may appear complicated but their primary function is to convert hot water into finely ground coffee. When looking for an espresso maker, consider size and space requirements, beverage options, energy-saving options and brewing accuracy. Look for a steam button to turn on the steam wand. This can be used to make latte arts and frothing milk. A pressure gauge on the front of the machine tells you the operating boiler and pump pressure. Find an espresso maker that has two needles, so that you can see both the minimum and maximum pressure. If you want to do more than espresso, you should choose one that comes with different brew sizes, including the ristretto. There are models with a removable frothing hopper that allows for hassle-free, hands-free frothing. You can also switch between different kinds of milk easily. If you have hard water, you should choose one with a built-in water softener to prevent mineral buildup and keep your espresso tasting fresh. Some manufacturers use a thermostat that is digital, integral and proportional in order to maintain an appropriate temperature range when making espresso. This feature guarantees a top-quality espresso cup each time. This Resource site saves on energy costs, since the machine only runs when it's needed. Maintenance As coffee and espresso machines are more widely available to home use, the regular maintenance of the equipment becomes even more crucial. The best equipment can make all the world of difference to your cup of coffee, however that's only true if the machine is functioning properly. A regular cleaning and maintenance routine should include everything from cleaning the steam wand and group head and descaling, as well as changing the water filter regularly. If you make between two and five coffees each day, it is recommended that you clean the main components of your machine every week. However, some areas of the machine, like the water tank and the grinder must be cleaned every two or three weeks. In addition, you should backflush your machine on a weekly basis. This is done by placing the portafilter in its place and running the brew cycles multiple times. This will remove any coffee grounds or oils that remain. You can also clean the portafilter by using a brush and cleaner specifically designed for espresso machines. Maintaining your coffee machine and espresso correctly will also help it last longer. It is crucial to keep the expensive espresso machine.