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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, delicious cup. Good Housekeeping Institute experts recommend models that are brewed at a minimum of 9 bars to ensure a perfect extraction. Beware of manufacturers who tout more pressure than is required. Types The espresso maker (also called a coffee maker or Espresso maker) brews coffee that is more concentrated, of higher quality, than the typical coffee drinks at the cafe. It uses an average of nine bars of pressure. These machines usually have many features, such as temperature and brew strength control including programmable brewing, as well as different sizes of drinks. Some machines may have steam wands, either manual or automated, for creating texturized milk to create artwork with latte. There are three main types that are semi-automatic; super-automatic; and automatic. Each espresso machine comes with its own particular level and kind of automation. Semi-automatic espresso machines are most popular in specialty coffee shops. Semi-automatic espresso machines allow baristas complete control over the brewing process, however they are not as user friendly as fully automatic or automated machines. It is still necessary to grind beans, fill and tamp the portafilter, and adjust the extraction time for the best espresso shot of the highest quality. Automated machines come with an integrated mill that can measure and make sure your grounds are tamp. They automatically disperse enough water to make espresso, and usually have a programmable beverage size. They were the most frequent espresso machine in our lab tests and they provide a good level of consistency as well as human control. Functions Whether you choose a pump-driven machine or a steam-driven one, you'll have an in-line reservoir that houses the water that is used to make your coffee. You'll also have a heating device that is used to heat the water to create the pressure required to extract the coffee from the grounds. When the brew lever is raised, it triggers the water inlet cam, which seals the valve to prevent pre-infusion. This ensures that only hot water that is pressurized thoroughly flows through the portafilter before being ground into coffee. It takes about 25 seconds for the water to brew into espresso. The tubing that is insulated and referred to as the hot-water tube extends from the reservoir and spout on top of your machine. The resistance heating element warms the water as it flows through the warming plate of metal and the aluminum tube. After the spout has turned on the cup, place it under the spout to ensure that espresso is able to flow into your cup through the portafilter. The coffee maker is also likely to have a steam wand, that you can use to heat and froth milk to make beverages that contain espresso like cappuccino or the latte. Automated machines eliminate the guesswork involved in making your own. They operate with a single button, are programmable and can grind and measure beans for you as well as to crush them down. They usually be the most efficient overall in our Lab tests since they are very user-friendly and don't require any user-friendly skills. Materials In an espresso machine, you'll find a plethora of copper tubes and boilers made of stainless steel. There's also intelligent firmware. They may appear complex but at the core they perform one thing: push hot water through finely-ground coffee. When shopping for an espresso maker, consider size and the space needed, beverage alternatives, energy-saving choices, and brewing accuracy. Also look for a steam knob which will activate the steam wand, which is used for frothing milk and making artwork with latte. A gauge of pressure on front of the machine informs you of the boiler's and pump's operating pressure. You should choose a coffee machine that has two needles to see the minimum and maximum pressure. If you want to do more than espresso, select one that comes with different brew sizes, including the ristretto. You can also find models that include a removable milk hopper for hands-free, hassle-free frothing and the ability to easily switch between different kinds of milk. If you're experiencing hard water, choose one with an integrated softener for your water to prevent the buildup of minerals and keep your espresso tasting fresh. Some manufacturers use a thermostat that is digital, integral and proportional in order to maintain an exact temperature range while making espresso. This feature allows for a consistent, high-quality cup of espresso every time. This feature also helps reduce cost of energy since the machine only operates when it is required. Maintenance The maintenance of espresso and coffee machines is becoming more important as they become accessible for home use. The right equipment can make all kinds of difference in your cup of coffee, but this is only true if your machine is functioning properly. A regular maintenance and cleaning routine should include everything from cleaning the group head and steam wand from descaling to changing the water filter regularly. If you're making between two and five cups of coffee every day, it's recommended that you clean the main parts of the machine every week. However, some areas of the machine, such as the water tank and grinder should be cleaned every two to three weeks. You should also backflush the machine each week. This is a process that involves locking the portafilter into place and running the brew process several times. This can help eliminate any coffee ground or oil that has been left behind. You can also use a brush or cleaner made specifically for espresso machines to clean the portafilter. Maintaining your coffee and espresso machine in a proper manner can ensure that it lasts longer. It is essential to maintain your expensive espresso machine.