Buying a Coffee and Espresso Maker
A coffee and espresso machine is essential for any kitchen, whether you prefer a full pot or espresso. At Target, we have an array of styles and features to suit your needs.
High pressure forces water into the ground beans within seconds. The grounds are then tamped to make them compact and lock them.
Features
There are many aspects to take into account when purchasing an espresso maker and coffee maker. The most important are the characteristics that determine its purpose and its suitability for your needs. Find features that are simple, improve your brew's quality and allow you to personalize your beverage.
Espresso- and coffee makers can be simple, like the classic Bialetti Moka Express non-electric coffee brewer that uses the use of a pot to heat the water that drips slowly over ground beans. Some models have more advanced options, such as dual boilers that allow you to make espresso and steam or frothed the milk simultaneously. Other features include digital displays that notify you when your water tank is empty, when it's time to empty the grounds bin or descale, as well as other maintenance tasks.
The majority of modern espresso and coffee makers employ the same brewing procedure that involves pouring hot water over pre-ground or ground beans that are placed in filters. Some are designed to stop brewing automatically at the appropriate time so that you can enjoy a new cup of coffee every morning. Certain models let you select your preferred brew intensity, and others have adjustable temperature settings for the most flavorful brew.
The highest-end of espresso and coffee machines is the super-automatic model that is designed to do it all for you. They are typically equipped with a built in grinder that allows them to grind and brew coffee using fresh beans. They'll usually have a separate steam wand for making cappuccinos and lattes. They may also have a menu which lets you choose from a selection of drinks such as hot chocolate.
If you have a small kitchen, opt for a compact model that doesn't take up a lot of counter space. Consider a multi-cup coffee maker that can be used with different cup sizes if you have several people in your household with different coffee preferences. If you're a coffee or Espresso connoisseur then look for models that let you customize the brew intensity and water-to-coffee ratio so that you can make the perfect cup each time.
A good warranty and responsive customer service are also important factors to consider when choosing a coffee and espresso maker. Depending on the manufacturer the warranty can vary from one to three years.
Easy to Use
You will require more than a basic drip-filter maker to create a coffeehouse style beverage at home. To make espresso, high-pressured water is pushed through finely ground coffee beans at high speeds. The result is a brief "shot" of caffeine with a rich layer of crema on top. Most combination coffee and espresso machines employ a portafilter, steaming arm, and basket to accomplish this, whereas others rely on pre-packaged pods or filters, or permit you to grind and measure beans by hand.
The type of machine you choose will depend on how spacious and hands-on you want to make it. Manual machines give you the most control, but it requires an enormous amount of work: You'll need to grind the beans, then hand-tamp the coffee and pull your shots. Semiautomatic machines take out some steps, like grinding and tapping. However they will require more effort than automatic machines. Fully automated espresso makers and coffee makers can prepare a complete pot of drip coffee or even an entire espresso cup with just the push of a single button.
Consider whether you are brewing for one person or an entire group of people. Certain models, such as the Nespresso Vertuo Plus can brew three cups of coffee or espresso simultaneously. This is a great option for those who prefer to make their own coffee in the morning, but it might not be ideal if you are preparing for large numbers.
Dual boilers let you prepare coffee and steam milk at the same time, so that you don't need to wait until one feature cools before starting the second. This feature is especially beneficial for those who plan to make cappuccinos and lattes.
A coffee maker with a removable water reservoir is less likely to build up mineral deposits than one that doesn't. It's still necessary to wash the reservoir on a regular basis however you'll save some time by not having to replace and pour out the entire pot of water. Another factor that can contribute to mineral build-up is the hardness of your water: The harder water will produce more dissolved minerals, which causes your machine to need descaling more often. Water that is soft or filtered is easier to work with and decreases the frequency of descaling.
Ease of Cleaning
For many homeowners, a coffee or espresso machine is a large investment. It requires regular maintenance to ensure that it performs at its best and lasts as long as possible. No matter if you use drip coffee makers or an espresso machine, regular cleaning of the carafe and other parts that are removable is an essential aspect of maintaining the machine. Use vinegar or a descaling solution once every week to keep your equipment. Some models have sensors that flash when it's cleaning time.
While vinegar is excellent for counters and sinks but its acidity could damage rubber seals and other components in your coffee and espresso machine, reducing its lifespan. Many brands, including Lavazza and Smeg, also recommend that you do not use vinegar to clean your machine, since it could invalidate the warranty.
To clean your espresso machine or coffee maker, first remove the portafilter as well as the basket from the group. With an abrasive or scrubby pad, clean any grounds from the portafilter as well as the basket. Both must be thoroughly cleaned with hot water, then dried using a clean cloth. Then, clean the brewing group by inserting a cleaning tablet into the blind filter and running a backflush application. You can also manually flush your machine by placing a cleaning tablet solution inside the portafilter, activating the brewing program after which you will have to stop for 10 seconds. Repeat this process until you notice a steady flow of water--this indicates that the machine is properly descaled.
As water flows through the espresso machine, it is required to pass through the mesh that makes up the brew group. If this mesh is dirty, it could get blocked by coffee residue and negatively affect the extraction process. To ensure that the mesh is in good shape, Calatrello recommends unscrewing it every month cleaning it with a toothbrush and soak it overnight in hot water, using an anti-bacterial tablet that is dissolved in it.
If you own a full-automatic coffee and espresso maker, you can clean the machine by removing the water reservoir and filling it up with fresh water, putting in a cleaning tablet and running a backflush program. You should also wipe the inside of the pot as well as the water reservoir to remove any traces and staining. You'll need to rinse and dry both the carafe and the water reservoir prior to rebuild the appliance.
Easy Maintenance
If you're looking to brew a quick espresso or coffee on the go, choose an automatic model. It doesn't need any effort from you. The models are built with the basket with ground coffee beans, heated water to the proper temperature, and then released into the coffee grounds.
These machines are perfect for those who love the process of making coffee but don't want to invest hours learning the skills and techniques required to create the finest tasting drinks. They are easy to use and clean. The results are similar to a drip coffee maker.
To keep your machine in good condition, be sure to dump the grounds that have been used and scrub down the portafilter and grouphead after every use. Also, you'll need to backflush your machine regularly. This is accomplished by locking the filter in the grouphead and then running the cycle of brewing several times until the water is clean. Coffeehouses will do this at the end of each day, but homeowners can do it every few days, or every week, using detergent, for a more thorough cleaning.
You'll also have to clean your steam wand, milk reservoir as well as other components of the machine on a regular basis. We recommend cleaning them at least once every week. To do espresso machine uk , just wipe the entire surface of the machine using vinegar and warm soapy water (check the product manual beforehand as some manufacturers suggest against using vinegar). Also, you should change your filter frequently since hard water tends to build up more mineral residue than soft or filtering. This could cause your espresso and coffee maker to stop working, or have a different taste. To avoid this happening, purchase a coffee and espresso maker with an instrument to measure the water hardness.