An Espresso Coffee Maker Brings a Cafe-Like Experience to Your Home

An espresso coffee maker can bring a cafe-like experience into your home. These machines use high temperatures and pressure to make espresso, which is a concentrated drink full of flavor that can be used to create drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.

Choose an espresso maker that offers the features you desire. Certain models come with built-in grinders, milk flothers and other accessories that can increase the number of drink choices you can create.

Making the Right Choice Machine

In a cafe setting the espresso machine you select can make a huge difference in creating memorable drinks that will keep your customers coming back. It isn't easy to choose the right machine for your requirements with the many models to choose from. Consider factors like ease of use, maintenance requirements and any applicable health regulations in the area you live in when making your choice.

The type of machine that you choose can also have a significant effect on the final taste of your coffee. Different machines employ different methods to extract that unmistakable espresso flavor. This can affect the acidity, sweetness and body of the drink. There are also differences in the ease with which the machine is to use and clean, especially when it comes down to purging and descaling.

Another thing to think about is the amount of time you are able or willing to devote to cleaning the espresso machine on a daily basis. Hard water tends build up mineral deposits quicker than soft or filtering water, which could affect how often you need to clean the machine.

It is also important to consider any unique features that the espresso maker may have. Some models feature programmable coffee making functions, or other electronic features that can save time and effort. Certain models are designed to work with certain milk products, or even come with steam wands and grinders.

Getting Started with Espresso

A quality espresso machine will provide cafe-quality coffee at home. Espresso makes use of high pressure steam to push through the grounds, unlike pour-over and drip coffee brewing. This can add another variable to the brew, and create flavors or aromas that other methods can't. Espresso can be more difficult to prepare at home compared to other brewing methods.

While the most important step to making a great shot is choosing the right beans, you'll also need to be aware of the size of your grind and the timing of your extraction. The ideal grind is less than granulated sugar and you should try to achieve an extraction time of around 25 seconds. If your shot comes out too quickly, you'll have to adjust the size of your grind and reverse the process.

The color of your crema, or the thick layer of golden foam that forms on the top of a properly pulled shot is a sign of the quality. A thin crema can indicate that the coffee is old or that you're not using enough pressure when making the coffee. A dark-colored crema can be an indication that your coffee is over-roasted or burned and will affect its flavor. If you notice "channels" in the grounds, it indicates that your grinder isn't evenly tamping. This can be corrected by using a higher quality grinder, or using more tamping force.

Creating Your Favorite Drinks

For those who love espresso an espresso maker at home is the best way to make numerous specialty drinks that can be prepared quickly and easily. Espresso coffee machines use high pressure to force hot water into a bed made of finely-ground roast beans. This creates a stronger and more dense drink than drip coffee.

A good quality espresso machine will let you fine-tune the water volume, grind texture and dosage to ensure the an optimal extraction every time. Choose a machine that has an intuitive display that is easy to read and provides you with clear instructions to make your ideal espresso. A portafilter that can be adjusted to accommodate different sized espresso glasses is another great feature.

Once you've perfected the art of pulling off a great shot, you can experiment with other drinks like cappuccinos and lattes or even indulgence-filled desserts such as affogato and gelato. If you don't have an espresso maker, you can still make a lot of these drinks at home with a top-quality coffee grinder as well as an ice brew container or instant coffee.

The majority of espresso drinks are based on one or more espresso shots. Therefore, a well-made espresso is essential to get the desired drink. A high-quality espresso machine can give you shots that taste sweet, rich, and smooth. Be aware, however that the best De'Longhi Stilosa EC260.BK Espresso Coffee Machine - Premium Quality requires only 9 bars of pressure. Don't fall for the hype of manufacturers who trumpet their machines the ability to brew at 10 bars of pressure -the additional 3, 6 or 10 bars does nothing but increase the chance of a poor result.

Cleaning Your Machine Clean

Clean espresso machines are vital to produce the finest tasting coffee. A machine that is dirty will leave a bitter taste, cause clogging of drips and filters and require more frequent cleaning and descaling. The good aspect is that the procedure isn't difficult and will make your machine last longer. To maximize the return on your investment, it's important to follow manufacturer's instructions.

Rinsing the water screen and filter basket with warm, clear tap water is enough to clean an espresso machine. Some parts of the machine, like the portafilter and group head will require cleaning more frequently depending on the frequency you use it.

You should clean the water screen and group head using hot soapy water couple of times a week to wash off any coffee residue. Every three to four months, it's recommended to backflush the espresso machine by filling up the tank with white vinegar and ice water and letting it sit for two hours and then flushing the system using hot water to get rid of any residue.

For a more thorough clean you should disassemble the espresso maker and wash all removable parts with soapy water and hot water. Make sure you clean the drip tray regularly, as it will accumulate the coffee grounds and water that has been spilled that can clog drains and attract insects. To avoid cross contamination, keep a rag damp to only be used to wipe the steam wand.