The Hidden Costs of Buying a Home Espresso Machine
It can be a bit daunting to add an espresso machine to your kitchen. It's actually not as complicated as you think. There's an espresso maker that's suitable for anyone, whether you want to save money by making your own coffee or to improve your barista abilities.
Take into consideration features such as a manual portafilter to practice tamping. It may take a while to master this method. Also, automated milk frothing can cause real variations in texture and temperature.
Basics
Espresso consumption in the United States has soared over the past two decades. Espresso machines are now available everywhere such as grocery stores, gas stations cafes, laundromats and street carts. These machines are smaller than those that can be found in coffee shops, however they operate on the same principle and produce the concentrated coffee that is the preferred beverage across the country.
All machines should include a heating system that can bring the water to the correct temperature. These machines range from simple stovetop units that use an open flame as a heating source to water, to electric powered machines with boilers.
Certain espresso machines come with a variety of options to make it easier and more precise for customers to brew the drinks they want. Coffeee have an integrated grinder, which makes it easier than having to grind beans by hand. This is particularly beneficial for beginners who may be unsure how to grind the beans properly or tamp and press them.
Most espresso machines also come with a pressure relief valve which is an electro-mechanical device that automatically opens to release the steam pressure that has built up in the filter basket and portafilter after brewing a shot of espresso. This is important because it prevents an abrupt release of steam that could otherwise spray hot grounds all over your counter, machine and you. Check before you buy if your espresso machine comes with this feature.
The machine also allows you to alter the size and quantity of steamed milk produced. This allows you to experiment and discover your preferred drinks. You can also refine your brewing technique.
It's important to remember that the quality of your beans will determine the flavor of your espresso. If you don't start with freshly roasted, specialty graded beans, no amount of top-of-the-line features will yield the most delicious cup.
Variations
A home espresso machine has a variety of options to choose from based on your requirements. Certain machines have more features and settings that can be adjusted for the perfect cup of coffee, while others may be less complicated and cost-effective. The size of the machine can influence the price. Larger machines are typically more expensive.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are most common. It has a portafilter which holds ground coffee, and is placed inside a lower chamber that contains water. The top of the portafilter has a metal screen that sits above the lower chamber. The water is then pushed into the grounds using pressure. The result is a shot of espresso that can be pulled from the portafilter and then added to the milk to make an espresso or cappuccino.
A super-automatic is a different kind of home espresso maker that is popular. It is an automated brewing system, meaning that it does not require any manual intervention. This type of machine comes with an increased reservoir of water, so it can produce more drinks in a shorter amount of time. It also typically comes with a steam wand that produces rich and creamy steamed milk.
There are capsule machines, which make use of pre-measured pods for espresso and other drinks. These machines are usually cheaper and more convenient, but are only suitable for specific brands of pods.
There are also manual lever coffee machines that look stunning and bring back memories of romantic cafes from the past. These machines require a bit more skill to operate than the semi-automatics or super-automatics, but they can provide an experience that is unique for the home barista that is looking to experiment with something new.
There are a few companies that specialize in high-end, customized espresso machines for home use. One of them is the Lelit MaraX. It performed very well in our previous side by side tests. The models come with a range of adjustments that will ensure you have the perfect cup, for instance an adjustable PID controller that enables you to adjust the temperature of the water to a specific level and a shot timer to let you know how long the brew is taking and an indicator of pressure to ensure that the shots are extracted at the right level.
Convenience
Espresso lovers know that nothing is better than a freshly-brewed cup of the beverage. The demand for the beverage has exploded in recent years and you can now get it almost anywhere from Starbucks to drive-through espresso carts that have become popular in supermarkets, laundromats, and even gas stations. You can make your own espresso at home using a budget machine. The machines operate a bit differently than the ones found in cafes, but they work on similar principles.
Contrary to drip coffee machines, that have an integrated grinder and are simple to operate, espresso makers require users to grind manually the beans, put them in the portafilter, and use a manual tamping process. However, the process isn't as complicated as it seems actually it's quite quick and simple, especially with the help of an excellent burr grinder.
If you're planning to purchase an espresso machine, do not compromise on the grinder's quality. We recommend purchasing a high-quality grinder that allows you to control the fineness of the ground coffee.
Another thing to think about is the variety of drink options and convenience features that a machine provides. You might want an appliance that can automatically heat or froth your milk at the push of a button. Or, you might prefer an automated machine that does all the work for you, from grinding and tamping to brewing.
You may also consider an option with dual boilers, which includes two boilers, one for brewing and the other one for steaming. This means that the machine could be hot and ready to brew and steam in just a few minutes, which is a huge advantage when you're hosting guests or making a number of drinks at a time. This kind of machine will require more frequent descaling. This could be a hassle and reduce the efficiency over time.
Cost
A home espresso machine is expensive, but it's an investment worth it. It can be paid for in several years of savings from not having to pay for coffee at cafes. It's important to compare the entire picture when comparing benefits against costs. This article exposes the hidden costs that come with purchasing an espresso machine at home. From the initial cost, which are dependent on the features, to the long-term maintenance and operating costs of a high-quality machine. This includes energy usage as well as replacement parts and costs, as well as the total cost when compared to the cost of cafe coffee.
Based on the type of espresso machine you select the initial costs can differ greatly. Bean-to-cup machines for instance, tend to be more expensive initially however lever-operated machines can be cheaper. However, the more expensive models also provide a higher level of functionality and accuracy to the user.
Even a relatively cheap espresso maker can give excellent results when it is used with correct beans and brewing method. However, to get the most flavorful cups, it is essential to purchase freshly roasted, specialty grade beans. In fact, if we don't buy the beans even the most sophisticated technology or high-end design will result in subpar results.
The average latte cost $5 at a cafe and you can make the same drink at home for $1.48. If you make lattes at home every day, you'll save over $1200 per year. If you include the cost of a new grinder or tamper, as well as other supplies, a quality home espresso machine could easily cost you around $1200.
The expense of an espresso machine may be a reason for some to stay away, but it's worth remembering that coffee is the only thing that can actually provide all the flavoring chemicals that make a good cup. The espresso machine is just a tool to help you extract the flavor of the beans and it's up to the person drinking the coffee to make use of the most efficient equipment to accomplish the task. So, if you're an aspiring barista-in-training, or just enjoy the flavor of freshly-ground, hand-pulled coffee, then an espresso machine that is of high-quality could be among the most beneficial investment you can make for your kitchen.