Espresso Machine
Friday, March 12th, 2010 at
4:14 am
I am going to buy my first espresso machine.
Are there certain features I should not go without with a new espresso machine purchase?
I want a lower end one for affordability reasons….but i still want a decent one.
Any Suggestions?
Tagged with: affordability • espresso machine
Filed under: Espresso
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Having owned more than one, I’m happy to share my opinions with you–my current model, a Hamilton Beach that was highly regarded by Consumer Reports, is pathetic!
Also, maybe you want a little guidance on how to make the best espresso with whatever machine you buy?
So let’s talk in general terms–
I agree that you want a pump-driven machine, at least 15 psi. Another thing I’ve observed is that the filter screen and the tamper are important.
Get a model with a deep filter screen–my Hamilton Beach has one that’s very shallow, and I’m convinced that the steam doesn’t stay in contact with the grounds long enough to accumulate flavor.
Now, there will come with the machine a tamper, a little plastic thing that you use to pack the grounds into the filter screen–if the tamper is much smaller than the filter screen (like my HB) then it’s difficult to pack the grounds properly.
Also, they come with the little steam vent for frothing milk to make capuccino–some of the vents have a special tip that incorporates air automatically, others are just plain pointed steel tubing. The air-injector models make it easier. If you’re going to be steaming milk, know that skim works best, and get one of those stainless steel pitchers so you can feel the temperature of the milk through the bottom–when it’s very hot but not too hot to touch, the frothing is completed.
To make really good espresso, you need the best beans. Try to find beans that have been roasted super-dark (of course) but that have an oily sheen on their surface–some places burn the beans and dry them out (Starbucks); the oils in the beans are essential to flavor and also to the creation of that smooth brown "crema" that floats atop the best espresso.
Of course, the very best way is to buy whole beans, keep them cool and dry, and grind them just before use. I have a Braun grinder that adjusts to a very fine espresso grind, it works well.
And you need to learn to pack the grounds tightly; most good baristas will try to put 35 pounds of pressure on the grounds, and they practice using a bathroom scale.
Well, you want one that is pump based – at least 15 psi. I have purchased a couple low end and one mid range and have been not 100% satisfied with them. I think I might take the advice a friend – who is Italian – gave me years ago andditch my machine for a stove top model. You can find them for about $10.
Spending a lot of money doesn’t guarantee a machine you will like. Go with a brand name from a store that has a return policy, like Bed Bath and Beyond so you can return it if it’s defective or you hate it after a week. I’ve had the bad luck of buying two expensive machines in the last seven years that were defective. The first lemon, I bought on line from a ? source and had a terrible time returning it and had to have my credit card company challenge the purchase. The second dud was last month from a chain type home store-they refunded my money a week after purchase with no problems. This is not really an answer to your question, but I hope it helps.