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Consumer Reports Espresso Machine
If you’re looking to buy an espresso machine, it can sometimes be confusing as there are a lot of different options out there. But figuring out which one is the best for your situation is easy when you think about what’s most important to you. Below, we’ve included some of the most common questions people have about espresso machines and the answers that will make the buying process a lot less stressful! If you have any further questions, just contact us.
Top 10 Best Espresso Machine to Buy in 2022:
*Note: Score is based on our AI score (Editor’s choice and rating)
What is an espresso machine?
An espresso machine is a device that creates the perfect cup of espresso. It utilizes pressure and hot water to extract the flavors from ground coffee beans. Most modern espresso machines have multiple features that allow you to customize your drink, including grind size, temperature, brewing time and milk type. If you are serious about your coffee, an espresso machine is a must-have appliance for your kitchen or office.
Benefits of espresso machine:
A home espresso machine is a great way to make delicious coffee without having to leave your house. Here are some of the benefits of having an espresso machine:
-Espresso machines are easy to use and clean. You can easily learn how to operate the machine, and most come with instructions for cleaning it.
-You can make coffee at any time of day or night with an espresso machine. This is great for those who work long hours or travel frequently.
-Espresso machines are convenient because they do not require electricity or gas to operate, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power while making your coffee. They also do not require paper filters like drip coffee makers do, which makes them environmentally friendly.
Pros and Cons of espresso machine:
Pros:
1. Espresso machines produce a rich, smooth, and complex coffee flavor that is difficult to replicate with other brewing methods.
2. Espresso machines are ideal for specialty coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, which require a high level of precision and control in order to achieve the perfect foam texture and flavor balance.
3. Many espresso machines feature advanced functionality like grinders, temperature controls, and auto-frothing features that make them easy to use for even beginner baristas.
Cons:
1. One of the biggest downsides of espresso machines is that they can be quite expensive—some models cost several thousand dollars or more—which makes them prohibitively expensive for many home coffee drinkers.
2. Espresso machines also require a significant time commitment, as they need to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis in order to function properly.
3. Espresso machines tend to be quite large and bulky, which can make them difficult to store or transport when not in use.
How to use an espresso machine?
1. Turn on your espresso machine by switching it on: Before you start brewing coffee, you need to turn on your espresso machine. Most machines have a switch or button that needs to be pushed or turned on before you can use them. This is usually done by simply moving the power switch or holding down a button for a few seconds. While some coffee machines do not require this step as they start automatically when they sense water flowing into them, others will not work until they are switched on manually. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them carefully.
2. Measure the required amount of coffee grounds : If you own an automatic coffee maker, this is probably not something that you need to worry about; however, if you have a manual coffee maker, you will need to measure out the right amount of coffee grounds. The number of cups that your machine can make at once and the strength of your espresso will determine how much ground coffee you will need.
3. Fill the water tank with fresh water: If your machine requires an external water source, be careful not to use unfiltered tap water as it may contain chemicals or minerals that are harmful for your health. You should also keep in mind that overfilling the tank can damage the pump by forcing too much water into it, so limit yourself to filling up only 80 percent or 90 percent of the capacity of the tank each time you brew coffee.
4. Prepare and tamp down on the coffee grounds: Next, you will need to prepare the coffee by filling a filter basket with your measured amount of coffee grounds. The grounds should be evenly measured and tamped down lightly so that they can fit into the filter box inside the machine. If you are using a manual coffee maker, there is usually a spring-loaded device in place which allows you to tamp down on the ground coffee easily.
5. Place the filter box and start brewing your espresso: When everything is set up and ready to go, it is time to begin brewing. Simply take hold of your machine’s handle and pull or press it downward until you hear a click or see that your water has started flowing into the reservoir or filter box that contains your freshly prepared coffee grounds. Allow the coffee to flow until it reaches your desired level, and then remove the machine from power before removing the filter box or basket of coffee grounds.
6. Clean up: After enjoying your freshly brewed espresso, you will need to clean up your machine so that it can be used again next time you want a cup of coffee. This involves wiping out any gunk that has accumulated in the brewing area and brushing out any loose grounds which may have stuck on to parts like screens or valves. You should also make sure not to leave water sitting inside the reservoir for too long as this will encourage mold growth over time. If you notice stains or damage to the exterior finish of your machine, consider using a dedicated polishing liquid designed specifically for coffee machines and follow the directions carefully.
7. Read your owner’s manual and get familiar with your machine: If you are new to using espresso makers, it is important that you take some time to read through the instructions provided by the manufacturer in order to understand how each part of your espresso maker works and what you need to do in order to enjoy a nice cup of java. This will also help you prevent problems such as malfunctioning pumps or blocked pipes which can be caused by general misuse or neglect. For example, if your pump has become clogged over time due to hardened grounds stuck inside the coffee filters, you may need a special tool like an espresso machine brush in order to remove them safely so that they don’t damage the part.
8. Store your machine properly: Once you are finished cleaning your espresso maker, it is important to store it away in a dark and dry place that is only accessible to adults so that children cannot get into the parts of the machine and cause damage or injury. Additionally, you should avoid keeping the device on its side as this can cause leaks inside the water compartment over time; instead, keep the unit standing upright with a kitchen towel placed beneath it for added stability. If you own multiple units, consider storing them one on top of the other so that they take up less room while being stacked evenly without risk of falling over.
9. Troubleshoot common problems: Like any piece of technology, espresso makers can go wrong on you from time to time. In order to help resolve whatever issues may come your way, it is important that you not only familiarize yourself with the steps outlined above but also make sure to keep a few handy tips in mind. For example, if your machine’s pump seems to be starting up after brewing has been initiated, this can be caused by a clogged filter which needs to be replaced or cleaned out thoroughly. Another potential issue could involve burnt grounds inside the filter basket; while it is possible to clean these out by hand before running through more coffee filters and beans, some machines feature automatic cleaning settings which allow them to take care of this job for you instead.
Common mistakes when using espresso machine
When using an espresso machine, there are several common mistakes that can be avoided with a little practice.
Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
1. Not cleaning your machine regularly
Cleaning your machine regularly is crucial for maintaining its quality and longevity, as well as keeping it from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. If you’re not sure how often to clean your machine, consult the manual for instructions on how to do so.
2. Using too much water when making espresso shots
Using too much water can result in longer brew times and less concentrated flavors from your shots—it’s important to use just enough water to saturate the grounds without allowing them to float around or sit at the bottom of the portafilter basket (which could result in uneven extraction).
3. Not tamping your coffee grounds properly
The quality of the espresso shot depends on how well you tamp the coffee grounds—not enough pressure can result in an uneven extraction, while too much pressure could cause the machine to overflow and make a mess. Always be sure to use just enough pressure to press all of the grounds evenly into the portafilter basket without damaging it or causing any “splash” back into the portafilter crevices (which can impact taste).
4. Using cheap, low-quality water when making espresso shots
Using poor-quality water is one of the most common mistakes that people make when using an espresso machine, as impurities in water can result in less-than-ideal espresso shots. Using filtered or bottled water is one of the easiest ways to ensure that you’re getting the best possible results out of your machine, and it’s generally recommended that you use filtered or bottled water when making coffee drinks at home as well.
5. Not preheating your machine before brewing
Preheating your machine can help ensure that all parts are heated properly and will result in a more consistent shot—it’s also important for producing good crema. If you’re using a semi-automatic or super-automatic machine, make sure to run through your brew cycle without any water first so that you get rid of any existing stale water from previous uses. On some machines, this may require running through a few brew cycles with just water—just be sure to follow the instructions in your machine’s manual to avoid damaging it.
6. Not using the right grind size when making espresso shots
The grind size that you use when brewing coffee is important for achieving optimal results, so always make sure to follow the recommended guidelines for your specific machine (or experiment until you find what works best for you). Using a coarser grind will result in less bitterness and crema/flavor loss than if you were to use an ultra-fine grind, which can clog up your machine over time. Always start out with a slightly finer grind and work your way up from there until you achieve the perfect balance between flavor, aroma, and quality of espresso shots.
7. Not tamping your coffee grounds evenly or properly when making espresso shots
Just as important as using the right amount of pressure to tamp down your coffee grounds is ensuring that you use even pressure and tamp down all of the grounds in the portafilter basket, as uneven tamping can result in an inconsistent extraction. Always be sure to tamp down thoroughly—you should be able to see a slight indentation in your grounds after tamping them (and if you’re not, it’s likely that you need more pressure). If possible, always try to get the same amount of coffee craters showing on top of each other when looking at the bed from directly above after tamping; this is often considered ideal for an even extraction.
8. Not using the right grind size when grinding your coffee beans
The coarseness or fineness of your grind is a big part of how well you’re able to extract flavor from your grounds, so always make sure to use a grind that’s just fine enough for your machine (a medium-coarse grind is usually best). If it’s too coarse, some machines may not have enough power to push water through all of the extra spaces, resulting in an uneven extraction (and if it’s too fine, then it could result in clogging the machine, not extracting properly and/or getting stuck at the end of brewing). The texture and porosity of each bean will affect your optimal grind setting—start out with a medium-coarse grind and work your way up or down until you find the right texture.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing an espresso machine. But don’t despair! We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best espresso machines on the market, complete with detailed reviews. So whether you’re looking for the best budget option or the best high-end option, we’ve got you covered. Happy shopping!