Buying a Coffee and Espresso Maker
A coffee and espresso machine is essential for any kitchen, regardless of whether you prefer a full-sized pot or espresso. At Target, we have an array of designs and features to meet your needs.
Espresso machines high pressure pushes water through ground beans in seconds. The grounds are then tamped to evenly compact and then interlock.
Features
There are many factors to consider when buying a coffee and espresso maker. The most important is the factors that determine its functionality and its suitability for your needs. Look for features that offer convenience, enhance the quality of your beverage and allow you to customize your drink.
Coffee- and espresso makers aren't difficult to make. For instance the traditional Bialetti Moka Express is a non-electric brewer that makes use of an insulated pot to slowly drip water over ground beans. Some models have more advanced options, such as dual boilers that allow you to make espresso as well as steamed or frothed milk simultaneously. Digital displays will also inform you when your tank is in need of topping up or when it's time to remove or descale the grounds bin, and when other maintenance tasks are due.
Modern espresso makers and coffee makers utilize the same method of brewing that involves pouring hot, filtered water over freshly ground or ground beans. Many are designed to stop the brewing process automatically at the appropriate time, so that you can have a fresh cup of coffee every morning. Some models also let you choose the strength you prefer, and some have adjustable temperature settings to give you the best flavor.
The top-tier model of espresso and coffee machines is the superautomatic, that is designed to perform everything. They're usually equipped with an integrated grinder, meaning that they can grind and brew your coffee using fresh beans. They'll usually also come with a separate steam wand for making cappuccinos and lattes. You may also be able to choose from a variety of beverages, including hot chocolate on their menu.
If you live in smaller kitchens, consider smaller models to make use of less counter space. Consider a multi-cup coffee machine that can accommodate various sizes of cups if you have several people in your household who have different preferences in coffee. If you're an espresso connoisseur, look for models that allow you to alter the strength of your brew and the ratio of water to coffee, so you can have the perfect cup every time.
A solid warranty and prompt customer service are other important aspects to consider when shopping for the best espresso maker and coffee maker. Depending on the manufacturer the warranty can vary from one to three years.
User-Friendliness
You need more than a standard drip-filter coffee maker to make a cafe style beverage at home. To make espresso, highly pressurized water is pushed through finely ground coffee beans at high speed. The result is short "shots" of caffeine, with a rich crema on top. The majority of espresso and combination coffee machines use a portafilter, steaming arm, and basket for this process, while others use pre-packaged pods or filters, or allow you to grind and measure beans by hand.
The kind of machine you choose will depend on how hands-on and spacious you'd like it to make it. Manual machines offer the most control, but they require a lot of effort: you'll have to grind the coffee beans, hand-tamp it and pull your shots. Semiautomatic models take an extra step or two of the process, such as grinding and tamping, but require more work than an automatic machine. Fully automated espresso and coffee makers can make a whole pot of drip coffee or even an entire espresso cup with just the push of a single button.
It is also important to think about whether you're making coffee for one or a group of people. Some models, such as the Nespresso Vertuo Plus can brew three cups of coffee or espresso at a time. This is a great alternative for those who prefer to make their own coffee in the morning, but may not be the best choice if you are preparing for an entire group.
A coffee maker that has dual boilers allows you to simultaneously steam and brew milk, so you don't have to wait for one process to cool down before the other one starts. This feature is particularly useful for those who plan to make cappuccinos and lattes.
It is less likely that a coffee or espresso machine that has removable reservoirs will accumulate mineral deposits. You'll need to wash your reservoir regularly but it will also save you time because you won't have to pour out and replace the entire pot of water. Another factor that can contribute to the buildup of minerals is the hardness of the water you drink: Harder water produces more dissolved minerals, which makes your machine require descaling more often. Filtered or soft water is less abrasive to your machine and will decrease the frequency of descaling.
Ease of Cleaning
home espresso machine or espresso maker is a major purchase for many homeowners, and requires regular maintenance to keep its performance and durability at its peak. No matter if you use a drip coffee maker or an espresso machine, regular cleaning of the carafe and other parts that can be removed is an essential part of the upkeep process. Using vinegar or a specialized descaling solution at least once per month is essential to maintain your machine, and some models may feature light-up sensors that notify you when it's time to clean.
While vinegar is ideal for counters and sinks however, its acidity may cause damage to rubber seals and other components of your espresso and coffee machine, reducing its lifespan. Many brands, including Lavazza and Smeg--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 take the portafilter as well as the basket from the group. Clean any dirt or debris from the portafilter or basket using a nylon scrubby pad or brush. Rinse them thoroughly with hot water, and then dry them with a clean towel. The next step is to clean your brewing group. Insert an empty cleaning tablet into the blind filter. Run backflush. You can also manually flush your machine by placing a cleaning tablet solution into the portafilter and activating the brewing program and then pause for 10 seconds. Repeat this process until you notice a steady flow of water. This signifies that the machine has been descaled.
When water flows through the espresso machine, it is required to go through the mesh that makes up the brew group. If the mesh is dirty, it may be blocked by coffee residue, which can negatively affect the extraction process. Calatrello recommends that you take off the mesh once every month and clean it with a toothbrush. Then, soak it in hot water overnight using a tablet for cleaning.
If you have an automatic coffee and espresso machine You can clean it by disassembling the water reservoir, filling it up with water that is fresh, adding cleaning tablets and running a backflush process. It is also recommended to clean the inside of the water reservoir and pot to remove any residue or stains. You'll need to wash and dry the carafe as well as the reservoir of water prior to reassemble the appliance.
Easy Maintenance
If you're looking to brew a quick espresso or coffee at the go, select an automatic model. It doesn't require any effort from you. The models are built with a basket containing ground coffee beans, water that is heated to the proper temperature, then released into the grounds.
These machines are great for those who enjoy the process of making coffee, but don't want to spend much time learning the skills and techniques required to make the best tasting drinks. They are easy to use and clean. The results are similar to a drip coffee maker.
To maintain your machine ensure that you remove the grounds that are used from the portafilter after each use, and clean the grouphead and portafilter. Additionally, you'll need to flush the machine back every so often. This is done by locking the portafilter in the grouphead and running the brew cycle a several times until the water is clear. This is a job that coffeehouses complete at the end of each day, but which home owners can easily perform every few days, or alternatively, every week with detergent for a deeper clean.
Additionally, you'll need clean the steam wand and the milk reservoir on a regular basis, we recommend once a month. It's as easy as cleaning all areas of your machine using a vinegar-soapy water mixture (check the manual before you start as some manufacturers don't recommend vinegar). You should also change your filter frequently because hard water tends to build up more mineral residue than soft or filtered. This can cause your coffee and espresso maker not to run or have a distinct taste. To avoid this happening, buy an espresso and coffee maker that comes with an instrument to measure the water hardness.