In pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee, many people are becoming their own home baristas today. Becoming a good barista takes skill and patience. Luckily, there are many coffee and espresso machines on the market to help lessen the learning curve. How do you know if you need an espresso coffee machine? Basically, if you want to make different coffee styles, such as cappuccino, macchiato or latte, you will need an espresso machine. espresso is also known as the “short black” in popular nomenclature. The process of making espresso entails measuring fresh roasted coffee beans and finely grinding them. The grinded beans are then packed and extracted under strong pressure. The result of this process is a rich coffee flavor and strong coffee aroma.
Most of the popular espresso makers come in styles of semi-automatic, automatic and super-automatic. Semi -automatic espresso machines allow you to begin and stop the brewing process with the push of a button. It also gives you some control of the extraction process. You’ll know when the extraction process is correct when the coffee runs down looking like warm honey. An automatic espresso machine will start and stop the brewing process automatically. You’ll still need to load the ground coffee into the portafilter, and load it into the machine. Keep in mind a grinder is not usually included in the machine, so you will need to purchase one separately. The super-automatic espresso machines are the one-stop answer to making espresso. They automate the entire coffee making process and deliver a great cup of coffee every time. From grinding fresh beans, to tamping the grounds into the filter and brewing the coffee to your presets, these machines take all the guesswork out of creating the perfect espresso. The super-automatic espresso machines cost more, but they are worth every penny for the home barista.
Nespresso machines take espresso making to the next level. Nespresso machines brew espresso from special capsules containing ground coffee. No coffee grinding, tamping or measuring is needed. It’s as simple as popping a capsule into the machine for an excellent espresso every time. It is important to note that their machines are made exclusively for their capsules, which can only be purchased through Nespresso. One of the most artfully designed Nespresso machines is the DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima. It features a patented milk system. This outstanding machine actually recognizes when the milk container is inserted. Just adjust the frother regulator and you’ll have the perfect topping for your cappuccino, latte or macchiato.
If you’re not an aficionado of coffee styles, and would just like some plain good coffee, Keurig coffee makers might be a good choice. You can brew a fresh cup of coffee or tea in less than a minute with the Keurig B40. They offer over 70 flavors of teas and coffees from which to choose. Simply open the lid, insert the cup, and you’ll have a great cup of coffee or tea in no time. The Senseo coffee maker 7810 is another good option for those with simpler coffee styles. They offer many pods in different flavors, from vanilla to Irish cream.