Make good coffee with a semi-autiomatic espresso machine
Make Good Coffee with a
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A semi-automatic espresso machine "sits" between the manual espresso machine and so-called the
The main difference between a semi-automatic espresso machine and a super-automatic espresso
Therefore, a semi-automatic espresso machine is an excellent piece of coffee-making gear for those people who like to keep control over the way their coffee is made.
Professional baristi use semi-automatic espresso machines when they make the coffee in cafes, so they can adjust their methods to the circumstances and environment they work in.
High humidity, low humidity, temperature differences, super-fresh or older beans: it all can make a difference to the flavour in the cup.
The barista adjusts his or her technique, including the way the coffee gets ground and the temperature of the water in the grouphead to overcome these issues.
very average to extremely high quality, from relatively small footprint (such as the Gaggia on the left) to quite large and chunky.
Your kitchen, your benchtop, your wallet AND the numer /styles of coffees you want to make are all important.
If possible, find a supplier who is able to show you a few machines and demonstrate how they work.
That way, once you get home, you have a much better understanding of what is on offer, how the machines look, how big they are, whether they fit in your kitchen.
Once you have made a shortlist of machines you like, the final decision really depends on your specific needs ( and wants! ).
A few things to consider:
- For durability nothing beats steel for chassis and body.... the more solid the machine has been built, the longer it will last.
- A machine with a lightweight chassis and plastic sides will easily distort under the pressure of locking in the portafilter.
- A grouphead which does not have enough mass to keep an even temperature may cause your coffee to taste burnt or sour
- A grouphead which does not have enough mass to keep an even temperature may cause your coffee to taste burnt or sour
- A feather-light machine will move all over the bench-top when you are making coffee.
- A unit with a small water tank will drive you mad beacuse you are forever topping it up.
- A unit with a small water tank will drive you mad beacuse you are forever topping it up.
- Shoddy construction will come undone through the vibration of the pump.
- Depending on where you are going to put it, the height of the machine is important: it needs to fit under the overhead cupboards, but you do not want to have to bend over, to look at the portafilter.
- Also, check the height between drip tray and portafilter: you do want to be able to put a good sized cup under the portafilter spouts.
Most of these things are part of the well thought-out designs of the mid-range to high end machines, although some of the cheaper ones also have been designed with quality in mind.
Ultimately, it is what is in the cup that matters, so most of your attention should be on the business end of the machine.
Your choice of water-heating and hot water-capacity will be determined by your favourite coffee
style.
If you mainly drink short black or ristretto, there is no need for immediate steam and a single boiler machine will be an excellent choice.
However, if you want to be able to make several espresso/milk drinks in a row, several times per day, you are going to have to look at a heat-exchanger , thermo-block or a twin-boiler machine.
These can make espresso, as well as steam milk at the same time but, as far as choosing between these two, it again depends on your preference.
Some people like their brew-water to be fresh (straight from the tank into a heat-exchanger), not out of a boiler where it has been sitting for a while.
........But, then again, group-head temperature control on twin boiler machines is tighter.....
It is a never-ending list of choices, options, possibiities... and it is exactly why coffee-lovers suffer so often from the dreaded disease "upgraditis"! And that is all part of the fun!!
It is a never-ending list of choices, options, possibiities... and it is exactly why coffee-lovers suffer so often from the dreaded disease "upgraditis"! And that is all part of the fun!!
Volumetric or Manual?
On a volumetric machine it is a matter of locking in the portafilter, one touch of a button, and the machine will start brewing a pre-set amount of espresso.
The amount of espresso can be programmed into the machine, so you have options for ristretto, espresso, or double shots.
These machines are ideal for a small office or a busy household where "standard" drinks are required on a regular basis.
The amount of espresso can be programmed into the machine, so you have options for ristretto, espresso, or double shots.
These machines are ideal for a small office or a busy household where "standard" drinks are required on a regular basis.
To make an espresso on a manual/semi-automatic machine the barista uses toggles or push-button switches to start/stop the water flowing .
From a true coffee lovers point of view the manual machine is preferrable, as this gives you the option to closely monitor the shot and cut it at just the "right " time.
Your coffee, your cup, your taste...
one thing is sure though: as I have found, once you start on this coffee-journey,
there is no going back!
one thing is sure though: as I have found, once you start on this coffee-journey,
there is no going back!
Enjoy the ride!!