An espresso machine may not be the first item that comes to mind when outfitting your kitchen, but it can make a huge difference in how you prepare and enjoy coffee. A great home espresso machine should be able to make consistently good shots of espresso with minimal effort on your part.
To get the most bang for your buck, look for a machine with the following features.
Three-way pressure relief
This valve releases pressure from the portafilter while the shot is brewing and helps prevent siphoning. Siphoning can happen when there’s too much pressure in the brewing chamber, causing hot water and espresso to be forced up and out of the machine. Quality espresso machines like those from My (next) Espresso Machine have three-way pressure relief valves that prevent this by equalising the pressure inside the chamber so that your espresso comes out tasting great every time.
Filter basket size
The filter basket size determines how much coffee you can use to brew your espresso shot. If you like to make large espresso shots, you’ll want to look for a machine with a larger basket size. Some baskets can also be double or triple-partitioned, which gives you more control over how much coffee you use per shot.
Built-in filtration system
Quality espresso requires clean water to enhance flavour and achieve optimal crema. A good espresso machine generally comes with built-in filtration to help ensure that you get the best cup of coffee. The built-in filtration system helps to remove any impurities from your water before it reaches the boiler and is vaporised. This helps improve the taste of your espresso by removing unwanted minerals and other contaminants that can have a negative effect on the flavour.
Boiler
The boiler is one of the most important parts of an espresso machine because it’s responsible for heating the water to the correct temperature for brewing. Some machines have a single boiler, while others have two – one for brewing and one for steaming milk. If you plan on using your machine for brewing and steaming, you’ll want to ensure it has at least two boilers. Some higher-end machines even have PID temperature controllers, which help to ensure that the water remains at a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process.
Temperature control
Temperature control is another important factor to consider when choosing an espresso machine. The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is between 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’ll want to ensure your machine can maintain a consistent temperature in this range. Some machines have manual temperature controls, while others have automatic controls that adjust the temperature based on the specific coffee bean used or the amount of water in the reservoir. No matter what type of control your machine has, it’s important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process.
Final thoughts
With all these factors working together, making delicious espresso at home has never been easier. So, if you’re looking for a quality machine that makes consistently great espresso shots every time, check out the above features before making your purchase.
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