10 Barista Espresso Machine Meetups You Should Attend
What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine
The espresso machine is one of the most complex coffee machines on the planet. It consists of three main parts. The bottom is where the water goes and the middle is the filter-basket.
This machine was a huge hit and helped popularize the prosumer (home barista) espresso market. It features a 2.2L steam boiler, a low pressure pre-infusion and 9 bar brewing pressure.
Pressure
If you're an avid coffee drinker, then you'll know that the pressure of your machine is a crucial factor in the quality of your drinks. If you're looking for an even layer of crema or the right balance of acidity and flavor, the pressure of your espresso maker is the key to brewing good travel espresso maker.
BARs (Barometric pressure) is the amount of force that your espresso machine applies to the grounds of coffee while pumping high-pressure water. 9 BARs means that the espresso machine is pushing heated water through the coffee grounds at an amount of nine times the Earth's current atmospheric pressure.
The pressure of your espresso machine is crucial because it allows water to flow through the grounds of your coffee with the right speed and with the right intensity. If the pressure isn't sufficient the flavors and oils will not be extracted correctly. If the pressure is too low the flavors and oils that are dissolved will not be extracted correctly.
You can control the pressure of your espresso coffee makers maker by adjusting the screw on the espresso pump. Commercial machines and high-end home machines come with rotating pumps that can be adjusted in pressure. For the cheaper home machines that utilize a vibration motor, it is impossible to alter the pressure with DIY hacks. Companies like Cafflano however, are working on technology that utilizes Pascal's Principle in order to maintain the pressure inside the portafilter throughout the making process.
Temperature
Temperature is one of the most important elements in a great espresso shot. The water that is too hot can scorch the grounds of coffee, which can result in a bitter coffee. The ideal temperature for extraction is 200 degrees Fahrenheit which allows the water to extract all of the desired coffee flavors without scorching the grounds or over-extracting.
The top espresso machines feature a thermoblock, or thermocoil which warms the water and keeps it at a constant temperature throughout the entire extraction process. The Breville barista espresso coffee machine Express, for instance, comes with PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) system which constantly checks the temperature of the water and adjusts according to the need making sure that the brew head remains at the right temperature to extract the coffee.
Many coffee drinkers know that the temperature of your espresso machine is a crucial factor in the production of a good cup of coffee. The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is between 190 to 196 degrees Fahrenheit. To achieve this, you require an espresso maker with a reliable thermoblock, thermocoil or thermoblock and a boiler that is properly sized.
It is also crucial to heat your machine as well as the portafilter and cup prior to making a shot. Inability to heat your equipment is among the most common mistakes made by beginners to making espresso. You should always read your espresso machine's manual before you start using it for the first time.
Grind
A barista machine should give you a range of grind settings, so that you can have the greatest control over your final cup of professional espresso machine. Some machines come with an analog pressure gauge, which is cool and can help you gain knowledge about your brewing techniques. The goal is to maintain the pressure at nine bars throughout the brewing process. Although this machine isn't hitting the mark, it's quite close and will serve you well.
Another wonderful feature of this machine is the built-in burr grinder. This is a great feature for espresso newbies because it will not require you to pay for an additional burr grinder. The grinder is a conical stainless steel device that has 18 settings from "coarse" to "fine."
The grinder isn't as powerful as a stand-alone unit, but it's a good beginning and will get you on the path to brewing quality espresso shots. It's easy to clean, and you can stop it during the grinding process to avoid making a mountain of ground that can spill all over your portafilter on its way to grinding.
This is a beautiful and practical machine that allows you to experience the joy of becoming a barista from home. This is a great choice for anyone who wants to remember the thrill of pouring microfoam in their morning cup of coffee while locking the portafilter in the head of the grouphead and tamping it with precision. If you're looking for convenience, a bean-to- cup machine might be a better fit.
Water
It is a challenge to master. Finding the right balance is key. Too much can cause mineral deposits to build up in your machine. However, too little will result in an espresso cup that is weaker.
The ideal espresso water has low alkalinity and hardness level. It is best to use a filter which does not use chlorine and adds a small amount (TDS) of total dissolved substances to add calcium and magnesium. This will create a good balance of hardness and alkalinity and will help avoid the necessity to decalcify your equipment.
It is important to use filtered water of high quality for the health and taste of your machine. A descaling product should be used on a regular basis according to the strength and use of your machine. These products come in liquid, powder and tab forms and are available in all hardware stores.
The Breville Barista Express, a top-of-the-line home espresso machine, is designed to bring the cafe experience into your home. It comes with more advanced features compared to other buy espresso machines machines that are beginner-friendly, and is geared towards those who are looking to refine their techniques and perfect their craft. The thermocoil heater, with an integrated PID controller placed on the group head that is heated continuously allows you to regulate your brewing temperatures. This is a huge advantage over other models at the entry level, which require long periods of "temperature-surfing" to ensure a consistent espresso shot.
