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Coffee and Espresso Machines Espresso machines make use of pressure in order to push water into finely roasted and tamped beans. They make a rich, delicious brew. Good Housekeeping Institute experts recommend models that use 9 bars or less to ensure the best extraction. Beware of manufacturers who claim to use more pressure than is needed. Types The espresso machine (also called a coffee maker and Espresso maker) makes coffee that is more concentrated, and of higher quality, and is more expensive than your typical cafe drinks. It works with an average of nine bars of pressure. These machines have many features, such as the control of temperature and brew strength, programmable brewing and various sizes of drinks. They can also have steam wands that are either automatic or manual to create texturized milk for latte art. There are three types of latte art of semi-automatic, super-automatic, and automatic. Each espresso machine has its own specific level and type of automation. Semi-automatic espresso machines are the most popular choice for specialty coffee shops. Semi-automatic espresso machines give baristas full control of the brewing process, however they are not as user friendly as fully automatic or automated machines. To get the best espresso shot, you must grind the beans, fill the portafilter, tamp it down, and adjust the extraction time. Automated machines have built-in grinders, and they measure and grind the grounds for you. They automatically dispense the appropriate amount of water needed to extract the espresso, and they often come with a programmable drink size function. They were the most commonly used espresso machine type in our lab tests, and they provide a great balance between consistency and human control. Functions If you choose an engine driven machine or a steam-driven model, you'll get an accumulator that holds the water needed to make your coffee. There's also heating elements that heat up the cold water to create the high pressure needed to extract coffee from grounds. When the brew lever is raised it triggers the water inlet cam to seal the valve to prevent pre-infusion. This ensures that only hot water that has been pressurized to the maximum pressure can flow through the portafilter before being ground into coffee. It takes about 25 seconds for the water to brew into espresso. The hot-water tubing, also known as the insulated tubing, runs from the reservoir to the spout located at the top of your machine. The heating element for resistance heats the water as the water moves through the aluminum tube and metal warming plate. After the spout has been turned on, place your cup in the spout to catch the espresso as it is pushed through the portafilter into your cup. The coffee maker also has steam wands that you can use to heat and froth the milk to make espresso-based beverages such as cappuccino and lattes. Automatic machines take the guesswork out of making coffee. They are simple to use, programmable and are able to measure and grind beans, as well as the tamping down process. In coffeee tend to perform best because they are easy to use and do not require the use of a lot of skills. Materials The inside of an espresso machine is a veritable collection of copper tubes, boilers made of stainless steel and intelligent firmware. It may appear to be complicated but in the end, they accomplish one thing: push hot water through a finely-ground coffee. When looking for an espresso maker, consider the size and space requirements, beverage options, energy-saving options and brewing precision. Also, look for a steam knob which will activate the steam wand, which is used for frothing milk and making latte art. The front of the machine features an indicator of pressure that will show the operating pressure of the boiler and pump. Find a coffee maker with two needles, so that you can observe both the maximum and minimum pressure. If you're looking for more then only espresso, choose one that has different sizes of brew. This includes the ristretto. There are models with an adjustable milk hopper to allow hands-free, hassle-free frothing and the ability to quickly switch between different types of milk. Make sure you choose a model with an inbuilt softener, if you have hard water. This will help prevent mineral accumulation and ensure that your espresso stays fresh. Some manufacturers use a thermostat that is digital, integral and proportional to keep a certain temperature range when making espresso. This feature ensures a consistent, high-quality cup of espresso every time. This feature also lowers costs for energy because the machine only runs when necessary. Maintenance The care and maintenance of espresso machines and coffee makers is becoming more essential as they become accessible for home use. Having the best equipment can make a world of difference in your cup of coffee, but this is only true if the machine is functioning properly. A regular maintenance and cleaning routine should include everything from cleaning the steam wand and group head to decaling, and finally changing the water filter regularly. As a rule of thumb when you're making between two and five cups of coffee each day, you should wash the majority of your machine at least once per week. Some parts of the machine may require cleaning every two to three weeks, like the water tank and the grinder. In addition, you must backflush your system every week. This involves sealing the portafilter and running the brew cycles many times. This can help to eliminate any coffee grounds or oils that are left behind. You can also clean the portafilter using a cleaner and brush specially designed for espresso machines. Maintaining your espresso and coffee machine properly can ensure that it lasts longer. It is essential to maintain your expensive professional espresso machine.