Buying a Coffee and Espresso Maker
A coffee and espresso machine is a must-have in any kitchen, whether you prefer a full-sized pot or espresso. We have a wide range of styles and features at Target to meet your requirements.
With an espresso machine, high pressure forces water through ground beans in just a few seconds. The grounds are then tamped to evenly compact them and lock them.
Features
There are a number of things to take into consideration when purchasing a coffee and espresso maker. The most important is the factors that determine its functionality and suitability to your needs. Consider features that offer convenience, enhance the quality of your beverage and allow for customization of your beverage.
Coffee- and espresso-makers aren't difficult to make, such as the traditional Bialetti Moka Express non-electric coffee maker that makes use of the use of a pot to heat the water that slowly drips over the ground beans. Certain models have more advanced features, for instance, double boilers that let you to make espresso and froth or steamed milk at same time. Other features include digital displays that inform you when your water tank is low and when it's time to empty the grounds bin, or descale, and other maintenance tasks.
Most modern coffee and espresso makers utilize a similar brewing process that involves pouring hot water over ground or pre-ground beans that sit in a filter. Some are designed to stop brewing at the appropriate time to allow you to have a fresh cup of coffee every morning. Certain models let you choose the brewing intensity you prefer and some have adjustable temperature settings to ensure the best flavor.
The top model of coffee and espresso machines is the superautomatic, that is specifically designed to allow you to do everything. They are typically equipped with a built-in grinder that allows them to grind and brew coffee with fresh beans. They'll usually also come with a separate steamer for making cappuccinos or lattes. You may also be able to choose from a selection of drinks including hot chocolate on their menu.
If you have smaller kitchens, consider an ultra-compact model to save counter space. You should consider a multi-cup machine that can accommodate various cup sizes if you have many people in your home who have different preferences in coffee. If you're an espresso connoisseur, look for models that allow you to adjust the strength of the brew and water-to-coffee ratio so that you can make the perfect cup every time.
A solid warranty and prompt customer service are also important aspects to take into consideration when shopping for a coffee and espresso maker. Based on the manufacturer the warranty can vary from one to three years.
User-Friendliness
You need more than a traditional drip-filter coffee maker to make a coffeehouse type beverage at home. To make espresso, high-pressured water is pushed through finely ground coffee beans at high speed. The result is a few "shots" of caffeine with a rich crema that is topped with. The majority of espresso and combination coffee machines employ a portafilter, steaming arm and basket for this process, while others rely on pre-packaged coffee pods or filters, or permit you to grind and measure beans by hand.
Coffeee of machine you select will be based on how hands-on and spacious you'd like to be. Manual machines provide the most control but require a lot of effort grinding the coffee beans, then hand-tamp it and pull your shots. Semiautomatic machines skip some steps, including grinding and tapping. However they are more labor-intensive than automatic machines. Fully automatic espresso and coffee makers can make a full pot of drip coffee or an entire espresso cup with the press of a button.
You'll also want to consider whether you're brewing for one or a group of people. Certain models, such as the Nespresso Vertuo Plus can brew three cups of espresso or coffee at a time. This is a great way to meet your morning coffee needs, but it may not be the best choice when you're hosting crowds.
A coffee maker that has dual boilers allows you to simultaneously steam and brew milk, meaning you don't need to wait for one feature to cool down before the other starts. This feature is particularly useful for those who plan to make cappuccinos and lattes.
A coffee maker with an adjustable reservoir for water is less likely to build up mineral deposits than one that does not. It's still necessary to wash the reservoir on a regular basis however you'll save some time by not needing to empty and replace the entire pot of water. Another reason that can contribute to mineral buildup is the hardness of your water: The harder water will produce more dissolved minerals, which causes your machine to need descaling more often. Water that is soft or filtered is less stressful to use and reduces the frequency of descaling.
Cleaning is easy
A coffee maker or espresso maker is a significant purchase for a lot of homeowners, and requires regular maintenance to ensure its performance and longevity at its peak. Cleaning the carafe and other components that can be removed from an espresso machine or drip coffee maker is a crucial part of maintenance. Using vinegar or a specialized descaling solution at least once per month is a must to maintain your appliance and some models feature light-up sensors that notify you when it's time to clean.
While vinegar is a great option for countertops and sinks however, the acidity can harm the rubber seals and other components of your coffee and espresso maker, potentially limiting its lifespan. Many brands, like Lavazza and Smeg advise against use vinegar to clean your coffee maker as it could void the warranty.
To clean your espresso machine or coffee maker, first remove the portafilter and the basket from the group. Dislodge any ground from the portafilter or basket with a nylon scrubby pad or brush. Rinse both thoroughly with hot water and then dry them with a clean towel. Next, sanitize your brew group. Insert a cleaning tablet into the blind filter. Perform backflush. Alternately, you can manually backflush the machine by placing the cleaning tablet into the portafilter, then turning on the brewing cycle and then stopping it for 10 seconds. Repeat this process until you notice an even flow of water. This means that the machine has been properly descaled.
The brew mesh needs to be soaked up by the water as it moves through the espresso machine. The mesh can get clogged with old coffee residue when it gets dirty. This can adversely affect the extraction. Calatrello recommends that you take off the mesh once every month and clean it with brush. Then soak it in hot water overnight with a cleansing tablet.
If you have an entirely automated espresso and coffee maker, you can clean it by removing the reservoir for water and filling it up with water that is fresh by adding cleaning tablets and running a backflush programme. You should also wipe down the inside of the water reservoir and pot to remove any stains and residue. Before reassembling your appliance, you'll need to wash and dry the carafe as well as the water reservoir.
Maintenance Ease
If you're looking to brew an espresso quickly or coffee on the go, choose an automatic model. It doesn't need any action from you. These models make use of a basket containing ground coffee beans, water that is heated to the correct temperature, then released into the grounds.
These machines are perfect for those who like the process of making coffee but don't want hours learning the techniques and skills required to make the best tasting drinks. These machines are simple to operate and easy to clean. The results are similar to those of a drip coffee maker.
To maintain your machine make sure you dump the used grounds and scrub down the portafilter and grouphead after each use. It is also necessary to flush your machine on a regular basis. This is done by locking the filter inside the grouphead, and running the cycles of brewing a few more times until the water runs clear. Coffeehouses will do this at the end of each day, however, home users can do it every couple of days, or every week, using detergent, to give the machine a deeper clean.
It is also necessary to clean your steam wand, milk reservoir, and other components of the machine on a regular basis. We recommend cleaning them at least once every week. To do this, simply clean all the parts of the machine with a mixture of vinegar and warm soapy water (check the manual prior to doing so as some manufacturers advise against using vinegar). Also, make sure you change your filter frequently as hard water tends to accumulate mineral residues more quickly than soft or filter water. This can cause your coffee and espresso maker not to run or have a distinct taste. Buy a coffee and espresso maker with a water-hardness tester to prevent this.