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What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine The espresso machine is one of the most complicated coffee machines around the globe. It is comprised of three major parts. The bottom contains the water and the middle the filter-basket. This machine was a major success and was instrumental in bringing home barista espresso. Features include a 2.2L steam boiler, a low pressure pre-infusion and 9 bar pressure for brewing. Pressure If you're serious about coffee and espresso, then you're aware that the pressure of your espresso maker is an important aspect in how well your drinks come out. The pressure of your machine is crucial to making excellent coffee, whether you're looking for a thick layer or the perfect balance of flavor and acidity. BARs (Barometric pressure) is the force your espresso machine exerts on the grounds of your coffee while delivering high-pressure water. 9 BARs means that your espresso machine is pushing heated water through the ground coffee at a the rate of nine times the current atmospheric pressure. The pressure of your machine is crucial because it allows water to pass through the coffee grounds at the proper speed and intensity. If the pressure isn't sufficient the oils and flavors won't be extracted properly. If the pressure is too low the flavors and oils dissolved won't be extracted properly. The pressure of your espresso machine can be controlled by adjusting the screw on the espresso pump. Commercial machines as well as some high-end home machines use rotary pumps that are adjustable. For home machines that are less expensive that utilize a vibration motor, it's impossible to adjust the pressure without DIY hacks. However, companies such as Cafflano are working on technology that uses Pascal's Principle to maintain pressure inside the portafilter during the fermentation process. Temperature The temperature is one of the most important factors in brewing the perfect espresso shot. Hot water can cause burning of the coffee grounds, resulting in a bitter coffee. The ideal temperature for extraction is 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This lets the water to extract all desired coffee flavors without scorching the grounds or excessively extracting. The top espresso machines come with the thermoblock, also known as a thermocoil that heats water and keeps it at a constant temperature throughout the extraction cycle. The Breville Barista Express has a PID system (Proportional Integral Derived) which continuously monitors and adjusts the temperature. This ensures that the brewhead remains at the ideal temperature for extraction. Many coffee enthusiasts know that the temperature of your espresso maker is a crucial factor to brewing a high-quality cup of coffee. The ideal temperature for espresso is between between 190-196. In order to get this temperature, your machine must have a quality thermoblock or thermocoil and the boiler needs to be of the right size. In addition, it's essential to heat your portafilter, machine, and the cup prior to making the shot. Espresso makers who are beginners often make the mistake of not preheating their equipment. This is the reason you should always review the instruction manual before making use of your espresso maker for the first time. Grind A barista espresso machine must provide a variety grind settings to give you the most control over the final cup of coffee. Some machines have an analog pressure gauge which is cool and can help you learn about your brewing skills. Ideally, you want to get around nine bars of pressure, and keep it throughout the brewing process. This machine is very close to getting to that point. A built-in burr mill is also a great feature. This feature is great for beginners because it eliminates having to buy an additional grinder. The grinder is an stainless steel conical unit with 18 settings from “coarse” to “fine.” This grinder isn't as good as a standalone but it can get you started on the right track to make great espresso shots. It's easy to clean and you can also pause it while grinding to avoid creating a pile of ground that will fall across your portafilter as it makes its way to the tamping. This gorgeous and practical machine will allow you to feel like a barista from your home. It's a great option for those who wish to be able to look back at the moments of pouring microfoam into their morning coffee or locking a portafilter into the grouphead, and tamping with precision. For those who want convenience, a bean-to- cup machine could be a better fit. Water Water is a difficult thing to master. Finding the right balance is essential. Too much caffeine can cause mineral deposits to form in the machine, but too little and you'll struggle make a full cup of espresso. The ideal water for espresso has an alkalinity and hardness that is low level. This is best accomplished by using an water filter system that bypasses all chlorine and adds back in a small amount of total dissolving solids (TDS) to add some calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will result in an optimal balance between alkalinity and hardness, and will reduce the necessity of decalcifying your machine. It is vital to use water filtered of high-quality for the health and taste of your machine. A descaling product should be utilized on a regular basis according to the strength and use of your machine. These products are available in liquid, powder and tab forms and can be found at many hardware stores. The Breville Barista Express is a high-end, luxury home espresso machine designed to bring the cafe experience to your home. It comes with more advanced features compared to other beginner machines, and is designed for coffee enthusiasts who wish to improve their technique and perfect their art of coffee. The thermocoil heating system with an integrated PID controller, located on the group head that is constantly heated, makes it easy to regulate your brewing temperatures. This is a huge advantage over other models at the entry level which need you to spend a lot of time “temperature-surfing” to get an even shot of espresso.