Buying a fantastic coffee machine capable of churning out cafe-style coffee at home is within the average consumer's grasp, with top-quality machines on the market, from all the leaders of espresso heaven, including Jura, Nespresso, Gaggia and Saeco. But how do you know what to buy and, God forbid, keep it in tip-top condition for years to come?
This article provides 6 critical steps to take and avoid before and after you bring home the wizz bang top of the line model you are considering buying from Amazon. Hopefully these steps and suggestions will help you make a more informed decision and save you many frustrating hours wishing you had bought another brand or model in the first place.
The first feature of any new coffee machine you should ask for is for your machine to be pump driven. The bigger the pump the quicker the extraction but beware you need to make sure that the pump can deliver at least a constant 9 bars of pressure not "capable of 15 or 19 bars". Good extraction times typically occur at 9 bars. So look for a machine that is pump driven. This will ensure your extraction is strong enough to deliver delicious crema full of flavor in the right amount of time.
Your machine certainly plays a large part of the final taste of your coffee but there are other factors which come into play. To ensure you deliver the best taste make sure you use fresh coffee beans and not stale beans that have been pre-ground two weeks earlier and left in an open container. The coffee is only about 2% of the overall ingredient in your coffee! Using the best type of bean is also critical - Arabica coffee is more delicate and give a fantastic aroma when brewed. If you can, invest in a coffee grinder to ensure freshly ground coffee every time.
Water makes up the remaining 98% of the coffee brew and it essential to use filtered water whenever possible. If you buy a machine with a built in filter this should do the trick, otherwise buy a counter top filter machine. Not only is it good for your machine but you also help to reduce the amount of impurities in your coffee. Try to use cold water in your machine and let the machine heat the water to the correct brewing temperature.
As mentioned previously a good grinder is a fantastic addition but not totally necessary. If you do decide to buy one look for a good burr grinder and only grind what you need on the day. It is possible to buy pre-ground coffee that is vacuum packaged to seal in the freshness. You can do this but ideally grab fresh beans and grind yourself.
Consistency is the key to making great espresso day in day out. When I owned my coffee shop this was our greatest challenge for my staff. This doesn't happen with a super automatic machine which does everything however with a semi automatic machine the one part which causes the most inconsistency is with the tamping of the ground coffee into the group handle. Practice makes perfect - you need to use around 30 pounds of pressure, keep the tamper vertical, and only tamp once, then again. Wipe away the excess grounds and you are done. Practice, practice, practice. Aim to be consistent and your coffee brewing will shine.
Last but not least is be vigilant about cleaning and maintaining your machine. Check the components on a regular basis, replace seals and clean inside and out, clean group handles and up inside the group head. Use decalcification solution as instructed in your manual to clean the insides of the machine to clear out deposits that build up and cause your coffee machine to work inefficiently.
By considering the essential features of what makes a great coffee machine and then looking after your new coffee machine will help ensure many years of excellent coffee making in your home. By following the points outlined in this article you can make an informed decision on purchasing and maintaining your new coffee machine.
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