Espresso coffee machines
Home coffee machine Espresso - a universal way to make an aromatic drink at any time of the day. All coffee gourmets come to this opinion sooner or later. With its help you can control the hardness of water, the choice of grains and the degree of grinding, but the method of making coffee affects its taste most.
Advantages over other types
From a chemical point of view, ground coffee bean is a collection of complex organic substances - tannins, caffeine, special oils. With ordinary cooking in a cezve, some of them are destroyed even if all the recommended rules are followed. If you use for making drip coffee maker, then the result is a weak extract, but still have to constantly change the paper filters. It is this version of the drink that most resembles American coffee with a mild flavor and low strength.
The preparation of this espresso is impossible without the processing of ground beans under pressure - it is extracted with the help of ita maximum of organic substances, branded foam is formed - cream, and the coffee itself becomes thick and rich. This technology is used in automatic coffee machines.
There is another type of device - machines running on special capsules. They are easy to maintain, compact, but each time require a proprietary "stuffing." At the same time, capsules are needed of a strictly defined type and it is difficult to find them on sale.
Operating principle
Pure water is poured into a specially designated container. Ground powder in the amount of 7-10 grams is poured into the removable part of the coffee maker or horn, and then pressed into a special device - tempera. It can be built into the body of the coffee machine, but there are also professional models that are sold separately. Tamper plays an important role in the preparation of espresso: too dense will prevent the passage of fluid, and weak will allow water to leak only through the center of the coffee "pill", thus the drink will be weak.
Having a horn is not the only requirement for getting a delicious coffee.. The pressure level of the steam produced by the electric pump in the coffee machine must be at least 10 bar.This is the minimum allowable characteristic for real espresso.
Additional functions
Modern models of coffee machines for home are able not only to make delicious coffee. For ease of use, manufacturers supply them with various additional functions. It can be:
- built-in coffee grinder with adjustable grinding degree;
- cappuccinator, or panarello - manual or automatic device for beating milk;
- cleaning system and decalcification of the device;
- automatic control availability of water and grains;
- possibility of cooking several servings at a time.
The premium models are designed for heavy and long-lasting loads, protected from misuse and have a long warranty period. They are suitable for both home use and for the office.
Features of care and repair
To make coffee in the car is best to use clean filtered water. This is necessary not only for the taste of the drink: the salts of calcium and magnesium, which are in ordinary running water, over time form a scum inside the device and can lead to its breakdown. For prevention, it is recommended to carry out regularly decalcification - cleaning the mechanism from lime deposits. At home, dissolve the resulting scale can be a solution of vinegar or citric acid.
Automatic cappuccinators also often fail: milk is supplied to them through a thin tube, which must be constantly washed and cleaned of fat. Devices with a built-in mini-grinder are distinguished by a particular capriciousness - small particles of powder can get in and ruin the mechanism. In general, even the best and quality machines require respect for themselves.
It is recommended to regularly carry out professional cleaning of coffee equipment in a specialized service center. Therefore, it is desirable that your chosen portable coffee machine was a well-known brand - if necessary, it is easier to replace this or that part.
De Longhi ETAM 29.510.B
The Italian manufacturer of home appliances has long established itself in the market of automatic coffee machines. Model series "Autentica" with electronic type of control allows you to save individual settings for each user - the strength of the drink, the temperature and the preferred volume.She is able to prepare not only classic espresso, but also other programmed recipes: ristretto, cappuccino, latte. The built-in coffee grinder has 13 degrees of grinding, and a special filter that is included in the kit prevents harmful substances from entering the drink. Numerous consumer reviews mark not only the functionality of this model, but also a stylish design. Warranty service is available for 5 years.
Philips-Saeco HD8753 / 19
Promises a delicious drink at the touch of a button. Ceramic millstones built-in grinders provide quiet operation, and automatic cleaning cycles of the device will eliminate the need to contact the service center. The milk supply tank is easily removed and cleaned in the dishwasher, and the convenient color menu meets the latest requirements.
Krups EA810B70
The French brand, not very famous in our country, has been part of the concern since 2001. Group SEBunited popular brands Moulinex, Rowenta and Tefal. Model EA810B70 has compact dimensions, noiseless operation and provides steam pressure up to 15 bar. The control is mechanical, but it is not difficult to understand it: there are several degrees of grinding of grains, modes for making ristretto, espresso and lungo.In general, this is a practical home option.
Lavazza "Espresso Point Matinee"
The coffee machine has a compact size and is easy to handle: the packaging of coffee in the form of special capsules allows you to preserve its freshness and flavor. "E-Point Lavazza Espresso Point Matinee" does not make noise, is easily and quickly cleaned, and the coffee turns out really rich and tasty. A set of branded capsules is usually sold complete with a coffee machine, and if they are not available, you can easily find it in any chain store.
Whatever model you choose, almost any modern coffee machine allows you to get a delicious and aromatic espresso without any extra effort. The preparation of this drink will cease to be a daily routine duty and allow you to enjoy its taste in full.
The next video is an overview of Espresso coffee machines.