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What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine The espresso machine is among the most intricate coffee machines on the planet. It has three main parts. The base holds the water and the middle part is a filter-basket with a filter made of metal. This machine was a huge success and helped popularize the prosumer (home barista) espresso market. It features a 2.2L steam boiler, a low pressure pre-infusion & 9 bar pressure for brewing. Pressure If you are a coffee lover, you'll be aware that the pressure of your espresso machine is a key element in the quality of your beverages. It doesn't matter if you're seeking an even layer of crema, or the perfect balance of acidity and flavor The pressure of your espresso maker is the most important factor in brewing excellent espresso. BARs (Barometric Pressure) refer to the force applied to the coffee grounds when your espresso machine is delivering its high-pressure water. Your espresso machine is pushing hot water through the coffee grounds at a rate nine times Earth's current atmosphere pressure. The pressure of your machine is important because it allows the water to move through coffee grounds at the right speed and intensity. If the pressure is too low the flavors and oils will not be extracted correctly. On the other however, if the pressure is too high the water will be forced through the coffee grounds too quickly, and you'll end up with a weak, over-extracted cup of espresso. The pressure of your espresso machine can be adjusted by turning the screw located on the espresso pump. Commercial and high-end home appliances have pumps that rotate with adjustable pressure. For the more affordable home machines that have the vibrating pump, altering the pressure is impossible without using DIY hacks. Companies like Cafflano however, are developing technology that utilizes Pascal's Principle in order to maintain pressure in the portafilter during the fermentation process. Temperature The temperature is one of the most important aspects for a great espresso shot. If the water is too hot, it could cause the coffee grounds to burn and create a bitter drink. The ideal extraction temperature is 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows the water to extract all the desired coffee flavors without scorching the grounds or over-extracting. The top espresso machines come with the thermoblock, also known as a thermocoil that heats water and keeps it at the same temperature throughout the extraction cycle. The Breville Barista Express has a PID system (Proportional Integral Derived) which constantly monitors and adjusts the water temperature. This makes sure that the brewhead stays at the ideal temperature for extraction. Most coffee lovers know that the temperature of your espresso machine is a key factor in making a quality cup of coffee. The ideal temperature for brewing espresso is between 190 to 196 degrees Fahrenheit. To achieve this, you require a machine with a good thermoblock, thermocoil and a boiler that is correctly sized. It is also important to preheat your portafilter, espresso machine, and cup prior to making an espresso. A failure to warm your espresso maker is among the most common errors made by novice espresso makers. This is why it is important to always read the instruction manual before using your espresso maker for the first time. Grind A barista espresso machine must provide a variety grind settings for you to have the most control over the final cup of coffee. Some machines include an analog pressure gauge, which looks cool and can help you learn about your brewing skills. You should aim to maintain a pressure of nine bars throughout the brewing process. Although this machine can't reach that target, it is close enough and will serve you well. Another wonderful feature of this machine is that it has a built-in burr grinder. This feature is ideal for beginners because it eliminates having to purchase a separate grinder. The stainless steel conical grinder comes with 18 settings, ranging from “coarse to fine.” It's not as efficient as a stand-alone unit, but it can get you started on the right track to make great espresso shots. It's easy-to-clean and you can stop the grinder in the grinding process to avoid creating a mountainous amount of ground on your portafilter while it's being stamped. This stunning and practical machine will let you experience being a barista in your home. This is a great option for those who wish to remember the thrill of pouring microfoam into their morning coffee while locking the portafilter in the head of the grouphead and then tamping with precision. If you're looking for convenience, a bean-to- cup machine might be the better choice. Water It is a challenge to master. The key is to find the right balance. Too much can cause mineral deposits to form inside your machine. However, too little will result in less of an espresso. The ideal water for espresso is soft and high in alkalinity. This is best achieved by using a water filter system which eliminates chlorine and brings back in a small amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) to add some calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will result in an ideal balance of hardness and alkalinity and will reduce the necessity of decalcifying your equipment. Using a high quality filtered water is crucial to your machine's long term health as well as the flavor of the coffee it makes. A descaling product should be used on a regular basis depending on the hardness and frequency of use of your machine. These products are available in powder, liquid and tab forms and are available at most hardware stores. The Breville Barista Express is a premium, high-end home espresso machine designed to bring the experience of a cafe to your home. It comes with more advanced features when compared to other beginner machines, and is designed for coffee enthusiasts who want refine their technique and master the craft. The thermocoil heater with an integrated PID controller, centered on the group head that is continuously heated allows you to regulate your brewing temperatures. This is a major advantage over other entry-level models which require you to spend lots of time “temperature-surfing” to achieve consistent espresso shots.