Espresso Machine Features: What to Look For in an Espresso Machine

Looking for a new espresso machine? With all of the options available, it’s easy to be distracted by the bells and whistles that each coffee maker offers. But, which of these features makes a difference to the quality of your brew? Also, what can you do without?

我们查看您在浓缩咖啡机上找到的一些标准功能。

The Basics – what to look for in an espresso machine

尽管某些功能（如下所示）是可选的附加组件，但所有浓缩咖啡制造商都有基本功能。So when it comes time to choosing a machine回家, you’ll need to decide which of these is best for you.

加压法

You make true espresso when you extract it under pressure. But there’s more than one way to do this. You will likely see pump, steam, or杠杆咖啡制造商as options, but pump machines are the most common for home or commercial use.

Related:多少压力适合浓缩咖啡?

自动化级别

Do you want to get hands-on with your morning brew, or do you just want great coffee at the touch of a button? With a semi-automatic, you’ll need to grind, tamp and pull the shot.

半自动的不同之处仅仅是因为它具有流量计在正确量后停止水的流量计。一个超自动浓缩咖啡机will do pretty much everything for you. It will grind and tamp the beans, pull the shot, and in many cases steam the milk for you too.

Single/double boiler

如果您喜欢拿铁咖啡或卡布奇诺斯等咖啡饮料，那么此功能至关重要。一台具有单个锅炉的机器（最低端的浓缩咖啡机）具有一个用于酿造和牛奶蒸的热源。这意味着您不能立即从一个切换到另一个。

If you’re having trouble with where to start, knowing浓缩咖啡机的工作原理can help you decide what’s right for you. We also discussed the difference between热交换与双锅炉machines.

Espresso Machine Features for the Beginner

If you know exactly how you like your coffee but don’t have the skills to make it, look for a machine that will do it for you. Particularly on super-automatic machines, you’ll see一键式饮料这将使您从Bean到泡沫酿造一步。

Even for beginners, adjusting these预编程饮料将使您可以根据酿造温度，强度和牛奶温度或质地调整它们。

Related:How to make an espresso without a machine.

Extras for the Home Barista

虽然初学者可能希望将设置放在机器上，但有抱负的咖啡师可能会希望对其酿造进行更多的控制。如果是这种情况，您将需要寻找像brew pressure gaugeso that you pull your shot at precisely the right moment. You’ll also wantadjustable pre-infusion,adjustable flow,和adjustable brew temperature.

When you’re getting into the details, a machine with a PID controller will ensure consistent temperatures through the brewing process.

If the machine you have doesn’t have a PID controller, then you can consider getting anespresso machine modification. Aside from mods, theseespresso accessoriescan also give you more control over your brew.

Let’s Talk Milk

Most machines, even at the lower price ranges, will include a steam wand for milk foaming. These tend to be known as beginner, Pannerello, or froth assist wands, which are easier to use. On higher-end machines, you might see a professional wand as found on a commercial machine. The milk frothing will be built in and done entirely by the machine on super-automatic or bean-to-cup machines.

Either built into the steam wand or as a separate outlet, you can also find a spout for plain hot water, also known as a tea dispenser.

Final thoughts

一个s you can see, espresso machines can run from the most basic to the top of the line, packed with features. But don’t let the choices overwhelm you. The best idea is to work out which features are essential for you and then find something that fits your budget.