3 Common Reasons Why Your Barista Espresso Machine Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)
3 Common Reasons Why Your Barista Espresso Machine Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)
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What to Look For in a Barista Espresso Machine
The espresso machine is among the most complicated coffee machines in the world. It is comprised of three primary components. The bottom is where the water goes and the middle the filter-basket.
This machine was a huge success and helped to popularize the prosumer (home barista) espresso market. It features a 2.2L steam boiler, a low pressure pre-infusion and 9 bar pressure for brewing.
Pressure
If you are an avid coffee drinker, then you will know that the pressure of your machine is a crucial element in the quality of your drink. It doesn't matter if you're seeking an even layer of crema, or the right balance of acidity and flavor, the pressure of your espresso machine is the most important factor in brewing perfect espresso.
BARs (Barometric pressure) is the amount of force that your espresso machine exerts on grounds of your coffee while delivering high-pressure water. Your espresso machine is pushing hot water through the grounds of your coffee at nine times the current atmospheric pressure.
The pressure of your machine is vital because it allows the water to move through coffee grounds at a proper speed and intensity. If the pressure is too low the flavors and oils that are dissolved won't be properly extracted. On the other contrary, if pressure is too high, the water will be pushed through the coffee grounds too quickly and you'll end with a weak, over-extracted cup of espresso.
You can control the pressure of your espresso maker by changing the screw on the espresso pump. Commercial and high-end home machines have the rotary pumps that have adjustable pressure. For the cheaper home machines that utilize an oscillating pump, changing the pressure is not possible without involving DIY hacks. Companies like Cafflano however, are working on technology that utilizes Pascal's Principle to ensure the pressure inside the portafilter throughout the fermentation process.
Temperature
Temperature is among the most important factors in a great espresso shot. A hot water can burn the coffee grounds, resulting in a bitter brew. The ideal temperature for extraction is about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows the water to extract all of the desired coffee flavors without scorching the grounds or over-extracting.
The best espresso machines feature thermoblocks, also known as thermocoils which heats the water and maintains it at an even temperature throughout the extraction. The Breville Barista Express, for instance, is equipped with PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) system that continuously monitors the water temperature and adjusts if needed to ensure that the brew head remains at the right temperature for extraction.
Most coffee lovers know that the temperature of the espresso maker is essential to making a great cup of coffee. The ideal temperature for espresso is between 190 and 196. To achieve this, you need an espresso machine with a top thermoblock, thermocoil and boiler that is properly sized.
In addition, it's important to pre-heat your espresso maker, portafilter and cup before you make espresso. Inability to heat your equipment is one of the most common errors made by beginners to making espresso. It is recommended to read your espresso machine's instruction manual before you use it for the first time.
Grind
A barista machine should give you a range of grind settings, so that you have the maximum control over your final cup of espresso. Some machines have an analog pressure gauge which is cool and can help you learn about your brewing techniques. The goal is to maintain the pressure of nine bars throughout the brewing cycle. Although this machine isn't hitting the desired pressure, it's pretty close and will be able to serve you well.
A built-in burr mill is a great feature. This is an excellent feature for espresso newbies because it will not require you to pay for a separate burr grinder. The stainless steel conical grinder has 18 settings, which range from "coarse to fine."
The grinder isn't as powerful as a stand-alone device, however, it's a decent beginning and will get you on your way to creating quality espresso shots. It's easy to clean and you can put the grinder on hold during the process of grinding to avoid creating a mountainous amount of grounds on your portafilter as it's being tamped.
This beautiful and functional machine lets you be a barista at your home. This is a great option for those who wish to relive the excitement of pouring microfoam in their morning coffee by locking the portafilter to the head of the grouphead and tamping it with precision. A bean to cup machine is a good option for those who want convenience.
Water
Water can be a tricky thing to master. The key is to find the optimal balance. Too much can result in mineral deposits on your machine, while too little and you'll struggle to get a good cup of espresso.
The ideal water for espresso has an alkalinity and hardness that is low level. This can be achieved with a water filter system which eliminates chlorine and brings an amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) to add calcium and magnesium to the mix. This will create a balanced balance of hardness and alkalinity and will avoid the necessity to decalcify your equipment.
Using a high quality filtered water is crucial to your machine's overall health and the taste of the coffee it produces. Depending on the use and the hardness of the machine, you should make use of a descaling product on a regular basis. They are available in liquid, powder and tab forms and are available at all hardware stores.
The Breville Barista Express is a high-end, premium espresso machine for home use that is designed to bring the experience of a cafe to your home. It is equipped with more advanced features when compared to other espresso machines that are beginner-friendly, and is designed for coffee enthusiasts who wish to improve their technique and master the craft. The commercial espresso machine thermocoil heater with an integrated PID controller placed on the group head that is constantly heated allows you to regulate your brewing temperature. This can be a huge advantage over the other models that require more time "temperature surfing" to get a consistent espresso.