High-Quality Espresso Drinks for a Fraction of the Cost at a Coffee Bar
There is an old adage that says there are two kinds of people; those who are useless before their morning coffee, and those who are not. People who belong to the former group are those who need proper equipment to prepare excellent coffee at home. If it is a great cup of Joe you need first thing in the morning, a home espresso machine is a definite must-have.
How is a Coffee Espresso Machine Different from All Other Coffee Makers?
Making a perfect espresso shot is more of an art form than science. Just like a great painter, you will need just the right tool to make excellent espresso, which would require a dedicated machine. An Espresso machine is different from run-of-the-mill coffee makers since the former is designed to make espresso rather than brewed coffee. The process is very different and the technique is rather complex. Having a high quality espresso maker at home guarantees excellent coffee that would certainly perk up your day, no matter how early you start, especially on weekdays.
Benefits of Having an Espresso Maker at Home
Make High-Quality Espresso Drinks at home for a Fraction of the Cost Compared to espresso based drinks offered at large coffee chains like Starbucks or Seattle’s Best. A home-made coffee treat, whether hot or cold will only cost about a dollar or so for each cup. On average, avid coffee drinkers spend about $2000 each year for fancy espresso drinks when they can simply invest in an excellent espresso maker and make the same drink at home. For java fanatics who cannot go without their jolt for a day (but are looking to cut back on expenses), getting an espresso machine is an excellent idea. It only takes about 5-10 minutes to make a great cup of an espresso-based drink, i.e. Latte, Cappuccino, Macchiato, or Americano.
Note: If you are a traditional espresso drinker (that is, you prefer to drink your espresso without any additives like sugar or whipped cream on top), it is important to invest in high quality espresso beans and an excellent coffee grinder. Keep in mind that not all types off coffee beans make for an excellent espresso.
Perfect for Entertaining Guests (especially for dinner parties)
Whether it is offered as a beverage on its own or to pair with a dessert dish, espresso is always a hit at dinner parties and other types of semi-formal sit-down gatherings. Espresso pairs very well with post-dinner treats such as blueberry shortcakes, scones, or éclairs. lt would be a great treat for your guests and the process takes no more than a few minutes (or slightly longer depending on the number of cups to be prepared).
The Art of Pulling a Perfect Espresso Shot
A perfect shot of espresso has a very distinct taste, which can best be described as caramel-like. In addition, the top of a perfectly executed shot is covered with a creamy finish, which indicates that it has been pulled (extracted) within 18 and 22 seconds. Under-pulled espresso will taste bland and watery, while an over-pulled shot would be extremely bitter and a turn-off. Timing, temperature, grind, and pressure are the most important components that are required in order to make an authentic espresso shot.
Guidelines for Choosing a Home Espresso Machine
Those who are in the market for a home espresso machine should know that there are dozens of brands of several sub-types of this product. In order to get the best possible machine for your needs, it is necessary to first understand the differences between types of espresso machines.
1. Know Which Type of Espresso Machine to Get
There are basically two common types of home espresso machines: Steam Driven and Pump Driven. Steam-driven espresso makers are the most inexpensive machines but it is important to note that they mostly dispense very strong coffee instead of the creamy-topped authentic espresso. This would probably suffice for novices who do not yet know the real difference between real espresso and extremely concentrated coffee.
Pump-Driven espresso machines, on the other hand dispenses real crema-topped shots that are perfect for espresso-based drinks such as cappuccino and latte. The two types of pump-driven machines are semi-automatic (this is recommended for experienced coffee drinkers since it takes a bit of technique to operate), and the super-automatic (which is very easy to use but also infinitely more expensive.
2. Compare Product Features and Prices
Not all espresso makers are created equal, thus necessitating comprehensive comparisons between and among popular brands. In addition, it would be good to know the prevailing prices of the type of machine you need. Steam Driven espresso machines range from $40 to $60 while Pressure-driven units cost between $100 and $3000. Perusing online stores is the best way to gauge the prices of different espresso makers. Whether you treat coffee as a morning beverage or as an all-day treat that lifts up your spirit whenever you it, having a good espresso maker at home is a wise choice.
Originally posted 2013-10-10 21:11:38.