Espresso Machines Help You Pull the Perfect Shot
By Andreanne Hamel
Pulling the perfect shot of espresso can be daunting to newcomers. Many have tried, and many have failed. But thanks to the advent of automatic machines, it's easier than ever to get the strong, aromatic brew that espresso is famous for.
Of course, quality is everything. The perfect cup begins with good beans, freshly ground to a very fine consistency. Once that’s done, the brewing process can begin. Home brewers have a wide variety of styles to choose from. Some require more skill than others. The more automated the espresso machine, the more likely users are to produce a perfect cup right away.
Semi-Automatic to Super-Automatic
A semi-automatic espresso machine combines the user’s decisions with the machine’s pre-programming. The user grinds the beans, measures out the right amount of coffee, and determines the proper water volume. Once this is done, they let the machine take over the brewing process. After the hot water has been passed through the grinds, the built-up pressure inside the machine is released through a collection of valves. With a little luck, the finished product is a dark, delicious cup of espresso.
Businesses that serve a high volume of customers prefer even greater automation. Perhaps they don’t have time to train new employees to become skilled baristas. In this case, a super-automatic espresso machine is the best espresso machine for the job. Coffee sellers simply load the machine with beans and water and let the automated processes do all the work. The machines grind the beans, measure out the coffee, brew it, and dispense it into cups. Some even use turbo wands to produce frothed milk while the espresso is brewing. An initial investment in a super-automatic can save plenty of time and money in the long-run.
General Tips
To make sure your shot is the best it can be, always start with high quality roasted beans. Grind them right before you make the espresso for the freshest and strongest aroma. Some experts recommend using hot water that hasn’t quite reached the boiling point. Others insist that, for best results, the water should pass through the grinds for a full 25 seconds. It’s mandatory to leave the cream, the frothy byproduct of the brewing process, with the rest of the espresso for a rich and authentic flavor.
It used to take a lot of practice to pull the perfect shot, and many people still take pride in their manual brewing skills. But for newcomers, semi-automatic and super-automatic espresso machines are a good choice. Espresso machines commercial and residential are offering more automation than ever, placing that perfect brew at one’s fingertips with as little as the push of a button.
brewed on Aug 9th, 2008
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