Single Serve Espresso Machine
A single-serve espresso machine is a great option for those who want the perfect cup of coffee exclusively for you. You simply need to refill the water tank and add the desired pods or capsules, and hit a button.
The best coffee pod machines are quick, easy to use and simple to use. Some machines also offer extra options such as hot tea or chocolate.
Precise Extraction
Espresso is brewed by pushing hot water under pressure through finely ground espresso. This is a different process from drip coffee brewing, in which water can flow freely through the grounds. The exact extraction of espresso requires a precise balance of several factors including dose, tamp and grind.
Heating your portafilter is the first step to making a great espresso shot. Vigil weighs her portafilters prior to when she fills them with coffee to ensure that she is making use of the correct amount of beans. She then tamps the grounds to create an even puck that is dense enough to release the flavor notes of her beans. She utilizes 30 pounds of force to tamp the grounds which is perfect for a flavorful, consistent espresso.
It's also important to pay attention to the consistency and color of your coffee. An espresso that is extracted properly should be dark golden for the first few seconds, then change to a light gold as it gets closer to the 25-second mark. This is known as blonding. If the espresso hasn't been blonding properly could be acidic or bitter.
Some of the machines we tested in our tests, including the Keurig K-Supreme Smart and the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, let you set a brew period to control the rate at the time your coffee is extracted. This is a helpful feature, but it won't make up for a poor-ground or over-roasted coffee.
You can control the extraction rate in certain machines, like the Gaggia semiautomatic. This can make a significant difference in the taste of espresso, but it is not a fix for a bad grind or roast.
A majority of the machines we tested come with an option built-in for steam wands or a milk frother, making it simple to make espresso using steamed milk or frothed. This is particularly beneficial for drinks like cappuccino or the latte, which are usually served with steam-steamed milk. Some machines, like De'Longhi Nespresso Lattissima One Evo White Coffee Machine Inissia or the Cuisinart On Demand provide reuseable pods to help reduce waste.
Variety of Drinks
The top single-serve espresso machines can be used to make frothed or steamed milk for many espresso-based drinks. A quality machine can create rich, creamy cappuccinos as well as lattes with the click of the button. Some machines have an automatic milk frother so you don't have to keep separate tools at the counter.
The best coffee makers and espresso makers provide additional drinks, such as drinks with ice. Some have built-in grinders for freshly ground beans and others use a carafe that can hold several servings at once. Some models have adjustable settings so you can choose your preferred temperature and strength. The top-rated model in this category is the Nespresso Essenza Tastyle Mini Single Cup Coffee Maker - Versatile Brewing Options Includes Recipe Book, can brew two or lungo shot, as well as a variety of drinks with just a push of a button.
The Philips Breville Intuo XS is an excellent choice for those who prefer an elegant drink. It makes it simple to prepare cappuccinos and Latte. It's simple and intuitive to use, providing a choice of five popular drinks at the press of a button. The brewing process takes only few minutes and makes a great tasting espresso without any effort on your part. It is also eco sustainable, reducing the amount of disposable coffee pods you'll need to purchase.
If you are a fan of experimenting with your own creations then think about investing in an espresso machine that can create double-shot and single-shot drinks. The top espresso and coffee maker brands have an easy-to-use interface that lets you customize the size, strength, and brew time of your beverage at the click of a button. You can select from a range of coffee beans ranging from the traditional to exotic blends and varieties. Some even have a grinder for fresh grounds that can offer greater control over the taste of your coffee than pre-packaged pods.
Convenience
The ease of single-serve espresso machines is one of their major advantages. They're easy to use, don't require a lot of cleaning and don't require measuring coffee beans or ground coffee. They are made to only make one cup so there is no leftovers.
The capsule and pod machines (like Keurig and Nespresso) are based on using pre-packaged coffee pods or capsules, which contain the perfect amount of ground coffee for a single serving. Simply select the drink you want and then place the pod into the machine, then press the button. Most machines also have the ability to brew tea and hot cocoa, and some also have milk frothers for easy creation of milk-based drinks.
These machines are useful however, they have a price tag in terms of cost and environmental impact. Pods are more expensive than ground coffee or bean-to-cup, and are typically packaged in plastic, so you'll need to find ways to recycle them. In time, this could become a factor to consider in the event you're considering purchasing a pod coffee maker for long-term use.
Other models are more flexible in terms of brewing capacity and can accommodate different types or grounds. These are sometimes called "ground-to-cup" machines. You'll place ground coffee into a filter basket on the top of the machine, or, in the case of espresso-style machines, into a portafilter, which resembles an espresso machine filter and looks like the traditional coffee pot. These machines tend to offer the closest to traditional barista taste, but are usually more complex and expensive than capsule- or pod-based models.
There are also super-automatic machines as well as manual machines. They function in the same way as the typical coffee maker, but with a higher degree of automation. They can be programmed to automatically serve beverages including coffee, and also carry out basic maintenance tasks like decaffeinating and descaling. They generally received our highest Lab scores for their ease of use and reliability. They can be a challenge to keep in good condition.
Maintenance
As a professional barista, you're aware that your equipment must be regularly cleaned and descaled to make great coffee. It is also recommended to backflush your espresso group heads each evening and clean the machine to remove any milk residue or loose coffee grounds. These routine tasks may seem tedious but they are essential to the long-term durability and performance of your equipment.
Cleaning your single-serve espresso maker is crucial not just for hygiene reasons, but as well for the flavor of your espresso. If you don't clean your machine, it could lead to the growth of impurities and bacteria which can alter the flavor and taste of your coffee. Cleaning your espresso machine doesn't take as long as you think. You can keep your machine in good condition for a long time by spending an hour or two a day and thoroughly cleaning it every month.
First, you'll need empty the drip tray (this is usually a simple task that can be done in a single step). Then, wipe down the machine's internal components. Use a mild soap and water along with an abrasive to clean the machine, particularly the hot boiler and portafilter. When you're done, wash the exterior and interior of your machine using a clean cloth or towel.
The most important part of the maintenance process is to clean your espresso machine regularly. A couple of tablespoons of descaler along with a backflush will keep your machine free of any hard-water deposits that could negatively affect the flavor of your espresso. Descale your coffee maker each time you use it. 300 cups, or once a week depending on how frequently you use it.
To perform a backflush, first remove the steam wand and the group head and soak them for at least one hour in a solution of water and espresso machine detergent. After they're clean, you can run fresh water through the baskets, portafilters, and steam wand. It's also recommended to backflush the steam portafilter using the solution and scrub it with a nylon brush. Also, clean the draining hose with an diluted solution of cleaner and water.