How the espresso machine evolved front 1901 to the present
Espresso originated in Italy. In fact, the word espresso is the Italian word for fast. Espresso is a drink that results from forcing water through finely ground coffee resulting in a full extraction of coffee flavor. This result was not always easy to attain, however, as espresso machines have come a long way since their beginning.
Espresso, as we know it today, originated at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1901, Luigi Bezzera built a coffee machine that had a boiler and four divisions. This machine forced steam and boiling water through coffee and into the cup. This machine is considered the beginning of espresso.
In 1903, Bezzera's patent was purchased by Desiderio Pavoni, and in 1905 the Pavoni Company started to manufacture machines based on Bezzera's patent. The "La Pavona" machines became very popular, reaching the United States in 1927.
These early machines had their flaws. The steam and boiling water that was forced through the machine gave the coffee a burnt flavor. So, in 1938, Cremonesi developed a piston pump that forced hot water through the coffee rather than boiling water. This design was used in Achille Gaggia's coffee bar. World War II hindered any further development of espresso machines, as a bomb destroyed Gaggia's small quantity of machines. After the war, however, Gaggia started manufacturing a commercial piston pump. This machine was innovative for its use of a spring lever. This spring lever was able to apply pressure to coffee
that was completely independent of the boiler. The earlier machines forced the water through the coffee
through the force of the boiler pressure. The coffee produced from this machine featured a creama the hallmark of espresso. This was the beginning of the espresso machine as we know it today.
An improvement of Gaggia's machine was made in 1961 by M. Faema. Faema created a machine with an electric pump that forced water through the coffee. This machine marks the beginning of the pump-driven machines from which all modern espresso machines are derived from.
How to Buy Espresso Coffee Cans, pods, or beans?
One of the biggest challenges in home espresso making is deciding in what form to buy the coffee. Many chances for experimentation present themselves, as the choices of coffees for espresso have increased over the years. Espresso coffee comes in three forms:
- espresso pre-ground in a can,
- espresso pods, and
- whole beans.
Espresso Coffee in a Can
Most pre-ground coffees sold in supermarkets come in cans and are almost always blends. For espresso brewing, the coffee should always be dark roast. Even if you find a dark-roasted canned coffee, however, most of these coffees are ground too coarsely for home espresso brewing.
For a true espresso coffee in a can, it should have words displayed on it like "perfect for espresso," "finely ground for espresso," or something of that nature. These kinds of canned coffees are meant especially for espresso and come from a variety of locales.
Canned espresso coffee, however. has some drawbacks. The first is that canned coffees are never as fresh as whole beans that are ground before brewing. Secondly. there is not a wide variety of canned espresso coffees for those who seek it.
Coffee Pods for Espresso
Coffee pods are the latest trend in coffee-brewing technology. Coffee pods are similar to tea bags and have special machines made just forthem. Some espresso makers are designed for espresso pods and some have attachments that will allow you to use one.
The advantage to buying coffee pods for espresso is the fact that the pod system is easy to use. Coffee pods give you the right amount of ground coffee for espresso, and beginners don't have to worry getting it right. Just put the pod into the machine and turn it on. The process is simple.
The drawbacks to coffee pods are twofold. The first is that they are expensive. Compared to canned coffee and whole-bean coffee, you pay a lot more for coffee pods. You get off cheaper by buying whole bean or pre-ground coffee.
Secondly, coffee pods offer little in the way of variety. Some pods are made especially for some machines. so if you don't own a particular machine then you cannot use their coffee pods. Whereas coffee pods offer more choices than canned coffee, they do offer less variety than whole beans.
Coffee pods are good for beginners. Most beginners, however, will move on to regular coffee as soon as they realize that brewing espresso is not that difficult and they pay more for espresso coffee pods just to get a cup of not-so-fresh espresso.
Whole Beans
The best method by far for brewing espresso is by grinding whole beans finely right before brewing. This ensures the highest quality and freshness.
Whole beans are sold in two different forms:
- fresh in bulk bins and
- in valve bags.
The cardinal rule of coffee is that air is the enemy of coffee. When buying espresso beans, it is imperative that the beans be as fresh as possible. The advantage to buying beans in valve bags is that they protect the beans from air. Once you open the bag, you will get fresh coffee beans.
Bins, on the other hand, are a different story. Beans sold in bins might have been roasted fresh that day, but then again they may not have. Specialty stores are a bit more reliable in this area than grocery stores.
Beans can be bought in grocery stores or specialty stores. Look for dark roasts and don't be afraid to experiment until you have found the best bean for your espresso flavor.
HOW TO BREW ESPRESSO
Sir steps to perfect espresso and frothed milk
Brewing espresso is an art form. Pulling the perfect "shot" takes a lot of patience and a lot of practice, so it cannot be accomplished overnight. This also goes for frothing milk for cappuccino. These two processes are the hardest for any espresso or cappuccino maker to master. They
can, however, be accomplished by following the correct steps. These steps will allow you to pull a perfect espresso shot and to perfectly froth milk for cappuccino.
The following six steps will guide you on how to pull the perfect espresso shot. These steps assume that the machine that is being used has a grinder attached to it.
Sir Steps to Pulling the Perfect Espresso Shot
Get a single shot holder. Make sure all previous espresso is cleaned off of it. If any espresso remains on it, then clean it out with a spoon. Make sure there is the right amount of espresso in the hopper so that you get a full pull. Put the holder under the grinder opening and release seven grams of espresso into the handle.
Even out the espresso grounds in the holder. Espresso must be displaced evenly or you will not get a full extraction. Brush off any excess espresso grounds from the edges of the basket.
Place the handle into the espresso machine. Make sure this is done firmly or the pressure from the extraction process will push water out the sides. Take an espresso cup and place it under the spout (all' espresso cups should be preheated because they lose temperature very quickly). Turn on the machine. As the espresso comes out, be sure to watch for
- length of the brew (15-20 seconds),
- color of brew (caramel color), and
- consistency of brew (should lookeven).
Perfecting the Cream
The cream the creamy foams on the top of the espresso-should be carefully checked. A good espresso will have about a quarter inch of cream on top. The cream should be a golden caramel color.
Creating cream is difficult. Getting the right color and amount of cream is a balance between
grind,
- length of extraction time,
- water temperature, and
- amount of espresso.
If you are not getting the right amount or color of cream, then check any one of these elements and try again.
Frothing the Milk
Frothing milk for cappuccino is something else that takes practice. Following these six steps will produce the right amount of frothed milk.
Get a steaming pitcher from the fridge (pitchers should be cold). Put cold milk in the pitcher (milk must also be cold). Fill the pitcher onethird full of milk. Frothing will increase milk volume by two thirds.
Make sure the steaming wand on the cappuccino maker is clean. If not, turn on the wand for two or three seconds.
Put the pitcher under the wand. Move the pitcher up and down so that the wand is just beneath the surface of the milk.
Keep moving the pitcher up and down to match the increasing volume of the milk.
Heat the milk to 170 degrees (if you have a thermometer)
Turn off the steam and remove the pitcher.
HOW TO BUY ESPRESSO MACHINES
Necessary features to look for in quality espresso machines
There are over 200 home espresso makers on the market today. They range in price from $50 to over $2000. When shopping for a home espresso maker, certain features must be considered. These features will determine the price that you are willing to spend on the machine.
Two models of home espresso makers are on the market today. The first is the steam-driven machine and the second is the pump-driven machine. The first thing you should know is that you will not get a good shot of espresso from a steam-driven machine. The reason is that steamdriven espresso machines heat the water above 195 degrees F. which is considered optimal for espresso brewing. Also, steam forces the water through the grounds at one to three bars of pressure - far less than the recommended amount. To achieve a perfect shot of espresso, a pumpdriven machine is a necessity.
Pump-driven machines heat water in a sealed reservoir. The machine then forces the water through the ground espresso beans at 9 atmospheres of pressure. These machines, however, are bigger, messier, and more expensive than steam-driven machines. For those who love espresso, however, steam-driven machines are not an option.
Features to Look for in Pumpdriverr Espresso Machines
Most experts say that $200 is the starting point for any good espresso machine because machines under that amount lack features that are necessary for a good cup of espresso. Those features include:
- a heavy brass boiler,
- a 3.2-quart reservoir,
- a built-in tamper, and
- a drip tray that raises and lowers for different cup sizes and a cup warming tray
Most models $200 and over will have each of these features. Other features must be taken into consideration as well. Keep these
features in mind when searching for a home espresso machine.
Industry guidelines must be adhered to by the machine. These guidelines are 1.5 ounces of water that is heated to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. The water is forced through seven grams of finely ground espresso at no less than nine atmospheres of pressure in twenty to twenty-five seconds. The result will be an espresso shot with a quarter inch of creama.
Components must be durable. Component made from light plastic will not last as long as those made from metal or heavy plastic. Also, boilers made of brass are better than thermal blocks. Aluminum portafilters don't hold heat as well and are less durable.
The steam wand for frothing should work well, should be movable, and should clean easily.
The more power the machine has, the better it is. The best machines are those that heat quickly and generate enough steam so that it brews and froths at the same time.
ESPRESSO AND CAPPUCCINO MAKERS
Pod Machines
Coffee pods machines are gaining in popularity. They represent the latest trend in coffee brewing. These machines use coffee pods to brew one to two cups of coffee. These pods are usually available through the machines' manufacturers.
Coffee pod systems are said to deliver a quality consistent cup of coffee every time. They also offer convenience for users in that all you have to do is add water, put in a pod, and hit a button.
As coffee pod technology has grown, coffee pod machines have expanded into the espresso market. Espresso is notoriously difficult for many to brew properly. It can take a long time for some people to ever master the art of perfecting the creama. The countless hours and trial and error that goes into pulling the perfect espresso shot can be overwhelming for espresso lovers who just want to have a great cup of espresso.
A "Model" Example of a Pod Espresso Machine The higher-end coffee pod espresso makers can produce a shot of espresso with a touch of a button that is as good as any espresso produced by a barista. An example of this kind of machine is Nespresso's D290 model.
To get a perfect shot of espresso, all one needs to do with this model is
- put a coffee pod into place,
- close the cover,
- press a button, and
- you have a perfect shot of espresso.
This machine, like many other higher-end pod espresso makers, offers a consistent shot of espresso and is so easy that a child could manage it. Most of these machines also let you make cappuccino or other espresso-based drinks.
But you will have to pay for the convenience and reliability of these machines. The Nespresso D290, for example, costs $500. Also, the pods themselves can be expensive. Nespresso, for example, only offers pods that work with its machines and these pods are 500 each.
Despite the costs, many feel that the convenience and reliability of pod espresso machines outweigh the cost. Since most people are not professional baristas, these machines give them the best quality espresso without them having to know anything about making espresso-all with the touch of a button.
