Which type of coffee machine for the home

Hi, I am going to put up some more detailed information about choosing a coffee machine for the home, but here are the very basics and some links to the Best Coffee Beans website and their home espresso machines.


So what is an espresso machine?

An espresso machine is used to produce the traditional concentrated brew we call espresso! The espresso machine will usually also have the ability to make steamed milk which added to the espresso makes cappuccino, latte etc.

Espresso machines are one type of coffee machine, others such as filter coffee makers, french-press, catetieres, coffee brewers don't extract the coffee in the same concentrated way that espresso machines do, its a subtle difference when you are new to coffee machines but these are usually refered to as home coffee makers.


So, back to espresso machines:

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

The Semi-Automatic Coffee Machine is a more traditional espresso machine where you have a brew handle which you fill with coffee, tamp (pack down) and then lock the handle in place. They can also be called automatic espresso machines when you can programme the shot (or cup) size. These machines operate in the same way as the machines you see in most good cafe's.

These are the best espresso machines for people who like café quality coffee and want to have more control over the whole espresso making process.


Bean to Cup / Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

These Super-automatic espresso machines are the new breed of coffee machines sometimes referred to as bean-to-cup coffee machines.

With sections for coffee beans and water, the machine will freshly grind your beans, tamp the ground coffee and deliver your espresso into a waiting cup. Used grinds are dispensed into an internal bin. Machines have various levels of programming and drinks options including delivering your steamed milk straight into your cup. Less mess and more convenience.

The commercial versions of these bean to cup machines are becoming a regular in coffee chains who have a high staff turnover and want to keep their customers happy. On the commercial side, one huge advantage is that they can produce a great drink with little training (or care!!).


Manaul Espresso Machines

These manual espresso machines, some basically unchanged since this early espresso machine design, are completely manual except for the heating element.
The pressure to make your espresso is created by a piston which is operated by a lever. These machines are mechanically beautiful but more difficult to use. They produce an excellent espresso but it is all down to your pull of the lever. This is where the expression ‘pulling a shot’ came from.


Pod Coffee Machines

Pod or Capsule espresso machines are easy to use, quick and mess free. They use pods and capsules which are available from supermarkets or the brand’s own websites. Some machines offer programming and milk options. With some brands you are tied into their own pods and where you buy them, so the running costs can be expensive.

Philips bring Gaggia Coffee Machines back to life

In late 2009 Saeco International and its subsidiary brand Gaggia coffee machines (which they purchased in 1999), were struggling. To add to the problems of the Gaggia brand, in the UK, the Gaggia privately owned distributor went bust and for a few months there were no new Gaggia's and you couldn't get your machine fixed. For a few years Gaggia UK had provided poor service according to some.

Philips then purchased the Saeco company and are working hard to re-establish Gaggia as one of the leading home espresso machines in what is now a very competitive (and tough) market. Philips now seem to have reached a point where the supply of Gaggia machines is back on track. We have also just started to see new and updated Gaggia models with the backlog warranty issues under control, so your machine will now get fixed if things do go wrong - Gaggia is back and looks set to be even stronger with Philips and its much higher level of customer care.

I think this is good news for Gaggia and is another milestone in the history of this famous manufacturer, which started in 1947, after they purchased the first commercial espresso machine patent and produced the first espresso machine of its kind. The first gaggia machine is pictured above.

This blog is really about home coffee machines which Gaggia started to produce in 1977 and is now where their strength is. They do produce Gaggia commerical coffee machines but there are lots of well-priced alternatives.

There is no doubt that Gaggia still produce great value machines, which for the price offer exceptional espresso coffee. They combine the heritage of their Milan roots and design, now with high volume production and improved reliability.

The Brera super-automatic is the latest, bean to cup, espresso machine, but they are also still improving their traditional espresso machines. These machines are not intended for the espresso geeks but for the ordinary folk who fancy a great espresso, cappuccino or latte at home.

Well that's what I think!

La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi S1 Review

Not the latest machine but a good benchmark

I have used the La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi S1, at home, nearly every day for about two years and it handles like a commercial machine (well it almost is).

La Spaziale are a respected Italian commercial espresso machine manufacturer and this is their youngster one-group.

This is the hand fill version but there is a plumbed version.


Its features:
-One group (120 cups an hour – if you’re very good)
-Powerful Steam Arm – quick on and off lever
-Hot water for tea and infusions
-Automatic dose setting (one and two cup settings)
-Electronic coffee regulation
-LED temperature indicator - change the boiler temperature to suit different coffees.

Technical: There are forums dedicated to this machine (it’s a bit of a geek’s machine) so I won’t go over the top on technical stuff – you will see confusing references to the vibrating pump – the effect on coffee and it being nosier than a rotary pump?; the retro fitting of pre-infusion units etc to improve (or not) your espresso – etc, etc. However, my strong advice is that it is fantastic as it is and your time is better spent enjoying the coffee you make with family and friends - get the grind right and practice your frothing (intended subjects of later blogs).

Highlights:
-It operates like a professional machine.
-Consistent brew temperature
-Deep portafilter for better consistency (where you put the ground coffee).
-Automatic dosing – once set up – press and go
-Good steam pressure with a separate boiler
-On – off lever for easy frothing.

Disadvantages:
-It’s bigger than most home machines
-Less attractive – more macho
-Maybe more than you would like to pay (RRP £1,518 - June'09)
-You may need (telephone) support to set up
-Your friends will be jealous


























Overview

This machine gives you the cafe experience in your kitchen – it doesn’t compromise on performance – which most home machines do in one aspect or another.

The deeper portafilter (same as on the professional models) means that the tamping (getting the pressure right when pressing in your ground coffee) is easier.

The powerful steam wand will allow you to create you perfect cappuccino, hot chocolate or even latte art.


In my opinion, if you are serious about your coffee, you should look at this machine first. Then, if it’s not for you - price, size etc - only then look for an alternative. Although it is at the more professional end – it is very good value when you consider the quality and results you will get. You won’t be disappointed.

Best Coffee Beans, which supplies a very large range of coffee equipment will be able to give further advice about the best semi-automatic espresso coffee machines available for the home.




If you go for a La Spaziale Vivaldi, don’t compromise on the grinder – I will cover these later but two good choices are the new Mahlkonig Vario Coffee Grinder or the La Spaziale Top Coffee Grinder.

Tips:
-It looks best in black.
-Use a filter jug to fill the water reservoir to avoid scale building up in the boiler.
-Leave the portafilter in the group head when not being used. This prevents your coffee being cooled by a cold portafilter.


The plumbed version is suitable for pubs and venues where a single group machine is sufficient. It is a slightly different specification.

My first blog!

I have decided to start blogging so that I can share my views about all things coffee.

There are three elements to great tasting coffee which are equally important, the coffee, the machine and the operator. This is true both at home or in a cafe.

One of the things I am hoping to do in this blog is to share some of my views, reviews and opinions of coffee makers and machines, perhaps share some tips and information which will be helpful.