Choosing a Coffee and Espresso Machine

Whether you want an espresso shot to put a spring in your step, or simply a cup of filter coffee, you can make both at home. With the right equipment and brewing techniques both can be delicious.

Certain machines allow you to manage key espresso variables like water temperature and pressure. Others require more of a manual approach, from packing the portafilter to tamping your grounds.

The right beans to choose

Most people, particularly those who aren't into specialty coffee, vastly underestimate the importance of choosing the right type of beans for their final cup. This is one of the main reasons that so many people upgrade to a bean-to-cup machine. The right beans will allow you to enjoy a greater range of flavours. With a little trial and error, it's possible to find the perfect mix.

Espresso machines are designed, generally to extract the most delicious flavor from dark-roasted beans. The lower temperature of the water and higher extraction pressure (upto 9 bars) used for espresso produce more flavor and a fuller profile. It is usually described as both bitter and sweet. This is a distinct flavor profile than you get with drip or filter brewing techniques.

It's the reason roasters will often provide specific blends of coffee for each method of brewing. These blends are referred to as 'espresso,' or a 'filter' in order to enhance the capabilities of the espresso machine. In the case of the latter, these are typically a blend of dark roast and those with a light roast to provide the most balanced espresso. For instance, Stumptown Hair Bender is an espresso blend and filter blend designed to balance body and sweetness.

Freshness is an additional factor when deciding on a specific type of coffee for a certain brewing method. Freshly roasting beans are the best flavors. When the beans have been exposed to oxygen and heat during roasting they begin to break down and lose their flavor.

Freshly grinding your beans prior to brewing them is recommended, but if you don't have time or desire to grind your own beans, you can buy pre-ground coffee from many supermarkets. Make sure you check the date on the bag and ensure that the coffee has been roasted within the specified time period.

Selecting the right machine

A machine that gives you control of key factors such as pressure and water temperature is essential when it is making espresso. These are the only two components that are used, so it is crucial to ensure they are in order. Think of it as soup: if you put too much broth or water in, the result will be watery and thin; but if you add just enough, the bowl is bursting with flavour.


Espresso is brewed with high pressure to extract sugars and oils fast from the grounds of coffee. This is the reason why it can be described as more rich and more sweet than filter coffee, and why it can be the base for other drinks like flat whites or cappuccinos.

If you are looking for espresso with no sweetness, you should choose a machine which allows you to brew it at a low pressure. These machines are usually capable of reaching a pressure of around nine bars which is the minimal pressure required for espresso production.

A filter coffee machine, however generally operates under atmospheric pressure, which is typically one bar. This process is more slow, but it can preserve the delicate flavours in your beans.

Choosing the correct grind size for your coffee is important for filter machines. Experimenting with different grind sizes can help you find a balance that suits your individual tastes. A coarser grind will produce more strength in your coffee, while a finer grind will create a lighter beverage.

It is also crucial to maintain your espresso machine to get the best results. This includes keeping the head of the brew clean and eliminating any mineral buildup as quickly when it starts to appear. Use soft or filtered water is recommended, as it will reduce the frequency with which you'll need to descale your machine.

If you are planning to brew both espresso and filter coffee with the same machine, it's worth looking at the Lelit machine. Lelit. They are relatively inexpensive and offer a lot of flexibility in the kinds of coffee you can prepare.

Getting started

First, you'll need a high-quality grinder. It could take the shape of a traditional burr grinder, but if desire the best results, we recommend a conical. A good grinder will grind the beans evenly and adjust the quality of the ground in precise increments. Espresso coffee requires a finer grind than filter coffee, and it is important to experiment with different sizes of grind until you can find the best one for your machine and taste preferences.

Next, you'll need a good espresso machine. There are many machines that are available that are semi-automatic, manual, and fully automatic. Manual machines require you to use a lever in order to create pressure. They are difficult to master and require a lot of time. Semi-automatic machines allow you to pack the portafilter in a controlled manner and determine when you'd like to stop taking the shot. This gives you more control over the process. They are messy and time-consuming. Fully-automated machines can handle everything from grinding the beans to pouring the milk for you. However, they are expensive and don't permit any experimentation.

The most recent advances in espresso machines have been aimed at providing total control over pressure, flow and temperature profiling. This has allowed baristas to improve their espresso extraction and they are beginning to see the benefits of this technology in filter brewing, too. Alessandro from Heylo has created a module that uses induction heating to provide an all-inclusive solution that can brew filter coffee at low pressures by controlling the temperature of the water, and also regulating the flow rate.

Being able to switch seamlessly between filter coffee and espresso from the same machine is perfect for busy cafes. It frees up staff to spend more time on customer service and allows them to serve high-quality filter coffee with the same level of efficiency as they would an espresso. Customers can enjoy the many nuances that make Rotate Espresso special without the bitterness that comes with over-extraction.

How can you get the most value from your coffee

The ideal espresso machine and coffee maker is in accordance with your preferences and needs. You will find the perfect cup of coffee by trying different methods of brewing and equipment. This will help you take pleasure in your cup of coffee with all the aroma and flavor that it has to offer.

Espresso utilizes intense pressure to extract flavor compounds from finely ground coffee over a short time frame, while filter coffee is a process that runs water through coarsely ground coffee under atmospheric pressure for a longer time period. The coffee flavors produced by each method are completely different.

While filter coffee is more flexible, it is important to remember that Espresso can be just as delicious and satisfying. Both methods of brewing can be combined to make an exquisite and unique beverage. To make the best filter coffee, you have to use freshly roasted and ground beans of the highest quality and ensure that the temperature of the water remains constant throughout the brewing procedure.

Another factor to consider is the kind of filter that is used. While Coffeee are practical but reusable filters made of cloth or metal are more sustainable for the environment and can be washed and reused. It is also essential to moisten the filter prior to use and to level out the coffee grounds in the brewing cone. This will ensure a uniform extraction and will prevent your coffee grounds from blending in with the brewed coffee.

Cleaning and descale regularly your espresso and filter coffee machine is the final step in ensuring you get the most out of it. Regular cleaning will remove minerals that can negatively affect the flavor and quality of your coffee. Descaling is typically a straightforward process that involves combining vinegar with soapy, hot water, and then pouring it into the reservoir of your coffee maker and espresso machine.

Majesty Coffee has a wide range of filter coffees and espresso machines that will provide you with a great cup of coffee every time. Our experts will be delighted to assist you in locating the perfect machine for your office or home.