Choosing a Coffee and Espresso Machine

Whether you want an espresso shot to bring a spring in your step or simply drinking a cup of filter coffee, you can enjoy both at home. Both options can be delicious if you use the right equipment and brewing method.

Certain machines allow you to control key espresso variables, such as water temperature and pressure. Others require an approach that is more manual starting with packing the portafilter to tamping grounds.

Selecting the right beans

The majority of people, especially those who aren't interested in specialty coffee, are completely unaware of the importance of their choice of beans for their ultimate cup. This is one of the main reasons that so many people upgrade to a bean-to-cup machine. The best beans will allow you to choose from a wide range of flavours. With a little trial and error, it is possible to find your perfect blend.

Espresso machines are designed, in general to extract the most delicious flavor from dark-roasted beans. The higher extraction pressure (up to 9 bars) and lower temperature of water used for espresso results in an intense, richer flavor profile, which is often described as bitter and sweet at the same time. This is a totally different taste profile than the one you get from filters or drip brewing.

Coffeee provide specific blends of coffee for each brewing method. They are often referred to as 'espresso', or 'filter and are made to maximize the espresso machine's capabilities. In the case of the latter, these are typically a blend of coffees that have a dark roast and lighter roasts to give the best balance for espresso. For example, Stumptown Hair Bender is an espresso blend and filter blend that has been designed to balance brightness with body and sweetness.

Freshness is another important factor in choosing a particular type of coffee for a certain method of brewing. Freshly roasted beans have the best flavor. After the beans are exposed to oxygen and heat during roasting, they start to degrade and lose their flavor.

If you don't want grind your own beans, you can buy pre-ground coffee at all supermarkets. Make sure you check the date on the bag and ensure the coffee has been roast within the time period.

Selecting the correct machine

When it comes to espresso machines, one that allows you to manage key elements like pressure and water temperature is crucial. It is essential to get these two ingredients right, as they are the only ones you'll ever use. If you think of it as a soup, and you add too many liquids or broths, the result is thin and watery. But if you only add enough, you get an incredibly delicious bowl that is bursting with flavor.

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 sweeter than filter coffee and why it can be the base for other drinks, such as flat whites or cappuccinos.

If you prefer espresso without sweetness, then you need to use an espresso machine that is able to brew it at a low pressure. These machines typically achieve an initial pressure of nine bars.

A filter coffee machine, on the other hand, typically operates under atmospheric pressure, or just one bar. This means that the process is a lot slower, but it can allow you to preserve the delicate flavors of the beans you choose to use.

Choosing the correct grind size for your coffee is essential for filter machines. Making a variety of grind sizes will help you find the equilibrium that is suited to your personal taste preferences. A coarser grind will result in a stronger cup of coffee, while a finer grind will create a lighter beverage.


It is also important to keep your espresso machine maintained to ensure the best results. It is important to keep the brewhead spotless and remove any mineral buildup that forms as soon as you can. It is also recommended that you make sure you use soft or filtered drinking water since this will decrease the frequency at which you need to descale your machine.

Lelit machines are a great option if you're looking to make espresso and filter coffee in the same machine. They're fairly inexpensive and provide plenty of flexibility in terms of the types of coffee you can brew.

Getting started

The first thing you'll need is a quality grinder. It can be a traditional burr-type grinder, but for the best results, we recommend the use of a conical grinder. A top-quality grinder will grind beans evenly and adjust the level of fineness in precise increments. Espresso coffee requires a finer grind than filter coffee. It is important to experiment with different sizes of grinds and discover the one that works best for your machine and taste.

Next, you'll need a good espresso machine. There are a number of machines available that are semi-automatic, manual and fully automatic. Manual machines require a lever to create pressure, however they are time-consuming and difficult to master. Semi-automatic machines let you put the portafilter in by hand and determine when you should stop taking shots, which gives you greater control over the process. However, they're messy and time-consuming. Fully automated machines take care of everything from grinding beans to pouring the milk however they don't provide any room for experimentation and can be quite expensive.

The most recent advances in espresso machines have been designed to provide complete control over pressure, flow and temperature profiling. Baristas have been able improve their extraction of espresso, and are beginning to reap the benefits of this technology for filter coffee brewing. Alessandro from Heylo, has developed a module which uses induction heating to provide a complete solution. It can make coffee filter at low pressures, while regulating the temperature of water and controlling the flow.

Having the ability to seamlessly switch between filter and espresso from the same machine is ideal for busy cafes. It allows staff to spend more time on customer service, and allows them to deliver quality filter coffee with the same efficiency as they would an espresso. This also means that customers can take advantage of the wide range of flavors that make Rotate Espresso unique without the bitterness that comes with over-extraction.

How can you get the most value from your coffee

Selecting the best coffee maker and espresso machine is a huge decision that should be determined by your preferences and needs. Making a few experiments with different methods of brewing and equipment will help you to choose the type of coffee that you like best. You can experience the full aroma and flavor of your coffee.

Espresso makes use of intense pressure for a short time to extract flavor components from coffee that has been finely ground while filter coffee runs water under atmospheric pressure through coarsely ground coffee over a longer period of time. Therefore, the coffee flavors that are created are different from each other.

While filter coffee is a more versatile drink but it's also important to keep in mind that espresso can be equally delicious and satisfying. The two brewing methods can be combined to produce an exquisite and unique beverage. The key to achieving an excellent cup of filter coffee is to use top quality freshly ground and roasted beans and to ensure that the temperature of the water is consistent throughout the process of brewing.

Another factor to consider is the type of filter that is used. Paper filters are convenient, but reused filters made of cloth or metal, that can be washed and are better for the environment and are also reusable. It is also important to pre-wet the filter before using and to level the coffee grounds evenly inside the cone for brewing. This will ensure an even extraction, and also prevent the coffee grounds from mixing with the coffee being brewed.

The final step in ensuring that you get the most out of your espresso filter and filter coffee machine is to clean and remove the scale from the machine. Regular cleaning will eliminate the minerals that can affect the taste and quality of your coffee. Descaling involves mixing vinegar with hot soapy water and then pouring the mixture into your coffee and espresso machine's reservoir.

Majesty Coffee has a wide range of filter coffees and espresso machines that will provide you with a great cup of coffee each time. Our experts are happy to assist you in finding the perfect machine for home or office.