Choosing a Coffee and Espresso Machine

If you're looking for an espresso shot to bring an exuberance in your step, or simply drinking a cup of filter coffee, you can make both at home. Both options can be delicious with the right equipment and technique.


Some machines let you control key espresso factors like temperature of the water and pressure. Others require an approach that is more manual, from packing the portafilter to tamping your grounds.

The right beans to choose

Most people, particularly those who don't drink specialty coffee, vastly underestimate the importance of choosing the right type of beans for their final cup. This is one of the reasons that so many people upgrade to a bean-to-cup machine. The right beans allow for a greater choice of flavors. With a bit of trial and error, you can find your perfect combination.

Espresso machines are designed, in general, to extract the best flavor from dark-roasted beans. The lower water temperature and higher extraction pressure (upto 9 bars) that are used to make espresso create a richer, fuller flavour profile. This is often described as both sweet and bitter. This is a distinct flavor profile than what you get from filter or drip brewing techniques.

espressomachines Coffeee is the reason why roasters often provide specific blends of coffee for each method of brewing. The blends are identified as espresso, or a 'filter' in order to maximize the performance of the espresso machine. In the event that the coffee is blended with light and dark roasts generally, it's a blend of both to achieve the most balanced blend. For instance, Stumptown Hair Bender is an espresso blend and filter blend that is designed to balance brightness with body and sweetness.

The other main reason why it's recommended to use a specific type of coffee to use a specific method of brewing is because the freshness of the beans plays an important part. Freshly roasting beans have the most delicious flavours. After beans have been exposed to oxygen and heat during the roasting process, they start to degrade and lose their flavor.

Freshly grinding your beans before you begin brewing it is recommended, however if you don't have time or interest in grinding your own beans, you can buy pre-ground coffee from many supermarkets. Check the date on the bag to make sure it's been roasted within a certain time period and you'll get the most fresh tasting coffee.

Selecting the best machine

When it is time to make espresso the right machine that allows you to control important factors such as pressure and temperature of the water is crucial. These are the only two components used, so it's important to get them right. Think of it as soup: if you put too much broth or water into the end result will be thin and watery If you only add enough, the bowl will be bursting with flavour.

Espresso is brewed under high pressure, which allows for the rapid extraction of oils and sugars from the grounds. This is why it is generally richer and more sweet than filter coffee, and why it can be the base for other drinks like flat whites or cappuccinos.

If you prefer your espresso to be devoid of sweetness, you should use a machine which allows you to brew it with a low pressure. These machines are typically capable of reaching an average pressure of nine bars which is the minimum required for espresso production.

On the other side, a filter coffee machine is typically operated at atmospheric pressure, that is, one bar. The process is slower, but helps to preserve the delicate taste of your beans.

Selecting the right size of grind for your coffee is crucial for filter machines. You can find the perfect balance by experimenting with different grind sizes. A coarser grind will produce a stronger cup of coffee, while the finer grind can make lighter coffee.

In addition, it is vital to have a well-maintained espresso machine to get the most effective results. It is important to keep the brewhead clean and remove any mineral buildup that appears as soon as you can. It is also recommended to make use of soft or filtered drinking water since this will decrease the frequency that you will need to clean your machine.

Lelit machines are a great option if you're looking to blend espresso and filter coffee in the same machine. They are reasonably priced and offer plenty of flexibility in the kinds of coffee you can brew.

Getting started

First, you'll need a high-quality grinder. This can take the form of a traditional grinder, but if you are looking for the best results, we suggest a conical model. A well-designed grinder can grind beans evenly and adjust the quality of the ground in precise increments. Espresso coffee requires a finer grind than filter coffee. It's important that you experiment with different grind sizes and find the one that works best for your machine and tastes.

Next, you'll need a good espresso machine. There are several types of machines, such as semi-automatic, fully automatic, and manual. Manual machines require a lever to create pressure, but are time-consuming and difficult to master. Semi-automatic machines allow you to pack the portafilter by hand and decide when to stop pulling a shot, which gives you greater control over the process. They can be messy and time-consuming. Fully-automatic machines can do everything from grinding the beans and pouring the milk to you. However, they are expensive and don't permit any experimentation.

The most recent advances in espresso machines are designed to provide complete control over flow, pressure and temperature profiling. This has allowed baristas to improve their espresso extraction and are now beginning to recognize the advantages of this technology in filter brewing as well. Alessandro from Heylo has created an induction-based module that utilizes heating to offer an all-inclusive solution that allows filter coffee to be brewed at low pressures by regulating the temperature of the water and also regulating the flow rate.

It's ideal for cafes with a lot of customers to be capable of switching between espresso and filter from the same machine. This allows staff to focus more on customer service, and allows them to provide high-quality filter coffee with the same efficiency as they would an espresso. It allows customers to enjoy the many nuances that make Rotate Espresso unique, without the bitterness that is associated from over-extraction.

How can you get the most value from your coffee

Selecting the best espresso and coffee maker 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 allow you to discover the one that is right for you best. You will be able to enjoy the full aroma and flavor of your coffee.

Espresso utilizes intense pressure to extract flavor compounds from finely ground coffee over a short time period, whereas filter coffee runs water through coarsely ground coffee under atmospheric pressure over an extended period of time. Consequently, the coffee flavors that are produced are quite distinct from each other.

While filter coffee is more versatile, it's important to keep in mind that espresso can be equally delicious and satisfying. Both brewing methods can be combined to make an exquisite and unique beverage. The key to making the best filter coffee cup is to use top quality, freshly ground and roasted beans, and to ensure that the temperature of the water remains constant throughout the process of brewing.

The filter type is also important. Paper filters are convenient, but reused filters made of metal or cloth, which can be cleaned and are better for the planet and can also be reused. It is also essential to wet the filter prior to use and to make sure that the coffee grounds are evenly distributed in the cone for brewing. This will promote even extraction and stop the grounds from mixing with your coffee that you have brewed.

The final step in ensuring that you're getting the most out of your espresso filter and filter coffee machine is to clean and remove the scale from the machine. Regular cleaning can remove mineral deposits that could negatively impact the flavor and quality of your coffee. Descaling is typically a straightforward process that involves combining vinegar with hot soapy water and pouring it into the reservoir of your coffee and espresso machine.

Majesty Coffee has a wide range of filter coffees and espresso machines that will make a great cup of coffee every time. Our experts will be happy to assist you in finding the ideal machine for your office or home.