Espresso Machines

If you are familiar with and admire gourmet coffee, on the other hand are unfamiliar with brewing espresso coffee, then continue on. We will explain this in the below editorial. You may think you know all there is to know about espresso coffee makers, but actually there are up to eight different varieties, depending on definition.

The most simple and familiar of these is the stovetop espresso maker. This is a very common variety and can be found within households throughout Europe. A stovetop espresso makes is made up of three chambers. The bottom chamber holds the water, the middle acts as a filter basket of the machine, while the top chamber contains the ground coffee. As the water is heated steam is infused up the center tube to the middle chamber. The stem then rises to the top chamber in doing so espresso is produced.

Another variety is the steam espresso maker, which is very similar to the stovetop variety. The espresso brewed by this maker is arguably equal to the espresso produced by the stovetop variety. One other variety is a piston driven espresso maker, although more costly than the others produces good espresso. In fact the piston driven espresso maker was the pioneer of the crema we have all grown to love floating on top of our espresso. Initially crema was an undesirable by-product of the brewing process however, with the introduction of the piston driven espresso maker crema is now a desirable ingredient of a great espresso.

Two other commonly familiar machines are the fully automatic espresso coffee makers and the semi automatic variety. With the semi automatic type you need only fill the reservoir with water and the coffee hopper with ground coffee, then push a pre programmed button to begin the brewing process. On the other hand the fully automatic machine features a built in grind than grinds the beans directly from the machines hopper. While some automatic machines have a water reservoir there are also varieties that have a direct water supply hook up therefore, eliminating the need to fill the water reservoir.

With so many varieties from which to choose, your choice is determined by how much of a hands on experience you desire during the brewing process. Another factor to be considered is the machines cost which can range from a mere twenty dollars or so upwards of thousands of dollars.

Whichever espresso maker you choose you will not be disappointed and will soon be enjoying a great freshly brewed espresso coffee.

Steamed coffee is also known as stovetop espresso, and is more robust than coffee made in a drip coffeemaker but less so than true espresso. It’s the standard breakfast beverage in Italy and is made with special brewers called mokas (Stovetop espresso maker).

Things You’ll Need:

• Moka pot
• Water
• Espresso grounds
• Sugar
• Spoon or whip
• Demitasse cups

Steaming the Coffee

• Fill the bottom of the moka with water to the fill line or to the safety valve. Overfilling will allow the water to touch the coffee grounds, which will ruin the taste.
• Fill the strainer to the top with espresso grounds, taking care not to tamp them down. Clean off any grounds that have touched the edges of the filter, then place it over the water.
• Screw the top of the moka onto the bottom. Don’t use the handle to tighten the pot, because it may break.
• Place the moka on the stove and turn it on.

Mixing the Drinks

• Use the mixing container that comes with the moka to prepare the coffee for serving.
• Add sugar to the container, about 1 tsp. for every cup (demitasse size) of coffee the moka will brew.
• Add a little coffee as soon it begins to brew and stir vigorously, using a spoon or a whip, to make a thick, foamy slurry.
• Remove the moka from the stove as soon as it begins to gurgle and add it to the mixing container.
• Pour your stovetop espresso into warmed cups. Scoop some foam into each cup and serve.