Espresso Machines

Within the world of espresso it is a known fact that a Saeco espresso maker is among some of the highest quality machines available. In recent years the popularity of these superior quality machines has increased considerably. And when you compare the features and benefits of a Saeco espresso machine, you’ll know why. Are they more expensive than their competition? Yes, they are somewhat more expensive. But are they worth it? Absolutely yes! It is difficult to find a quality machine with more value per dollar than a Saeco espresso maker.

Saeco espresso makers offer state of the art technology as well as style. Components used in their manufacture are time tested, in addition their craftsmanship is of superior quality. Add to that such features as rapid steam cappuccino technology and you have a combination that brews some of the finest espresso, lattes or cappuccino available. 

Another plus to Saeco is that you can finally have an automatic espresso maker that fits within your budget. Saeco espresso makers feature cup warming, a conical burr grinder, which is necessary for extracting full flavor from  your beans, and numerous programmable functions. Another popular feature is its brew strength setting, which makes it simple to adjust the strength of your espresso to your liking.  These are features that in the past have only been available for high end super automatic espresso makers. In addition clean up is quick and easy as the brew group is easily removed for cleaning.

With Saeco technology at your finger tips brewing your favorite coffee beverage is as simple as pushing a button to make the perfect cup of espresso. Saeco machines will  automatically grind your beans, then brew a fresh cup of espresso. The entire brewing cycle is complete within a few minutes. With the push of a button your  on your way to enjoying a great espresso coffee.

If you are seeking a technoligically advanced espresso maker, quality craftsmanship, along with advanced features than a Saeco Espresso Maker may be right for you.

If you looking for something that will replace your regular coffee maker? Did it ever enter your mind to look into a automatic espresso maker to fulfill your craving for a great espresso? In a world filled with ever changing advanced technology, it’s not surprising that many devices are fully automatic, espresso makers are no exception. If you are still  wondering if an automatic espresso machine is the right choice for you, these guidelines may help you make a better choice.

Features vs. cost – if you are seeking a simple machine that can easily provide you with a great shot of  hot espresso, you don’t really need all the added features that many machines offer. For one thing, the more features there are, the higher the cost of the machine usually is. In addition, the more features there are, a greater chance it has to fail.

In addition there are many other quality brands from which to choose, like the la Pavoni automatic espresso maker line.

Espresso is nothing more than strong coffee. If this is your idea about what this drink is then you haven’t had a good espresso. It is slightly thicker than coffee with a caramel or reddish-brown foam called the cream on top. It is enjoyed straight or as the base for cappuccinos and lattes.

Developed in Milan, Italy in the early 20th century while looking for a faster way to produce coffee on an individual cup basis, it was originally made with steam pressure. Today’s espresso machines are based more on the spring piston lever machines of later years.

Characteristics

Espresso has distinct characteristics that set it apart from dripped coffee. It is thicker due to having a higher amount of dissolved solids. It is a highly concentrated serving of coffee with 3x the amount of caffeine per volume than regular coffee.

The crema that forms on the top of the it is its most distinguishing element. Crema is reddish-brown and floats on top of the espresso. It is composed of proteins, sugars and vegetable oils and is a by product of the high pressure/high steam process used in making the beverage.

Preparation

To make espresso you need to have an espresso machine. The orginal machines had a lever that was pulled to force the hot water through the coffee and thus the term ‘pulling a shot’ was born.

In order to pull a shot you fill the coffee filter basket with the required amount of finely ground coffee. The coffee grinds are then tamped down. The tamping should be even and in a rotating manner to create a coffee puck of sorts. This is then locked into position under the spout area on the espresso maker.

The brewing process is an internal operation of the machine that should only take 20-30 seconds. The machine should be able to maintain an even temperature of 85-95°F for ideal espresso. Any less and the espresso is sour, any more and it is bitter.

Serving

Espresso is typically pulled directly into an espresso cup or a demitasse that has been kept warm on or near the machine. This drink degrades quickly and so it should be served immediately or mixed with other coffee beverages quickly. Ideally, espresso should be enjoyed within 2 minutes.

There are no hard and fast rules on what you can and cannot put in espresso. Some people prefer to enjoy it black with a twist of lemon peel. Other people will sweeten it before drinking. No matter how you drink it, it is meant to be consumed quickly, before it degrades.

Espresso Coffee Beans

There are not any specific coffee beans that are specifically grown for espresso. Instead, there are varying schools of thoughts on what types of beans should be used.

One side believes that dark roasts should be used to focus on the mild bitters, chocolate, full body and other caramel like flavors that come from longer, higher temperature roasting of the beans. These flavors are what most people associate with espresso.

The second school of thought prefers to use a lighter roasted bean to focus more on the flavor of the particular bean being used. This has allowed a wider range of characteristics to show up in espressos, from citrus to herbal and pectin fruit, depending on the bean being used.

Then of course you have those who like to combine the two and create an espresso that is the best of both worlds.

Popularity

Espresso has become very popular in recent years. From shots to coffee beverages made using espresso, the popularity has soared. Coffee shops have opened up on every street corner in every town and home espresso maker sales have skyrocketed. Everybody needs their morning jolt it seems.

A simplified understanding of the features and workings of your espresso machine.

An espresso machine is, quite simply, a hot water boiler and steam generator with one or more integral, pressurised, coffee brewing points. With the emphasis on maintaining an optimum brewing temperature the machines is designed to produce 1-1.5 fluid ounces of concentrated coffee liquor, by forcing hot water at a temperature of between 92-96 degrees Celsius at a pressure of 9 bar (130psi) for a duration of between 20-25 seconds.

Inside the machine

Boiler – A typical semi or automatic espresso machine comprises of a boiler (or boilers) to generate hot water at approximately 96 degrees Celsius and steam at about 120 degrees. This is achieved by an electrical heating element and heat exchangers which transfer the heat from the main boiler to fresh mains water as it is required at the point of brewing.

Pump – This takes water from the mains supply (or integral tank) and passes it through the heat exchangers to the point of brewing operating at a pressure of 9 bar.

Electronics – Various electronic pressure and temperature values and switches to ensure a safe operation.

There is not usually any user access to the inside of an espresso machine. This is due to the high pressures involved and access is solely restricted to qualified engineers.

Outside the machine

Steam Wands – One or more steam wands draw steam from the boiler at approximately 120 degrees and terminate with a nozzle with 3 or more holes where jets of hot steam issue from to foam milk.

Hot Water Tap – This is used for drawing off hot water at 96 degrees Celsius for topping up espressos into longer drinks.

Group head assemblies – These comprise of a dispersal plate to break up the flow of water and a rubber sealing gasket. The gasket seals the filter handle into the head and prevents the water/coffee from seeping out.

Filter handles – Solid metal alloy filter handles that fit into the group head and contain the initial dry espresso coffee grinds. The handles have single or double spouts, to brew one or two drinks at a time respectively.

Dials and gauges – Indicating pump pressure, boiler pressure, water temperature and sometimes water levels.

Brewing buttons – These are either preset (automatic model) or on – off toggle buttons for controlling the duration of the brew cycle and consequently the amount of beverage in the cup.

Drip Tray – A tray used to collect spillages with a waste outlet leading to a small reservoir or drain pipe.

Heated top tray – An area used for cup storage. The cup warming tray is simply heated by natural conduction from the boiler and does not have an independent heating source. It is recommended that cups are stored bottom down (not upside down) so that the bottom of the cup is warmed, not the lip.