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Buying a Coffee and Espresso Maker A coffee and espresso machine is a must for any kitchen, whether you prefer a full pot or espresso. At Target we have many different designs and features to meet your preferences. Espresso machines high pressure, water is forced through ground beans in seconds. The grounds are then tamped to evenly compact and interlock them. Features When purchasing an espresso maker or coffee machine, there are many things to take into account. The most important is the features that determine its function and its suitability to your requirements. Find features that are easy to use, improve your brew's quality and allow you to personalize your drink. Espresso- and coffee makers aren't difficult to make, such as the classic Bialetti Moka Express non-electric coffee brewer that makes use of the use of a pot to heat the water that slowly drips over the ground beans. Certain models come with more advanced options, such as a dual boiler that allows you to make espresso as well as steam or frothed milk at the same time. Digital displays can also notify you when your water tank is in need of topping up or when it's time to remove or clean out the grounds bin and when other maintenance tasks are due. Most modern coffee and espresso makers use the same brewing method that involves pouring hot water over pre-ground or ground beans that are placed inside the filter. They're typically designed to stop brewing at the right time, so you can have an iced cup every morning. Some models also let you choose the strength you prefer to brew and some come with adjustable temperature settings to give you the best flavor. The top model of coffee and espresso machines is the superautomatic which is designed for you to do everything. They are typically equipped with a built in grinder so that they can grind and brew coffee from fresh beans. They will also usually have a separate steamer for making cappuccinos or lattes. You may also be able to choose from a selection of beverages, including hot chocolate on their menu. If you have an area that is small, opt for a compact model that doesn't take up much counter space. If you have multiple people in the household who each have different preferences in their coffee, consider getting a multi-cup machine that can accommodate different sizes of cups. If you're a coffee or espresso enthusiast, search for models that let you customize the brew strength and water-to-coffee ratio, so you can make the perfect cup every time. A solid warranty and prompt customer service are other important factors to consider when shopping for an espresso maker and coffee maker. Warranty periods vary between one and three years depending on the manufacturer. Easy of Use If you're looking to make a coffeehouse-like beverage at home, you'll need more than just a standard drip filter coffee maker. Espresso is brewed when high-pressured water is pushed through finely ground coffee beans at high speed. The result is a brief “shot” of caffeine, with a thick layer crema on the top. For this process, most espresso machines that combine coffee and espresso make use of a portafilter basket as well as a steaming arm. Other machines rely pre-packaged pods, filters, or allow you measure and grind beans manually. The type of machine you select will depend on how hands-on you'd like to be and how much space you have. Manual machines offer the most control, but they require a lot of effort: you'll have to grind the coffee beans, hand-tamp it, and then pull your shots. Semiautomatic models can take one or two steps out of the process, similar to grinding and tamping, but require more effort than an automated machine. Fully automatic espresso and coffee makers can make a whole pot of drip coffee or an entire espresso cup at the click of a button. Think about whether you are making coffee for one person or a group of people. Certain models, such as the Nespresso Vertuo Plus can brew three cups of espresso or coffee simultaneously. This is a good option for those who prefer to make their own coffee in the morning, but it might not be ideal if you are making for a large group. Dual boilers let you prepare coffee and steam milk at the same time, so that you don't have to wait until one process cools down before starting the second. This feature is especially useful when you are planning to make cappuccinos and lattes. It is less likely that a coffee or espresso machine with an adjustable reservoir will build up mineral deposits. It's still necessary to clean the reservoir regularly however you'll save some time by not having to empty and replace a whole pot of water. Another factor that contributes to mineral buildup is the hardness of your water. The harder water will produce more dissolved minerals and causes your machine to need descaling more often. Water that is soft or filtered is less abrasive to your machine, and will decrease the frequency of descaling. Ease of Cleaning A coffee maker or espresso maker is a significant purchase for a lot of homeowners, and it requires regular care to keep its performance and durability at its peak. Cleaning the carafe, as well as other parts that are removable from an espresso machine or drip coffee maker, is a crucial part of maintenance. Use vinegar or a descaling solution once every week to keep your appliance. Certain models have sensors that illuminate when it's cleaning time. While vinegar is excellent for counters and sinks, its acidity can cause damage to rubber seals and other components in your coffee and espresso machine which can reduce the life of your machine. Many brands, including Lavazza and Smeg, recommend that you do not use vinegar to clean your coffee maker because it could void the warranty. To clean your espresso maker or coffee maker, take out the portafilter from the group. Clean any dirt or debris from the portafilter or the basket by using a nylon scrubby pad or brush. Rinse both thoroughly with hot water, and then dry them with a clean towel. Next, clean your brewing group. Insert an empty cleaning tablet into the blind filter. Perform a backflush. You can also manually flush your machine by placing a cleaning tablet solution in the portafilter and turning on the brewing software after which you will have to stop for 10 seconds. Repeat this process until you see a steady flow of water. This signifies that the machine has been descaled. The brew mesh needs to be soaked up by the water as it moves through the espresso machine. When this mesh is dirty, it can be blocked by coffee residue and negatively affect the extraction process. To ensure that the mesh remains in good working order Calatrello suggests removing it every month and cleaning it with a brush, and soak it overnight in hot water with the aid of a cleansing tablet that dissolves in it. If you have an entirely automated espresso and coffee machine, you can clean it by disassembling the reservoir for water and filling it with fresh water adding cleaning tablets, and running a backflush process. It is also recommended to clean the inside of the pot and water reservoir to remove any traces and staining. It is essential to wash and dry the carafe as well as the reservoir of water prior to reassemble the appliance. espresso coffee machines Coffeee If you're looking to make an espresso quickly or coffee at the go, select an automatic model. It doesn't need any intervention from you. They typically use baskets that contain ground coffee beans as well as water that's warmed to the ideal temperature and is then released into the grounds and made into a single shot. These machines are great for those who enjoy the process of making coffee, but don't want long learning the techniques and skills required to make the best tasting drinks. They are simple to use and clean and the results are similar to those of the traditional drip coffee maker. To maintain your machine ensure that you empty the used grounds and clean the grouphead and portafilter after every use. Also, you'll need to backflush your machine regularly. This is done by locking the filter in the grouphead and then running the cycle of brewing several times until the water runs clean. This is a job that coffeehouses perform at the end of every day, but one that home owners can easily do every few days, or alternatively, once a week with detergent for better cleaning. You'll also need to clean your steam wand, milk reservoir as well as other components of the machine regularly. We suggest cleaning them once every week. This can be done by cleaning all the parts of your machine with a vinegar-soapy mixture of water (check the instructions before starting because some manufacturers don't recommend vinegar). Also, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis as hard water tends to build up mineral residue faster than soft or filtered water. This can cause the coffee maker and espresso maker to get blocked and taste different or not function at all. Buy a coffee and espresso maker with a water-hardness test to avoid this.