Articles >> Coffee Machines - An OverviewCoffee Machines - An Overview
There is a vast array of coffee machines available to buy for both domestic and commercial use. And the kinds of coffee machine you need will depend on a variety of lifestyle factors. Before you buy coffee machines , you need to ascertain your specifications. Always ask:
- Do I want coffee machines that will be fully automated and easy to use, or do I want more control so I can utilize the skills of a barista?
- How quickly do I need to make coffee ? How much coffee do I need my coffee machine to produce on a daily basis?
One thing for sure is you will want your coffee machine to produce the best coffee possible. To ensure you choose coffee machines that suit your lifestyle and needs, it's important to understand the five basic coffee machine categories and how they have evolved through history.
1) Coffee Machines - The Steam Powered Espresso Machine
The first coffee machines used in the early 1900s - the steam powered espresso coffee machines - extracted espresso by utilizing steam pressure. The extraction took about a minute and produced a burnt taste from the steam, which was mixed in with the boiling water.
2) Coffee Machines - The Manual Lever Espresso Machines (spring or non-spring lever operated)
By World War Two, the piston was invented. Water was filtered through the coffee with a manual piston. This meant the steam was removed from the extraction process, which removed the burnt-taste. These manual machines produced the espresso we know today. Non-spring machines relied on the skills of a barista to apply consistent pressure, and these kinds of machines are recommended for seasoned espresso enthusiasts. Manual machines are suited for espresso aficionados willing to master the techniques and skills of making espresso for a flavour second to none.
3) Coffee Machines - The Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
After the manual lever came the electric pump coffee machine invented by Gaggia. The ease of use meant these became a popular choice. The pump meant pressure was consistently even, although aficionados remained loyal to the manual coffee machines. These coffee machines allowed more water to pass through the coffee grind, resulting in a wider variety of coffees such as Cafè Crema and Espresso Lungo. The semi-automatic coffee machines are best suited to people who want a quality espresso with greater consistency to a manual lever machine.
4) Coffee Machines - The Full Automatic Espresso Machines
Volumetric dosing was introduced in the late 1970s, which measured water passing through the coffee grind. These kinds of coffee machines are suited to commercial settings for consistent espresso with greater ease of use.
5) Coffee Machines - The Superautomatic Espresso Machines
This is the only coffee machine that doesn't need an operator - these coffee machines are fully automated from grinding the beans, measuring the coffee, processing the water, and ejecting used coffee grind for easy cleaning, as well as using automated milk frothers.
CoffeeXclusive supplies a wide range of top-quality coffee machines for use in the home, the office, or for commercial purposes. We also provide coffee beans, pods and capsules along with all the accessories you need. To find out more, or to order online, just browse our website. We're always happy to answer any questions you might have - just fill in our online enquiry form on the Contact Us page.
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