Why cappuccinos need a good espresso machine
Espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos add the much needed zhoosh to otherwise plain black coffee. However, the cost of buying lattes and cappuccinos can drastically add up. More so, you have little control over the taste of store-bought cappuccino. Enter- homemade cappuccinos.
The biggest issue most people have with making cappuccinos is the effort that goes into the process. Not to mention, the skills required to operate some espresso machines. This can be remedied by finding the best machine to suit your needs. We help you do this by reviewing top cappuccino machines this year.
Why cappuccinos need a good espresso machine
If you are a religious partaker of cappuccinos, you already know that they are made by combining equal parts of milk with espresso. This is unlike lattes, which are drenched in milk.
When it comes to cappuccinos, the quality of the espresso shot is as important as the milk quality. This is why most coffee experts recommend a brewer that pulls well-extracted shots when making cappuccinos.
However, we focus on both the espresso aspect as well as the milk aspect when reviewing our best cappuccino makers this year.
Types of Espresso machines
Espresso machines can be categorized based on boiler technology as well as the level of automation. When comparing based on the boiler, we have three types of cappuccino makers. These are single boilers, heat exchange, and dual boilers.
There are 5 types of espresso machines based on the level of automation. These include semi-automatic, super-automatic, manual lever, pod/ capsule, and steam-powered machines. Allow me to expound further.
Espresso machine based on boiler technology
- Single boiler dual unit
A SBDU machine uses water from a single source to brew coffee as well as produce steam for milk frothing. This means that you will not be able to brew and froth milk at the same time.
The SBDU first boils water for brewing, which is at a lower temperature. Later, water is heated at a higher temperature for frothing.
The biggest shortcoming of the single boiler is that you will have to wait for about 2 minutes for the water to boil to steam temperature. This can be quite a drag, especially when making multiple servings.
Aside from this, you will have to factor in the boiler’s cooling time after steaming before making another cup.
All factors considered, this type of brewer is best for the casual coffee drinker. Keep in mind that they are easy on your wallet hence great for a tight budget.
- Heat Exchanger
HX boilers have a single boiler but are able to brew and froth milk at the same time. Water in the boiler is maintained at steam temperature for simultaneous brewing and frothing to work. Brewing water is then heated at a lower temperature in a different system within the boiler.
Expert baristas actually prefer HX boilers to their dual counterparts due to their inconsistent brewing temperature over time. In the hands of an experienced user, this can result in better-tasting coffee. HX boilers are also quite affordable and take up less space compared to dual boilers.
- Dual boiler
Just like the HX boiler, the DB is capable of steaming and brewing at the same time. The DB, however, comes with two separate boiling chambers, each with its own heating element, and water is heated at different temperatures for brewing and frothing.
The DB is very consistent, especially when preparing large volumes. This is owed to the ability to precisely control brewing temperature.
Espresso machine by automation level
- Super-automatic brewer
Also known as one-touch brewers, super-automatic machines deliver a cup of coffee by a press of a button. It is equipped with an internal grinder that grinds the beans, fills up the portafilter, tamps, and brews.
Most one-touch brewers also come with an internal bin for discarding the coffee grounds once used. Some go a step further and self-clean after every use, making maintenance effortless.
Despite the convenience of these machines, some often have a problem processing oily beans. They also come with exorbitant price tags, and the coffee brewed is not as satisfactory as with a semi-automatic brewer.
- Semi-automatic brewer
Many espresso machines are semi-automatic. They require some human intervention to operate whereby you get to decide the grind size, fill the portafilter, tamp, and press a button to brew.
The coffee brewed by a semi-automatic machine depends on the experience of the barista as they offer some level of control. This leaves room for honing your skis with time. Another advantage of semi-automatic over super-automatic is their relatively low price range.
- Manual lever brewer
Manual lever machines are the most involving espresso makers and require a lot of skills to operate. These are old-school brewers which require the user to fill the portafilter, tamp, fill up the water reservoir. To brew the coffee, you will need to lift the handle then lower it slowly lower it facilitating extraction.
Although this process is involving, brewing a good cuppa can be quite rewarding. Manual ever machines are confined to ground coffee and do not use pods. They also have a small base area hence take up little space.
- Capsule/Pod brewer
As the name suggests, capsule machines use coffee pods to brew a cup, as opposed to other espresso machines that use ground coffee. Using a pod brewer is quite easy; all you need to do is feed the pod to the machine and brew by a press of a button.
It is essential to confirm the machine model before purchasing as most pod brewers can only make espressos. However, a few come with a frothing wand, while some have an automatic milk frothing system.
Due to the ease of use and convenience of pod brewers, they are best suited for an office setting. It is also important to note that these machines are pod-specific in that they will only accept coffee pods of a specific size. With this in mind, make sure you confirm the pods that work on your machine and their availability.
- Steam operated brewer
Steam operated espresso machines are glorified coffee makers. They are considered the electric version of a Moka pot.
They operate by boiling water to steam, which forces the hot water through ground coffee in the portafilter.
Steam operated brewers do not make good espressos and should not be considered by any coffee enthusiast. A better alternative to these brewers would be entry-level semi-automatic espresso machines. They are reasonably affordable and easy to operate.
Frequently bought together
It is common for most espresso machines to miss a couple of essential parts. However, most of these parts can be bought separately. Better yet, they are often under $20.
- A milk frother
Most low budget machines do not come with a milk frother-which is vital for most espresso-based brews.
In case you have your eye on a good machine, but it is missing a frother, the Secura milk frother can be a great addition to your machine.
This will also allow you to brew and froth simultaneously.
- A stainless steel frothing pitcher
Sure, your brewer came equipped with a frothing wand, but the pitcher is missing. No worries; this is reasonably common for low and mid-range espresso machines.
The Luxica pitcher can be obtained for a low price of $13. It comes with a durable stainless steel body and clear measurement markings for accuracy.
- Leveler and tamper
Most machines come with a plastic tamper which does not provide sufficient pressure for “packing” your grounds.
Buying a leveler and tamper separately will bring you a step closer to excellent lattes and cappuccinos. It is important to consider the size of your portafilter before buying a tamper. A suitable replacement for your plastic tamper can be the 53mm Apexstone tamper, which is not only made of stainless steel but also quite affordable.
Best cappuccino machines this year
Breville BES840XL/A the Infuser Espresso Machine
Not all coffee beans are the same; that is why the Breville BES840XL is the right machine to adjust to your coffee needs. It comes with a PID temperature control system that can be adjusted by 2 degree Celsius increments. This allows you to select the ideal brewing temperature depending on your bean type.
The pre-infusion feature increases your chances of pulling a great shot. This injects a small amount of hot water to the grounds allowing them to moisten hence evenly extract. Paired with a 15 bar pressure system and a double-walled portafilter, you are able to brew a rich, flavorful cup.
You can pull a single or double shot as well as froth and brew at the same time thanks to the capable milk frother provided. The frother comes with a steam wand that swivels up to 360 degrees for frothing at different angles.
Cleaning and maintenance are effortless thanks to the stainless steel body. Easy cleaning is further enhanced by the removable drip tray that is partitioned for both wet and dry spills and has an indicator for when it is full. The drip tray also gives room for large/tall mugs. The removable 1.8 liters reservoir also gives you easy cleaning time.
Pros
- Thermocoil heating system paired with PID temperature adjust system
- Pre-infusion feature and double-walled filter aid in proper extraction
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- 360-degree swivel steam wand for effective mill frothing
- Dry puck feature removes excess water from used grounds for easy disposal
Cons
- Does not have a coffee grinder
- 15 bar pressure system may not be as effective as the required 19 bars