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Buying a Coffee and Espresso Maker A coffee and espresso machine is a must-have for any kitchen, whether you prefer a full-sized pot or espresso. We have a variety of designs and features at Target to suit your needs. Espresso machines high pressure pushes water through ground beans in just a few seconds. The grounds are then tamped to compact them evenly and interlock. Features There are a variety of factors to consider when buying a coffee and espresso maker. The most important is the characteristics that determine its purpose and its suitability to your requirements. Look for features that offer convenience, improve the quality of your drink and allow you to customize your drink. Coffee- and espresso makers can be simple. For instance the classic Bialetti Moka Express is a non-electric brewer that makes use of an insulated pot that slowly drips water over the ground beans. Some models offer more sophisticated options, like a dual boiler that allows you to make espresso as well as steam or frothed the milk simultaneously. Digital displays will also inform you when your tank requires topping up and when it's time to empty or descale the grounds bin, and when other maintenance tasks are due. The majority of modern espresso and coffee makers utilize the same brewing method that involves pouring hot water over pre-ground or ground beans that sit in the filter. They're often designed to automatically stop brewing at the appropriate time, so that you can have a fresh cup every morning. Some models allow you to select the level of brew you prefer and some have adjustable temperatures to give you the best flavor. The top of the line of coffee and espresso machines is the super-automatic one, which is designed to do it all for you. They are typically equipped with a built in grinder that allows them to grind and brew coffee from fresh beans. Coffeee will also usually include a separate steamer that is used for making cappuccinos or lattes. You might also select from a range of drinks including hot chocolate on their menu. If you have smaller kitchens, consider an ultra-compact model to make use of less counter space. If you have several people in your home who have their own preferences for coffee, consider getting a multi-cup machine that is able to accommodate different sizes of cups. If you're a coffee or Espresso connoisseur then look for models that allow you to customize the brew intensity and water-to–coffee ratio so you can make the perfect cup each time. When you are looking for a new coffee and espresso machine, a long-lasting warranty and responsive service are essential factors to take into consideration. Based on the manufacturer the warranty can vary between one and three years. Simple to Use If you want to create a coffeehouse-like beverage at home, you'll need more than a basic drip filter coffee maker. Espresso is made by putting water under high pressure is pushed at a high speed through finely ground beans. The result is short “shots” of caffeine with a rich crema on top. The majority of combination espresso and coffee machines employ a portafilter, steaming arm and basket for this process, while others rely on pre-packaged coffee pods or filters, or permit the user to grind and measure beans manually. The kind of machine you pick will depend on how hands-on you want to be as well as the space you have. Manual machines give you the most control but take a lot of work as you'll need to grind the coffee beans, then hand-tamp it, and then pull your shots. Semiautomatic models can take an extra step or two of the process, like grinding and tamping, but they require more effort than an automated machine. Fully automatic coffee and espresso makers make a full pot of drip or an entire cup of espresso at the touch of the button. Consider whether you are brewing for a single person or a group of people. Certain models, such as the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, can produce up to three cups of coffee or espresso at the same time. This can be a convenient way to meet your morning coffee requirements however it might not be the ideal choice when you're hosting crowds. Dual boilers allow you to make coffee and steam milk at the same time to ensure that you don't have to wait until one feature cools before starting the next. This feature is especially useful when you're planning to make lattes or cappuccinos. It is less likely that a espresso machine with a removable reservoir will accumulate mineral deposits. It's still necessary to wash the reservoir on a regular basis but you'll save some time by not having to empty and replace the entire pot of water. The hardness of the water can be a factor in the buildup of minerals. The harder water will create more dissolved minerals, which will cause your machine to require more descaling. Soft or filtered water is easier to work with and decreases the frequency of descaling. Cleaning is easy A coffee or espresso maker is a significant purchase for many homeowners, and requires regular maintenance to ensure its performance and longevity at the highest levels. If you have a drip coffee maker or an espresso machine, the proper cleaning of the carafe as well as other parts that are removable is a critical aspect of maintaining the machine. Use vinegar or a descaling solution once a week to maintain the appliance. Some models have sensors that flash when it's time to clean. While vinegar is fine for countertops and sinks, the acidity can damage the rubber seals and components of your espresso or coffee maker, which could limit its life. Many brands, like Lavazza and Smeg, also advise against use vinegar to clean your coffee maker since it could void the warranty. To clean your espresso machine or coffee maker, first you must remove the portafilter and the basket 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 dry them with a clean towel. Next, clean your brewing group. Insert an empty cleaning tablet into the blind filter. Perform a backflush. Alternatively, you can manually backflush the machine by putting an empty cleaning tablet inside the portafilter, turning on the brewing cycle and then stopping it for 10 seconds. Repeat this procedure until the water flow is steady. This indicates that your machine has been descaled. The brew mesh needs to be soaked up by the water as it flows through the espresso machine. If this mesh is dirty, it may be blocked by coffee residue and negatively affect the extraction process. Calatrello suggests you remove the mesh every month and clean it using brush. Then, soak the mesh in hot water for a night with a cleaning tablet. If you have an automatic coffee and espresso machine cleaning it by disassembling the reservoir of water and filling it up with fresh water by adding cleaning tablets and running a backflush program. You should also clean the inside of the water reservoir and pot to remove any residue or stains. Before reassembling the appliance you'll need to wash and dry the carafe as as the water reservoir. Ease of Maintenance If you're looking to make an instant espresso or cup of coffee on the go, opt for an automated model that doesn't require any effort from you. The models are built with an insulated basket that contains ground coffee beans, heated water to the correct temperature, then released into the ground. These machines are great for those who enjoy making a cup of coffee but don't have the time to invest in learning the techniques and skills that make the best-tasting drinks. These machines are easy to operate and are easy to clean. The results are similar to those of a drip coffee maker. To keep your machine running, be sure to dump the grounds used up and scrub the portafilter and grouphead after every use. In addition, you'll need to flush the machine back regularly. This is accomplished by locking the portafilter into the grouphead and running the brew cycle for a several times until the water is clear. This is something that coffeehouses complete at the end of every day, but one that home owners can easily do every few days or, alternatively, once a week using detergent to give it better cleaning. You'll also need to clean your steam wand, milk reservoir and other components of the machine on a regular basis. We recommend cleaning them once every week. To do this, you simply wipe down all parts of the machine using a mixture of vinegar and warm soapy water (check the manual for your product prior to cleaning since some manufacturers recommend against using vinegar). It is also recommended to change your filter frequently since hard water tends to accumulate more mineral residue than soft or filtrated. This can cause the coffee maker and espresso maker to clog, have an altered taste or not function at all. To avoid this happening, you should purchase a coffee and espresso maker with the test of water hardness.