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Single Serve Espresso Machine A single-serve espresso machine is a good option if you're looking for an espresso that's only for you. Simply fill the water container and add your desired capsule or pod, then hit the button. The top coffee pod machines are efficient, reliable and easy to use. Some also provide extra options such as hot tea or chocolate. Precise Extraction Espresso is made by forcing hot water at high pressure through finely ground espresso. This is a vastly different method than drip coffee brewing, in which the water is allowed to flow freely through the grounds. Espresso extraction requires a balance of three factors that are dose, grind and tamp. The process of heating your portafilter is the initial step towards a perfect espresso shot. Vigil weighs her portafilters prior to when she fills them with coffee to ensure that she is using the right amount of beans. She then tamps the grounds to form a puck dense enough to get all the flavors from the beans. She usually tamps using 30 pounds of force which is the ideal amount for consistent, delicious espresso. It's also important to keep an eye on your espresso's color and consistency. The first few seconds of a properly extracted shot should be dark gold, then it should shift to lighter gold as the 25-second mark is near. Blonding is the term used to describe it. If the espresso isn't blonding correctly could have acidic or bitter notes. Certain machines, such as the Keurig K-Supreme Smart or the Nespresso Vertuo Plus in our test, allow you to set a brew-time, so that you can regulate the rate of extraction. This is an excellent feature, but it won't compensate if your beans aren't ground properly or roast properly. In a few other machines, such as the Gaggia semiautomatic, it is possible to set the desired temperature of water to help control your extraction rate. This can make an important difference in the flavor of espresso, but it is not a solution for a bad grind or roast. A majority of the machines we tested come with a built-in option for steam wands or a frother, making it simple to make espresso using steam-steamed milk or frothed. This is particularly beneficial for drinks like cappuccino or latte that are often served with steaming milk. Certain machines, such as Nespresso Inissia or the Cuisinart On Demand, offer reuseable pods to help reduce the amount of waste. Variety of Drinks Many espresso-based drinks require steamed or frothed milk, and the best single serve espresso machines can perform the job efficiently. A quality machine can make rich, creamy cappuccinos as well as lattes with a simple push of a button. Some include an automatic milk frother which means you don't need to buy a separate device at the counter. The top espresso and coffee makers also provide other drink options, such as iced drinks. Some models have built-in grinders to grind beans at a high speed, while others make use of a carafe that has multiple servings. Some come with adjustable settings, meaning you can choose your own water temperature and strength. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the most highly rated model in this category. It can make double or lungo shots, as well as a variety drinks with a touch of a button. The Philips Breville Intuo XS is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more sophisticated drink. It makes it simple to prepare cappuccinos and lattes. It's easy and simple to use, providing a choice of five popular drinks at the touch of the button. The brewing process is quick, and it produces great-tasting espresso without any effort on your part. It is also eco green, reducing the number of disposable coffee pods you need to buy. If personal coffee maker looking to play with your own ideas look into a multi-functional espresso maker that can make both single- and double-shot drinks. The top espresso and coffee maker brands have an easy-to-use interface that lets you adjust the size, strength, and brew time of your beverage at the touch of one button. You can select from a variety of coffee beans, ranging from traditional to exotic blends and varieties. Some come with a grinder for fresh grounds that will give you more control over the flavor of your coffee than pre-packaged pods. Convenience One of the main draws of single serve espresso machines is their convenience. They're easy to brew require minimal cleanup and eliminate the need for measuring ground coffee or coffee beans. Because they're designed to make only one cup, there's no leftovers. Machines that use capsules and pods (like Keurig and Nespresso) operate on the principle of using capsules or coffee pods that are pre-packaged that contain the right amount of ground coffee to make a single serving. Simply select the beverage you'd like, insert the pod in the machine, and press the button. Some machines can also make tea and hot cocoa, while others include milk frothers that can make milk-based drinks. These machines are useful, but they also come with a price in terms of cost and impact on the environment. Pods can cost more than ground coffee or bean-to-cup, and are typically packaged in plastic, which means you'll need to find an alternative to recycling. This can add up over time and is something to consider when purchasing the pod-based coffee maker. Other models are more flexible in terms of brewing sizes and are able to handle various types of beans or grounds. These are often referred to as “ground-to cup” machines. The ground coffee is placed in a coffee in a filter basket at the top of the machine or, if you have an espresso-style machine, into a portafilter. It looks like a traditional coffee pot and is akin to the filter in an espresso machine. These machines are closest to the traditional barista's taste, however they are more expensive and complex than those which use pods or capsules. Additionally, there are automated and manual machines that function in the same way as the typical coffee maker but with an added degree of automation. They can automatically dispense beverages including coffee, and also carry out basic maintenance tasks like decaffeinating and descaling. These tended to get our highest Lab scores for their ease of use and reliability. They can be difficult to maintain in good working condition. Maintenance You are professional baristas, your equipment should be regularly cleaned and descaled in order to make excellent coffee. You should also backflush your espresso group heads each evening and clean the machine to eliminate any milk residue or loose grounds of coffee. These routine tasks might seem tedious but they are essential to the long-term durability and efficiency of your equipment. Cleaning your single serve espresso machine is important not just for hygiene but also for the taste of your espresso. If you don't properly clean your machine, it may lead to impurities and bacteria being created that alter the taste and flavor of your coffee. Cleaning an espresso machine isn't as difficult as you might think. A few minutes a day and a thorough cleaning every month will keep your machine in tip-top shape for years to come. You'll first have to empty the drip pan (this is a simple job that can usually be completed in a single step). Then, wipe down the machine's internal parts. Use a mild soap and water using an abrasive to clean the machine, particularly the hot boiler and portafilter. When you're done, use a clean cloth or towel to wipe down the inside and outside of your machine. Regular cleaning of your espresso machine is the most vital part in maintaining it. Backflushing and descalers will eliminate any hard-water deposits that may have accumulated on your machine that could affect the taste of your espresso. Descale your coffee maker at least every 300 cups or once a week depending on how frequently you use it. To perform a backflush, first remove the steam wand and the group head and soak them for at least a half hour in an emulsion of espresso machine and water detergent. After that, run fresh water through the portafilters, baskets and steam wand. It's also a good idea that you backflush the steam portafilter using the solution and scrub it using a nylon brush. Then, clean the draining hose with a dilute solution of cleaner and water.