So what does a barista have that you don’t have? An espresso machine, for starters. But if you’ve been caught up in the designer coffee craze, can’t get enough of your local coffee bar, and are watching your free hours evaporate in the steam from rising your espresso cup, maybe it’s time become your own barista.
First, to avoid disaster, do research before investing in a home espresso machine. You could be amazed at the range of prices among them, from as low as $38 to as high as $2300. As with most things, you will get what you pay for.
So familiarize yourself with the various kinds of espresso machines, and you’ll be in a much better position to find one with everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
A manual machine demands that you be a true hands-on participant in the process. You’ll measure and grind the coffee beans, pack the grounds, and brew the coffee. If you love feeling creative, and have the time, this machine could be just right, and manual machines are the least expensive.
Semi-automatic and automatic–and even if the term IS “shots” of espresso, we are talking machines, not guns–will perform some, or all, of the job for you.
With a semi-automatic machine you will have to decide on the correct water temperature and pressure, grind and pack the coffee beans, and let ‘er rip.
An automatic machine asks only that you feed, water, and caress it, adding the whole coffee beans, the water, and a nice gentle touch on the start button. Your kindness will be rewarded with a great cup of espresso.
Finally, for the “In-my-next-life-I-want-to-be-a-barista” crowd, is the super automatic machine. Super automatics do everything except remove the coffee beans from the bag, and will even pre-infuse the coffee beans with water in order to release the last iota of flavor into you waiting cup.
You can also look for additional features in your machine; milk frothers, water filters, cup warmers, and hot water dispensers–for, heaven forbid, tea or cocoa–are all available options.
Take your shot.
