Difference between revisions of "Test:Techniques"

From Whole Latte Love Support Library

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==User Experience==
 
==User Experience==
  
We've chosen to list this as the first factor because of its importance. If you have never used an espresso machine before then going straight for a manually operated or prosumer style machine may result in a very unsatisfactory experience. The amount of control these machines offer, and their heavy reliance on the user's technique and ability can make them frustrating to use and make learning espresso extraction harder than it needs to be. Alternatively if you've
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We've chosen to list this as the first factor because of its importance. If you have never used an espresso machine before, then going straight for a manually operated or prosumer style machine may result in a very unsatisfactory experience. The amount of control these machines offer, and their heavy reliance on the user's technique and ability can make them frustrating to use and make learning espresso extraction harder than it needs to be. Alternatively if you're an experienced user you may find some units, such as super-automatics, frustrating to use because of the lack of direct control you have over the process.
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{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12ZH3S45q3g|480|center}}
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==Convenience vs. Quality==
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Balancing convenience with quality ties in with user experience as well. Machines that are designed for convenience, such as pod machines, will be the simplest to use. They're relatively straightforward, and mainly just require you to insert a cartridge and select a brewing option. Moving up from there you have super-automatic machines and semi-automatic machines that utilize pressurized brewing systems. These machines offer a little more user control, but are still doing a lot of the work. Depending on the super-automatic machine the amount of user control can be fairly limited, while high end units off more. Since espresso brewing is all about controlling variables these types of machine can produce good tasting espresso, but it will not cafe quality. Their advantage though is that they offer a balance to convenience and quality - so if you are a new user, but want something that tastes better than a capsule, that uses freshly ground coffee these machines are a good choice. If shot quality is really your goal then it's really best to trade up the convenience factor in favor of more direct control. Manual, prosumer, and semi-automatic machines can offer this higher level of control. Manual and prosumer in particular will typically have many more control options, really giving them the best ability to produce a shot of espresso that wows you.
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Another aspect of convenience that many people consider is how quickly a machine heats up. Generally smaller home units such as semi-automatics and super-automatics have shorter heat up times, typically around 10 minutes long. Some of these style machines will also feature rapid heat boilers, which means they are ready to brewing within just a couple of minutes of being turned on. These are great for people on the go. Semi-automatic machines with larger boilers, prosumer, and commercial machines will take longer to heat, anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Most prosumer and commercial units are designed to be able to be left on for long period of time or indefinitely though, so heat up time is not a factor if the machine is left on.
  
==Convenience vs. Shot Quality==
 
 
==Frequency of Use==
 
==Frequency of Use==
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Selecting a machine based on how frequently it is used and many people are going to be using it is important because not all machines are rated to handle the traffic in a cafe or office, or are meant to be left on for extended periods of time. Many manufacturers will also consider the warranty on the unit void if used in a high volume if the machine is meant for home and personal use.
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If you are only brewing a couple of shots a day then a semi-automatic unit, or small super-automatic unit will be sufficient. Likewise, if it's a family using the machines these will also work, but you may wand to get into a super-automatic with more programming options so that each person can easily brew their own drink. A semi-automatic unit will work as well, but if you have several family members brewing drinks in a row you may want to get a semi-automatic with a larger boiler to reduce recovery time between brewing and steaming.
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For higher volume use, like in an office you will want to go for a large high quality super-automatic unit or a prosumer level unit that is rated for office use. Super-automatics are usually preferable in an office environment for those who are not familiar with the technique of espresso extraction. That being said, prosumer units are still popular choices for office environments and they are advantageous because they are designed to be able to be left on indefinitely. For very high volume usage, such as in a cafe, it is important to select a machine that will meet that demand. Some prosumer units will be rated for light commercial use, but for heavy traffic it's best to purchase a commercial unit. Commercially rated units are meant to be left on, and are usually powerful enough to brew and steam simultaneously, and have little to no recovery time.
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==Maintenance Needs==
 
==Maintenance Needs==
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==Materials==
 
==Materials==
 
==Operating Space==
 
==Operating Space==

Revision as of 07:19, 9 February 2017

Making your first espresso machine purchase can be a daunting task. A simple internet search for information regarding these machines yields an overwhelming amount of information. This article strives to condense this information into a more organized and manageable guide to machine purchasing. Being able to prioritize the factors that are important to you and understanding why they are important will help in choosing a machine that makes you happy and meets your needs.

Factors For Selection

As a starting point it is a good idea to establish why you are purchasing an espresso machine. Establishing expectations and understanding your needs before you make a purchase will ensure that you are getting a machine that can live up to those expectations. If you are new to the espresso home brewing experience then it can be hard to know what to expect. In this section we will explore the most common factors that go into the purchase of an espresso machine and why they are important.

User Experience

We've chosen to list this as the first factor because of its importance. If you have never used an espresso machine before, then going straight for a manually operated or prosumer style machine may result in a very unsatisfactory experience. The amount of control these machines offer, and their heavy reliance on the user's technique and ability can make them frustrating to use and make learning espresso extraction harder than it needs to be. Alternatively if you're an experienced user you may find some units, such as super-automatics, frustrating to use because of the lack of direct control you have over the process.

Convenience vs. Quality

Balancing convenience with quality ties in with user experience as well. Machines that are designed for convenience, such as pod machines, will be the simplest to use. They're relatively straightforward, and mainly just require you to insert a cartridge and select a brewing option. Moving up from there you have super-automatic machines and semi-automatic machines that utilize pressurized brewing systems. These machines offer a little more user control, but are still doing a lot of the work. Depending on the super-automatic machine the amount of user control can be fairly limited, while high end units off more. Since espresso brewing is all about controlling variables these types of machine can produce good tasting espresso, but it will not cafe quality. Their advantage though is that they offer a balance to convenience and quality - so if you are a new user, but want something that tastes better than a capsule, that uses freshly ground coffee these machines are a good choice. If shot quality is really your goal then it's really best to trade up the convenience factor in favor of more direct control. Manual, prosumer, and semi-automatic machines can offer this higher level of control. Manual and prosumer in particular will typically have many more control options, really giving them the best ability to produce a shot of espresso that wows you.

Another aspect of convenience that many people consider is how quickly a machine heats up. Generally smaller home units such as semi-automatics and super-automatics have shorter heat up times, typically around 10 minutes long. Some of these style machines will also feature rapid heat boilers, which means they are ready to brewing within just a couple of minutes of being turned on. These are great for people on the go. Semi-automatic machines with larger boilers, prosumer, and commercial machines will take longer to heat, anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Most prosumer and commercial units are designed to be able to be left on for long period of time or indefinitely though, so heat up time is not a factor if the machine is left on.

Frequency of Use

Selecting a machine based on how frequently it is used and many people are going to be using it is important because not all machines are rated to handle the traffic in a cafe or office, or are meant to be left on for extended periods of time. Many manufacturers will also consider the warranty on the unit void if used in a high volume if the machine is meant for home and personal use.

If you are only brewing a couple of shots a day then a semi-automatic unit, or small super-automatic unit will be sufficient. Likewise, if it's a family using the machines these will also work, but you may wand to get into a super-automatic with more programming options so that each person can easily brew their own drink. A semi-automatic unit will work as well, but if you have several family members brewing drinks in a row you may want to get a semi-automatic with a larger boiler to reduce recovery time between brewing and steaming.

For higher volume use, like in an office you will want to go for a large high quality super-automatic unit or a prosumer level unit that is rated for office use. Super-automatics are usually preferable in an office environment for those who are not familiar with the technique of espresso extraction. That being said, prosumer units are still popular choices for office environments and they are advantageous because they are designed to be able to be left on indefinitely. For very high volume usage, such as in a cafe, it is important to select a machine that will meet that demand. Some prosumer units will be rated for light commercial use, but for heavy traffic it's best to purchase a commercial unit. Commercially rated units are meant to be left on, and are usually powerful enough to brew and steam simultaneously, and have little to no recovery time.

Maintenance Needs

Materials

Operating Space

Plumbing

Programmability

Sound Level

Power Considerations

Machine Features

Brew Features

Pump Type

Pressure Control

Brewing Style

Temperature Control

Boiler Style

Steam Features

Wand Style

Pressure/Temp Control

Boiler Style

Steam Tips

Automatic Frothing

Types of Machines

Manual

Semi-Automatic

Super-Automatic

Prosumer