Single Serve Espresso Machine

If you prefer an espresso made exclusively for you, a single serve espresso machine is a fantastic choice. Simply refill the water bottle and add your desired pod or capsule, then press the button.

The best coffee pod machines offer convenience, speed and user-friendliness. Some machines offer extra options, such as hot tea or chocolate.

Precise Extraction

Espresso is made by pushing hot water at high pressure through finely ground espresso. This is a very different process than drip coffee brewing, in which water is allowed to freely flow through the ground. Espresso extraction requires an exact balance of several factors including dose, tamp and grind.

The process of heating your portafilter is the very first step towards a perfect espresso shot. Vigil usually weighs her portafilter prior to when she fills it with coffee, which ensures that she uses the correct amount of beans. She then tamps the grounds to create an even puck that's strong enough to extract the flavors in her beans. She employs 30 pounds of force to tamp the grounds which makes for a flavorful, consistent espresso.

Keep an eye on the consistency and color of your espresso. An espresso that is extracted properly should be dark golden for the initial few seconds, and then change to a light gold as it approaches the 25-second mark--this is known as blonding. If the espresso isn't blonding correctly could have bitter or acidic 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 control the rate of extraction. This is a great feature, but it won't compensate for a poorly-ground or over-roasted bean.

You can adjust the extraction rate in some machines, like the Gaggia semiautomatic. This can make a huge difference in the taste of your espresso, however it's not the best solution for a poor grind or roast.

Many of the machines in our tests come with built-in options for a milk frother or steam wand, making it easy to make espresso using steam or frothed milk. This is particularly useful for drinks like cappuccino or latte which are typically served with steaming milk. Certain machines, such as the Nespresso Inissia or the Cuisinart On Demand provide reusable pods to reduce the amount of waste.

Variety of Drinks

The best single-serve espresso machines can be used to create frothed or steam milk for a variety of espresso-based drinks. A quality machine can make rich, creamy cappuccinos as well as lattes with the click of one button. Some models even come with an automatic milk maker, so you don't need to purchase a separate machine on the counter.

The top coffee makers and espresso makers provide additional drinks, such as Iced drinks. Some have built-in grinders that grind beans fresh and some use a carafe that can hold several servings at a time. Some models have adjustable settings so you can select your preferred water temperature and strength. The most highly rated model in this category is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, can brew two or lungo shot, as well as a variety of drinks with just a press.

If you prefer an elegant beverage you can choose the Philips Breville Intuo XS makes it easy to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's simple and intuitive to use, giving you five popular drinks at the touch of a button. The brewing process is swift and produces delicious espresso with no effort on your part. It is also environmentally friendly since it cuts down on the amount of coffee pods that you have to purchase.

If you like to experiment with your own recipes Consider investing in a versatile espresso maker that is able to prepare double-shot or single-shot drinks. The top espresso and coffee makers come with an easy to use interface that lets you alter the size, strength and brew time of your drink with the touch of a single button. You can choose from a wide range of coffee beans, ranging from traditional to exotic blends and variations. Some have grinders that grind fresh grounds. This gives you more control over your coffee's taste than pre-packaged pods.

Convenience

One of the main draws of single serve espresso machines is their ease of use. They're easy to use, require little cleaning and don't require measuring coffee beans or ground coffee. And because they're made to make only one cup, there's no wasted leftovers.

Pod and capsule machines (like Keurig and Nespresso) are based on using capsules or coffee pods that are pre-packaged that contain the ideal amount of ground coffee for a single serving. Simply select the beverage you'd like to drink and then place the pod into the machine, and press the button. Some machines also allow you to brew hot cocoa and tea as well as milk frothers that can make milk-based drinks.

These machines are convenient however they also come with a price in terms of cost and environmental impact. Pods tend to be more expensive than ground or bean-to- cup coffee and can also be packaged in plastic, which means you'll need to find ways to recycle them. As time passes, this can become an important factor to consider if you're thinking of purchasing pod coffee makers for long-term use.

Other models are more flexible in terms of the size of the brewing and can be used with different types or grounds. These are often referred to as "ground-to cup" machines. The ground coffee is placed in a coffee in a basket that is placed at the top of the machine or, if you own an espresso-style model, into a portafilter. It looks like the traditional coffee pot and is akin to the filter in an espresso machine. These machines are closest to a traditional barista's flavor, however they can be more expensive and complex than models that use capsules or pods.

There are also super-automatic machines as well as manual machines. They work exactly the same way as your typical coffee maker but with a higher level of automation. They can automatically dispense beverages including coffee, and also carry out basic maintenance tasks like decaffeinating and descaling. They generally received our top Lab scores for their user-friendliness and reliability. They can be difficult to keep in good condition.

Maintenance

As a professional barista you are aware that your equipment must be regularly cleaned and descaled to make excellent coffee. It is recommended to flush the espresso group heads nightly and clean your machine to get rid of any loose coffee grounds or milk residue. These tasks may seem mundane, but they are vital to the longevity and quality your equipment.

Cleaning your single serve espresso machine is important not just for hygiene but also for the taste of your espresso. Failing to clean your machine could lead to the development of bacteria and impurities that can affect the flavor and taste of your coffee. Cleaning your espresso machine won't take as much time as you might think. A few minutes a day and a thorough cleaning every month will keep your machine in tip-top condition for the many years to be.

First, you'll need to empty the drip pan (this is a simple task that can usually be completed in a single serve coffee maker step). The next step is to clean the internal components of the machine. It's best to make use of a mild soap along with water and a sponge particularly around the hot boiler and the portafilter. Once you're finished, rinse the inside and outside of your machine with a clean cloth or towel.

Regularly cleaning your espresso machine is the most vital component in maintaining it. A couple of tablespoons of descaler and a backflush can ensure that your machine is free of any hard-water residues that can negatively impact the flavor of your espresso. Descale your coffee maker every 300 cups, or at least once every week, depending on how often you use it.

To do a backflush, first remove the group head and steam wand and soak them for at least one hour in an emulsion of espresso machine and water detergent. When the baskets and portsafilters are clean and dry, you can run fresh water through them. You can also backflush your steam portafilter, and scrub it with nylon brushes. Then, last but not least take care to clean the draining hose by using the solution of water and cleaner.