An espresso machine is a great way to elevate your morning routine. The earthy smell of coffee in the air brightens the home, and fosters a cosy, welcoming atmosphere that will make you excited for the slow mornings at home. An espresso machine can also be a great investment as it will save you money in the long run on takeaway coffees, as you can make barista quality coffee whenever you want.
What is Espresso?
There are various ways that your cup of coffee can be made. Espresso is a rich, concentrated form of coffee. It works by grinding fresh coffee beans into a fine powder and tightly packing it down. Hot pressurised water is pulled through the fine coffee grinds to create full-bodied, flavourful coffee.
When you walk into a coffee shop, you’ll often find a menu of a range of different types of coffee. Did you know that you can make these coffees at home with your espresso machine?
That’s right! Here at the most popular espresso drinks, and how they are typically made.
Shot: Typically a single shot of straight espresso into a small mug. It tends to have a sharp, bitter and intense flavour. Be sure to grind the beans finely to get the right depth of flavour when the water passes through.
Latte: These are the milkiest of espresso coffees, coming with a general ratio of ⅓ espresso to ⅔ milk, and usually with some foam on top. Lattes can be made more fun and sweet by adding syrups such as caramel or vanilla. You can also make lattes iced by simply pouring the espresso over ice in a glass, and topping with your cold milk of choice.
Americano: This is a milder version of an espresso shot. This is made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water. It doesn’t require a steam wand and you only need to use your kettle to boil the water. You can also make this an iced Americano by adding the shot to iced water, and can add fun toppings such as heavy cream.
Cappuccino: Similar to a latte, and only different by the ratio of ingredients. There should generally be equal amounts of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Therefore, the drink is usually foamier with a stronger coffee flavour. You can also add a dusting of chocolate or cinnamon for that barista style touch.
What is the Right Espresso Machine for You?
There are various different types of espresso machines on the market. Some have coffee bean grinders and steam wands. Others are smaller and compact, and just pull espresso. Jump on PriceMe to compare different models and their prices across retailers in New Zealand, so you can get the right unit for your needs and for the best price. If you still need help choosing the right model, we have an espresso machine buying guide to help you understand what different models offer, and what might be the best one for you.
