Drinking good coffee is one of my ways to enjoy life. A few years ago I finally
decided to buy a proper semi-automatic espresso machine, and I haven't regretted
the decision one day. Actually, as with all good purchases, I thought to myself
that I should have done this a lot earlier. I am of the opinion that using a
half automatic espresso machine is a lot better than the nowadays ubiquitous
fully automated ones. Here's why: You can actually keep your machine clean a lot
better than with the automatics. Everything is exposed, and can therefore be
cleaned properly. This helps you to keep enjoying your good coffee for a longer
time. The automatics do not get cleaned enough normally and this has (in the
long run) a detrimental effect on your coffee quality. So, if you are interested
in good coffee as I am, please remember this:
- Get a machine with a brass boiler. Aluminium boilers are by far not as good.
- Make sure the machine has a so-called 3-way valve so that it takes the pressure
off the puck when you stop the pumping.
- Get a blind filter with the machine so you can regularly clean the machine by
backflushing it.
- Get a specialised cleaning agent for your machine like Urnex Cafiza.
- Get a separate coffee grinder with slow moving discs. No highspeed rotator as
those will burn your coffee grounds easily.
- Take time to set up. Coffee grounds particle size is very, very important and
it takes time to get your set dialed in. After that you will find that when
you change beans, you have to slightly regulate your grinding to suit the
bean type.
- Do not think that only expensive coffee will taste good. Grinding is much more
important. Choose what tastes good, not automatically what is expensive.
This all does not need to be overly expensive. If you look at brands like Lelit
for the machine, and Nemox for the grinder you will find out that good stuff
can be had for moderate prices.
