Home Espresso on a Budget: Semi-Automatic vs. Super-Automatic Machines
Вставка
- Опубліковано 12 кві 2016
- Looking to get into home espresso on a limited budget? In this Quick Tip Marc from WholeLatteLove.com compares entry-level semi-automatic and super-automatic espresso machines. Learn the differences between the two basic types of machines and why you might choose one type over the other for your first home espresso setup.
Products featured in this video:
Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic:
www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Delonghi Icona Semi-Automatic:
www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Baratza Virtuoso Burr Coffee Grinder:
www.wholelattelove.com/produc... - Навчання та стиль
Very informative. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment! You are welcome.
Finally a simple, easy to understand video explaining the differences between these two types of coffee machines. Good work and thank you for the simplicity!
Hi Diaco, You are welcome and thanks for taking a moment to leave a comment!
Marc
Great info, as usual! I love my Saeco semi automatic machine because when or if I decide I want to try a non pressurized portafilter, I can buy one that will fit my machine. Then, I can graduate up to a more expensive high end espresso machine if desired. It's a great and less expensive way to get a taste of a more traditionally pulled shot. :)
+helpfulnatural Thanks! Lower cost Semi-autos are a fine choice for starting out in home espresso. As you mention you can upgrade although not all entry-level semi-autos have non-pressurized baskets available.
If you take the Delonghi Icona basket, disassemble it and put it back together without the plastic disk that is between the metal disk with bunch of holes and the rubber gasket you will turn it into a non pressurized basket.
A kitchen nightmares type show but for baristas would be fun.
Even though the brewing process in a super-auto resembles more the process of high-end semi-autos compared to a low-cost semi-auto with a pressurized basket or portafilter, if you use freshly-ground coffee, the semi-auto shot tastes a lot better. At least in my opinion. Super-auto shots are often watery. I think mostly because most machines only use 10-12g of coffee and users tend to pull 2oz of espresso, so that's almost almost half of the recommended ratio for a double-shot (usually 18-20g of coffee).
+ascosta You are right on with watery when pulling 2oz/60ml doubles on super-auto with a single grind cycle. That's why we advise programming a single to produce about 1oz/30ml then press the single button 2x when brewing which does a separate grind cycle for each single on the Brera. Some super-autos, like most Jura machines just up the dose to ~14 grams with a single grind cycle when a double is selected. What we find with many of the budget semi-autos are shots that finish bitter. Now the coffee used is a huge variable! To produce bold shots on budget semi-autos we end up grinding finer and typically get the bitter finish from over-extraction. In this video, the shots shown side by side were made from the same coffee: Paradise Espresso Nuevo 3 weeks from roast. The Brera produced a much better looking and tasting shot. Crema was not nearly as nice on the Delonghi. Grind used for the Delonghi was a size that produced beautiful shots on a prosumer semi-auto earlier in the day.
+Whole Latte Love Is there a technical reason why super-autos grind so little? Why can't they just allow for the user to configure say from 10g up to 22g?And why don't most super-autos produce hot-enough shots? I see so many fancy super-autos that look like iPads and cost $5k+, but I'm puzzled by how no one could come up with a super-auto that produce high-end semi-auto level shots for that price. I feel there's a low hanging fruit there and I think Breville is working on picking it. The Oracle is clearly a step in that direction. They just need to work on eliminating the manual transfer of the portafilter from grinder outlet to brew head.
@@ascosta Did you find one you like?
@@WideOpenChange One what? A superautomatic machine? I wasn't in the market for one. My dad had one and the shots were not comparable to semi-auto shots. Also, it requires some periodic maintenance because it's got a lot of electronics and mechanical parts so I think that kind of defeats the purpose of having a single-touch machine. I would rather do a bit more work each time to get a great shot with a semi-auto and be virtually maintenance free, than have a super-auto that produces mediocre shots that are easy to pull each time, but I have to do more complex maintenance from time to time.
Recently saw a vid here detailing how to convert Delonghi preasuruzed portafilters into non-preasurized. You can go with less expensive machine but get high quality results.
Hi Daniel, Thanks for the comment. I know the conversion video was not on our channel. Also know people do convert pressurized to non-pressurized. It's possible to up the quality but you'll be giving up things like temperature stability due to lightweight undersized portafilter, grouphead with no thermal mass and poor temp consistency with a thermoblock boiler. If budget can handle it I recommend investing a little more in true machine build quality. It pays off in the long run! A machine like the Gaggia Classic Pro is my recommendation for those serious about excellent entry-level espresso. It has commercial size/weight 58mm portafilter, substantial grouphead, full metal jacket, real boiler, 3-way solenoid valve for dry easy to knock pucks and it'll go for decades. It's very user serviceable and can be completely rebuilt with readily available low cost parts if needed. Entry-level espresso appliances will eventually end up in the trash. Check out the Gaggia Classic pro in action here: ua-cam.com/video/_bl9BqIDoyI/v-deo.html
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks for the response Marc. You've got good reason to say so. I live in Costa Rica in the heart of the coffee zone. Some of the highest rated coffees come from nearby. My daily brew is pour over. Our unique problem is that the coffee I get is so fresh I have to wait a day before grinding! I'd love to get the Classic but it's a little out of reach price wise. I really enjoy your videos and have subscribed to your channel.
I got the ROK espresso machine and manual grinder... mostly because I like to play with my food :) I'm getting better but not quite there yet.
Keep practicing. We suggest always pre-heating the ROK with a blank shot and pausing to pre-infuse at the start of your extraction. And of course, work with your grind size and a good coffee!
Hi mark what espresso machine and grinder do you recommend for around 400$ i get espresso about 5 times a week and im interested in latte art
Hi TOP, It'll be a little more than $400 for a latte art capable machine grinder combo. Best value by far is the Gaggia Classic. You can see a barista who usually works on Slayer and La Marzocco machines doing latte art with a Classic here: ua-cam.com/video/AENOn1lUuRo/v-deo.html Here's a Classic paired with a Baratza Sette grinder: www.wholelattelove.com/gaggia-classic-and-baratza-sette-30-ap
Hey Whole Latte Love! I bought that Delonghi and have been enjoying the barrista experience you mentioned. I'd like to do latte art with my next machine. Can you recommend something that would be a step up that's still on the affordable side? Thanks.
Hi Connie, Great to hear you are enjoying your Delonghi. A recommended affordable step up is the Gaggia Classic: www.wholelattelove.com/espresso-machines?cat=20&product_brand=43
We currently have refurbished classics for $289 or new at $369
For latte art I'd recommended picking up the Latte Art Wand accessory: www.wholelattelove.com/gaggia-latte-art-pannarello-wand-147430150
Here's a video showing the Classic with the Latte Art wand used to make latte art: ua-cam.com/video/AENOn1lUuRo/v-deo.html
hey i hava a semi automatic for what i see but for steaming milk i have a conteiber with milk and it sucjs it from there and it comes of steamed whats your opinion on that? and if i usea freshly groubd coffee but consume it ib a week or three well preserved does it mather that much? thanks!
Sounds like you are steaming milk with a cappuccinatore? They are good for making a cappuccino type froth and okay for a finer latte style microfoam. Manual frothing with commercial style steam wand is capable of producing a much finer microfoam but it takes some effort and a bit of skill. It's a trade-off of quality for convenience. Fresh coffee matters - especially grinding it right before making an espresso!
meanwhile i'm still stirring my coffee with a spoon on a cup.
I am just getting into the home coffee scene and your videos are very helpful! Thank you!! Can you help me with another super automatic? I am looking for one I can grow into but under the $1000 range. I like the way the Oracle can be customized but I am not at the $2000 level yet 🤑
Hi Hungry B, here's a selction of super-automatic machines in your price range: www.wholelattelove.com/espresso-machines/super-automatic?from=575.0&sort=featured&to=899.95
So if I got it correctly, for the semi-automatic you don't necessarily need a tamper?
Hi Lizzy, For entry-level semi-automatic espresso appliances using a pressurized filter basket tamping is not required other than for leveling the ground coffee. Except for a couple machines like the Gaggia Carezza De LUXE tamping has no effect on the espresso extraction. The Carezza has a unique pressurized basket in which tamping can effect the extraction: www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-carezza-deluxe
Marc
Gr8 video
Hi HB, Thanks for the comment!
Marc
I have the delongui and I squeezed it's capabilities. Decent for the price. I will be moving next to the gaggia and see how it differs
Hi jose, Thanks for the comment. Here's a quick look at capabilities of the new Gaggia Cadorna machines: ua-cam.com/video/jrAQQdug3Sc/v-deo.html
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Many thanks Marc!
I guess you could use the Rok grinder with the delonghi?
Sure!
Are there ANY super autos, no matter the price, that are going to get me an as good shot as a semi? Any?
Hi Steve, They come close. Do understand semi's require some skill, effort, knowledge to reach their potential - also good coffee and good grinder. What super get you is easy and reliable consistency plus convenience!
Marc
Hi, I would like to buy a Semi Machine, but its Portafilters is Pressurized. So, what is better a Semi Machine with Pressurized Portafilters, or Super-Automatic that is Home Budget?
Hi x, Thanks for the question. I recommend having a loot at the Gaggia Carezza as my favorite machine using pressurized filter baskets. There's more info, video review and purchaser reviews at this link: www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-carezza-deluxe. Best value in super-automatic is the Gaggia Brera: www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-brera-espresso-machine-in-black
Hope that helps. Let me know if you have more questions!
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Hi, Thanks for answering. but, which one will give me a better taste, or they have a similar taste when using a fresh coffee
The semi automatic produce more messy coffee preparations.
I wonder why you didnt mention that Mark.
Hey Mr WFH, Guess I didn't mention semi-autos are messier than the supers :(.
Marc
2:53 is there one that's not made of plastic? Heat + plastic, Im sure, is not helping the taste.
Hi WOC, Thanks for the question. No brew units I'm aware of that are not made of plastic. Can't say I've ever tasted plastic. It's very stable and food safe at brewing temps. I understand some have aversions to plastic. At least with these machines you're not throwing away 100s to 1,000s of plastic K-cups every year! If you want to go plastic free for espresso you'll need to go with a semi-automatic machine.
Marc
Why didn't you show the price?
Hi Nathan, Good question! We generally do not show prices in videos. They change from time to time and on UA-cam the videos could be around for awhile! In most cases, as was done in this video, there are direct links to the products with current pricing and more information like specs and customer reviews. Those links can be found in the video description and in the card links which are available by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the video while it's playing back. Hope this helps!
Ahh ok!
Hi SS, K
I have a DeLonghi - different model - and I feel like it is the limiting factor for me trying to create latte art. It's basically impossible and the shots don't ever get enough crema to "hold" latte art. I'll upgrade to a better machine when I have enough money.
+Kaiser68 It is more difficult to produce shots with rich crema on machines using pressurized filter baskets. But' it is possible! What type of coffee are you using? Grinding fresh right before brewing? With good coffee ground fresh you should be producing some crema. If not try grinding a little finer or upping the coffee dose. Now, never going to be the same as brewing with non-pressurized basket in a more expensive machine, but should be able to produce something reasonable.
+Kaiser68 Love your flavor description! Here's a good machine/grinder package that's a hair over $500: www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-classic-and-mdf-brew-ready-pack
Gaggia Classic has been around for years and is a capable and dependable machine. It comes with both pressurized and non pressurized filter baskets. It has a 58mm commercial sized portafilter. The Rocky grinder has been around for awhile as well. It's a dosing grinder which some people like, and some don't. There are some nice grinders from Breville as well. If you want to grind for both espresso and other brew methods they are a good option. Not the same build quality as the Rocky but very capable: www.wholelattelove.com/grinders/burr?brand=Breville&sort=featured
basically $200 vrs $900 is what people want to know
I feel as if mentioning the Breville Barista Express is a good starter Semi Auto Setup. It includes the grinder, and the pressurized and unpressurized gaskets. You don't have to worry about purging the steam either, where it does so automatically. It is around $600 for it. I have had this for around 6 months and love it. It is sturdy and well built, and an excellent price. You guys have a video for it...ua-cam.com/video/t6wGYeNwbus/v-deo.html
Hi Emilie, Thanks for your comment. The Barista Express is a good starter setup. A little more costly than the equipment featured in the video but more capabilities too with the non-pressurized baskets! Glad you are enjoying yours and thanks for linking our video in your comment!
You guys are very welcome. I have truly enjoyed my equipment, and the customer experience with you guys. I am a happy customer and wanted to show some love! I enjoy watching all of the videos that you make!
Thanks for showing the Love! Happy to hear you enjoy the videos and are a happy customer.
Marc
I don't know who considers $500 a budget conscious range.
Hi SL, Hear you. Compared to machines that run into the $1,000's it's in a budget range - but it does depend on one's perspective.