Which coffee for espresso machine?

You have an (expensive) espresso machine on your countertop and want to brew the best and tastiest coffee with it. But which beans do you actually need? Coffee comes in many different qualities. This is determined by factors such as the coffee variety, the harvesting and drying method, the roast, and the packaging. You'll understand that high-quality coffee beans are better for your espresso machine than lower-quality beans.

Arabica vs. Robusta coffee

Coffee beans come from different coffee varieties. The most common coffee varieties are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are slightly larger than Robusta but contain less caffeine. Robusta beans are harder than Arabica, so Arabica beans are generally recommended, as they are said to be better for your espresso machine and reduce wear on the grinders. Furthermore, Robusta beans have a greasy coating, which can also be hazardous to your coffee machine. The internals of your machine can become clogged if you use a lot of Robusta. Of course, high-quality Robusta beans are also available, so you can make excellent Robusta coffee if that's your preference.

Coffee beans without pebbles

With some coffees, especially the cheaper blends, you're more likely to find stones among the beans. These stones come from the plantations. Normally, they're filtered out during harvesting, otherwise, by the roaster. This process is very labor-intensive and requires careful care and expertise. Coffee beans of a higher quality (and price) are better for your machine because you won't find stones that can damage your grinders.

Roasting coffee beans

Finally, pay attention to the roast of the coffee beans. Dark-roasted coffee beans are crisper than light-roasted ones. Because they're so crisp, they're easier to grind. The grinder will have more difficulty with light-roasted, hard, and somewhat tough coffee beans.

The best coffee beans?

There's no single answer to the question of which coffee beans are best for your espresso machine. Kaldi's coffee beans are all high-quality and suitable for your espresso machine. It's a matter of taste which coffee type suits you best. Do you prefer mild and aromatic coffee? Then choose 100% Arabica coffee. Do you prefer bold flavors and more caffeine? Then choose a blend of Arabica and Robusta. Visit one of our specialty stores and let us advise you. Come taste and discover the coffee that suits you best!