Before You Purchase A Home Espresso Machine

Some time ago, when you wanted to drink a perfect cup of espresso or any other coffee-based beverage you had to head to your local coffee shop or favorite cafe on the corner.

And, if the thought that you could make barista level coffee at home made you feel uncomfortable then think again!

Today, you can make the perfect cup of espresso any time you want at home. A wide variety of home espresso machines are offered for home use. Beginning with the basic coffee makers to the machines that professional baristas are using they all are available and could be yours.

But, before you run to buy your own coffee machine for home and waste your hard earned money on that top of the line espresso machine, stop to think a while about your options and home needs.

If you are experiencing sticker shock from some of the high-end espresso machines, keep in mind that you are saving a great deal on a daily basis by avoiding high priced indulgences at coffee shops or cafes.

The first think you should know before choosing a home espresso machine is that there are several different varieties of machines. Each different type of machine will come with a different price tag and different capabilities.

Although the top of the line machine may be nice, it may not necessarily meet your needs. Instead of buying an espresso machine simply because it is deemed the “best,” buy a machine that you can (and will) use on a regular basis.

The different types of home espresso machines are:

Pump Espresso

Typically what you will find in a coffee shop, a pump espresso machine is usually made for commercial purposes but can be used in your home. Be prepared to expand your budget if you are looking to purchase a pump espresso machine since they are typically the priciest of the bunch.

Also, pump espresso machines are usually the largest, heaviest, and noisiest of the options, but it produces a fantastic cup of espresso. These espresso machines work by using a pump to keep the water pressure at an appropriate level.

Piston Espresso

If you are looking for a great, low maintenance espresso machine, consider those that run on a piston or lever system. Instead of a pump to create pressure, these machines use a level that must be maneuvered in order to create steam.

Although a piston espresso machine is very quiet, they may require a great deal of arm strength to continually pull on the lever. Furthermore, the piston espresso machine is capable of making a great cup of espresso, but it may take practice to get the hang of the process.

Steam Espresso

Using steam to create pressure to make the espresso, these steam-powered espresso machines are typically the type found in the home.

With smaller machines that occupy less space and cost less money, steam espresso machines are quite quick and easy to use. However, keep in mind that the steam produced may not provide the appropriate level of pressure, so the steam level should be constantly maintained.

Moka Pots

Moka Pots are a stovetop method for producing espresso. The process is simple and easy, although the final product may be less than professional.

Using a specially designed two-part pot, the steam produced by the water boiling in the bottom of the pot is forced into the top part of the pot, where the coffee is boiling.

It requires a great deal less pressure than the other types of home espresso machines, but there is no milk frothing or foaming attachments, so you may have to sacrifice that feature for price and size.

Anyone of these different types of home espresso machines will allow you to make a delicious cup of espresso.

Your choice should be based on your needs, usability, over-all size of the machine, and of course the price.

A high-end espresso machine can run up a bill in the thousands of dollars.