Guide To Buying a Home Espresso Machine

Espresso machines are one of the most popular kitchen appliances. Coffee machines making espresso have gained popularity in recent years.

With one of these Coffee machines in your house, you can have your favorite coffeehouse drink whenever you want, without having to leave the house.

Specialty coffee machines can be very expensive and are a significant investment.

The most common machines are semi-automatic or fully-automatic machines.

Both of these Espresso Machines have benefits, depending on your preference and the amount of money you are willing to spend.

Take some time to learn the features and benefits of each type before you make a purchase.

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

Semi-automatic machines allow you more control over the brewing process. These are the most popular in home machines. You start and stop the brewing process, which only takes about thirty seconds. Most come with either a frothing adapter or a stem want for making a cappuccino or other specialty drinks.

Semi-automatics come with either a pressurized or a commercial portafilter. A commercial portafilter has a metal holder with a plastic handle. These are found on coffee shop cappuccino makers. You need to get the grind setting, tamp pressure and timing right to get the best cup possible. It takes a few tries to perfect this process.

A pressurized portafilter has a ring inside that adjusts the flow of the water. the water will flow slower for coarse grounds and faster for finer grounds. The ring also enhances the crema on top and makes a better cup with less effort from you. With a pressurized portafilter, you don’t need to worry as much about the tamp pressure or grind of the beans.

Fully Automatic Machines

If you’re serious about producing quality espresso at home, you can’t expect to spend less than $500 (for a brand new machine).

Why?  If it’s below $500, it will be cheaply built, won’t produce above average espresso, steam terribly, and you can count the years it will last on one hand.

Don’t forget you will also need a quality grinder, but this article won’t cover that. Under $500 can still get you a quality used a machine for a bargain though.

To Make a ‘Great’ Espresso You Need a Machine With a stable espresso brewing temperature between 92-96°, decent steaming capacity, and quality semi-commercial or commercial grade designed parts & heat retaining materials such as steel, copper & brass.

Not All Prosumer Machines Are Created Equal. Which Machine Type Suits You?

Most will last forever because they are serviceable by professionals (or yourself if you learn how), but it also depends on how you treat your machine.

Some people prefer a super automatic machine.

With a super automatic, you can make a complete cup of Expresso or cappuccino with the push of one button.

When you first set up the machine, you pre-program everything and then it’s ready to go.

If you want a fast cup with little effort or aren’t skilled at brewing, you may want a machine that can do it all for you.

Great Features of Expresso Machines

There is a wide difference in the price of Expresso makers (best budget espresso machine).

Part of the price difference lies in the features of the machine.

The more the features, the higher the price.

•  A digital display allows you to control many options on your machine. You can set the timer to shut off or enter the energy saving mode. Program the machine for the water level or amount of coffee grounds to affect the taste and strength of the drink. Set the temperature for the finished drink. Some even allow you to program the machine for the hardness of your water.
•  A bypass doser, allows you to use different coffees. With this feature, you can bypass the grinding process and use pre-ground coffee.
•  An adjustable dosage feature allows you to adjust the amount of beans to be ground. Most allow for between six and thirteen grams, depending on the machine.
•  A rapid steam feature will go from brewing temperature to steam temperature in ten seconds.