Any die-hard espresso fanatic knows how expensive the habit can be, especially when an espresso drink from a popular chain can set you back nearly four dollars each day – that’s $120.00 per month! While ordering an espresso drink on the go offers convenience, there are espresso makers that allow you to enjoy the same quality drink in the comfort of your home. Unfortunately, many espresso machines on the market are overly complicated, messy, and, worst of all, brew bitter cups. However, some models offer ease of use and brew wonderfully rich espresso, perhaps even better tasting than your local coffeehouse.
Types of Espresso Machines
An espresso machine has a few major requirements that must be met to produce the perfect cup. First, the machine must supply brewing water between 191-209 degrees Fahrenheit, typically heated by an internal boiler. The machine must also channel the hot water into the brew chamber, delivering it to the coffee grounds at about nine bars of pressure via a pump, spring system, or lever. After the hot water is pumped through the coffee grounds, it should exit the machine via spouts in the portafilter, or an external spout on a super-automatic machine. All espresso machines also include a steam wand for frothing milk, used in drinks like café lattes or cappuccinos.
Different types of espresso machines offer various levels of control over brewing and cleaning. Manual espresso machines, still made by La Pavoni ($575-$800) and Gaggia ($1200), feature a boiler that heats the water. Once the water reaches the proper temperature, the operator lifts a lever to allow the water to flow into the coffee grounds. As the water begins to drip through the coffee and into the espresso shot glass, the operator pulls down the lever, forcing the remaining water through the coffee. This machine is for the diehard espresso drinker, as it requires practice and patience to perfect the brew.
Steam-driven and stove-top espresso makers use steam pressure to force water through the coffee grounds. While inexpensive, these machines fail to produce the same quality espresso as manual or electric pump-driven systems. For example, a DeLonghi steam-driven espresso machine can be purchased for under $40.00, but the price reflects the low quality of the espresso it brews. Semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines use an electric water pump to push heated water through the coffee grounds during brewing. A semi-automatic machine, offered by brands like Gaggia ($260), Nespresso ($399), and Krups ($300), allows you to control the amount of liquid that ends up in the espresso glass by turning the brew switch on and off. An automatic machine, slightly more expensive than a semi-automatic, differs in that it has internal controls for the amount of water dispensed through the coffee grounds.
A super-automatic espresso machine is the most high-tech option. It features an electric water pump, boiler, water reservoir, and steam wand. It has an automated internal brewing system, a built-in coffee grinder, and an onboard computer that controls the entire brewing process. When brewing, the coffee beans in the machine are ground and placed into the internal brew system. The pump sends hot water through the system, and the espresso is dispensed through spouts on the front of the machine. The super-automatic also has an onboard waste basket to discard the used coffee grounds once a brew cycle is complete. Brands like Gaggia ($1200-1500), Solis ($700-900), and Saeco ($1500+) offer super-automatics with removable brew systems that can be cleaned. Capresso ($1000-1400) and Jura ($1000-1400) systems are non-removable but come with a self-cleaning option.
Extras to look for in a good espresso maker include a chrome-coated portafilter, a visible pressure gauge to monitor each cup, a built-in cup warmer, and a frothing aid or auto frothing attachment. Removable water tanks help avoid spills, and a machine with programmable brew amounts will let you control how much espresso you get with each brew. Most importantly, choose a brand that is well-known and trustworthy, like Gaggia, Starbucks, or Nespresso. Also, a pre-infusion system, which presoaks ground coffee for two seconds before brewing, is thought to help maximize flavor extraction for the perfect espresso.
If convenience is your primary reason for ‘ordering out’ espresso, consider a super-automatic machine that offers the same convenience at home. Depending on how often you drink espresso, a quality machine can pay for itself in under a year, saving you time and money by eliminating the daily line at your local coffeehouse. Since espresso is a relatively new item in the United States, opt for a brand with plenty of espresso experience, as they’ve had time to perfect their machines. Though price isn’t always the best indicator of quality, don’t expect to find a good espresso machine at a bargain price. Know your desired features, compare prices, and purchase a quality espresso maker—you might just enjoy the best espresso of your life.
