Espresso Machines

If you are an espresso lover like I am, you can easily spend a hefty chunk of change during any given month frequenting your favorite espresso shop. Most people would benefit greatly by purchasing their own espresso machine. There are numerous varieties on the market, finding one that suites your needs can be a challenge to say the least.

Here are a few tips in helping you choose the espresso coffee machine that is best for you.

Since there are quite a few different types of espresso machines on the market today, you’ll need to come to a decision on how much control you want over the espresso brewing process. There is a fine balance between how difficult the machine is to operate and how much direct control you want.  To make a choice that is right for you, it is important to comprehend the differences each of the machines has to offer.

For starters will the machine be put to use in your home or in a commercial environment. With so many choices available it is easy to become confused. You’ll need to choose a variety  to meet your needs. Below are a few of the primary types of espresso makers available on today’s market.

Lever / Manual Espresso Coffee Machines;

Manual espresso machines are among the most difficult to use. They require a degree of skill to operate. However, once you have mastered this procedure they will brew a great cup of espresso that many connoisseurs are not willing to trade.

While using a manual machine you must fill up the portafilter handle and compact to coffee, preferably using a tamper. Then brush away any loose grounds and lock the portafilter handle onto the machine. The intricate step of producing a great cup of espresso is pulling the handle at the proper time, not doing so may result in an espresso that may not be a good as otherwise could have been. The manual machines date back to the earliest days of Italian espresso, and were used to create the famous espresso we have all grown to love.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machines;

After the manual pump model espresso coffee machine became available, the Semi-automatic espresso machine was later developed during the 1940’s. Since this machine did not require as much skill to operate, it rapidly gained popularity.

The semi-automatic model uses a pump to extract the coffee brew, thus eliminating the inconsistencies associated with the earlier model pump machines.

The semi-automatics were more user friendly than the manual machines. As a result of this invention it suddenly was far easier to brew a great cup of espresso.

Super Automatic Espresso Machines;

So far the machines we spoke about require you the espresso maker to have some degree of hands on with espresso extraction. A new day has arrived in espresso machines where you the espresso maker takes charge of the brewing process. Once easily programmed these super automatic espresso machines do it all. From the grinding of the beans, the tamping of ground coffee, the brewing process, then the dispensing of the spent grounds in an internal dregdrawer and there you have a perfect cup of espresso. In today’s time conscious culture, these machines have grown very popular in recent years.

Enjoy!