Espresso Machines
It is of no secret that coffee brewed from an espresso machine produces great tasting coffee than those brewed from a coffee maker or a pot for that matter. While espresso machines are generally more expensive, it pays to know how to choose some of the best espresso machines for home use so that you get excellent taste each and every time.
Before you even begin to choose an espresso machine, you need to have a grinder. A quality grinder grinds the coffee beans to the exact particle size needed for good extraction, without which you might never get great tasting coffee even if you use the best and most expensive espresso machine.
Espresso Machine Buying Guide
1) Style: Manual, Automatic or Super Automatics
a) Manual espresso machines, the preferred choice of most baristas are notoriously difficult to use since they need knowledge and practice to get that perfect cup. To operate, just fill up a portafilter handle with ground coffee and tamp (press) it down, dust off any loose coffee grounds nearby and finally lock in the handle into the "group". Then pull down the handle at a precise speed (to create the necessary pressure) for optimal results. This way you get full control of the brewing cycle.
b) Semi or fully automatic espresso machines too operate in the same way as the manual version but instead of using arm power (pulling handle) to provide the necessary pressure, it uses an electric pump instead to deliver the same pressure as that of manual espresso machines. An electric pump delivers consistent pressure needed to avoid deviation in coffee taste.
In semi-automatic espresso machines, you decide when to turn on and off the pump, hence controlling the amount of water pumped to the coffee. In other words, you have control to adjust brewing pressure, tamp (press) and temperature. Automatic espresso machines on the other hand have electronic control systems that deliver exact amount of water needed for coffee brewing.
c) Super automatic espresso machines are basically fully automatic machines with built-in coffee grinder and a whole host of added features designed to cut down the process time tremendously. They can make any varieties of coffee hence suitable for coffee lovers but unfortunately they are also expensive.
2) Different Styles
Basically there are 4 different styles of espresso machines namely pump, lever/piston, steam powered and moka pots. The cheapest is the moka pot style where water at the bottom half forces steam through the coffee into the upper half. Steam powered espresso machines makes use of steam from heated to produce the necessary pressure for coffee brewing. Lever/piston type makes use of lever to force piston up and down thereby generating the required pressure for brewing. Lastly, the most expensive type is the pump version where a pump is used to generate just the right amount of pressure to produce great tasting espresso coffee.
3) Types Of Boilers
In each of the semi or fully automatic machines, they can be further divided into 3 subclasses. The first one is single boiler, dual use machines. In this type, one thermostat controls the water temperature while the other controls the temperature needed to produce steam for steaming milk. However they do not occur simultaneously. A switch is needed.
The other type is single boiler, heat exchanger machines. The boiler maintains water at roughly 240F during which water moves up to the grouphead through a coil tube, heating it up to ideal brewing temperature. Brewing and steaming are done simultaneously on these machines.
The last one is the dual boiler machines. 2 different boilers maintain water at brewing and steaming temperatures respectively. This is the most expensive type of espresso machines.
Espresso Machine Reviews & Ratings
We found the best espresso machine reviews from Coffee Geek, Consumer Reports and Slate. Espresso maker experts there tested some of the best espresso machine models from well-known and popular makers such as DeLonghi, Krups, Nespresso, Rancilio Silvia, Saeco Incanto Rondo and Starbucks. Espress machine ratings based on taste, convenience and frothing determines the best espresso machines in their respective class.
Best Espresso Machine (Semi-Automatic)
Espresso Machine Reviews #1: In a class of its own with ground-breaking espresso machine reviews from testers is the best rated Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine. Experience a whole new level in espresso taste with this Rancilio Silvia espresso machine that will have friends and families raving in delight. This best espresso machine from Rancilio features brass boiler, head, lines and portafilter for that consistent heat and temperature distribution to deliver perfect espresso every time. Comes with steam wand for steaming and frothing milk in 90 seconds to make that mouth-watering cuppuccinos and lattes for all to enjoy. In large 2.48 liter water tank capacity.
Espresso Machine Reviews #2: Delivering rich results with flavoring espresso machine reviews from owners is the best rated Capresso 121.01 Ultima Semi-Automatic Coffee & Espresso / Cuppucino Machine. For a cup of delicious espresso without much hassle, let this Capresso espresso machine satisfy your desire. This best espresso machine from Capresso features powerful 1200 W heater with semi-automatic pump and automatic tamp for brewing up to 12 ounces of espresso /coffee in seconds at the pull of a lever. Discards used grinds automatically as well for mess-free operation. Comes with rotating wand for steaming and frothing milk to make cuppuccinos and lattes with ease. In 53-ounces transparent water tank capacity.
Espresso Machine Reviews #3: Capturing young hearts with captivating espresso machine reviews from users is the top rated Gaggia 35008 Carezza Espresso Machine. Style meets performance to produce this wonderful Gaggia espresso machine that takes the guesswork out of creating high-quality espresso. This top rated espresso machine from Gaggia features 1425 W heater with automatic self-priming pump that delivers an astounding 17.5 bar pressure for that rich, aromatic coffee / espresso in mere seconds. With adjustable steam nozzle that steams and froths milk fast, now sit down and sip a cup of cuppuccino or latte at the convenience of your home or office. In 44-ounce water tank capacity.
Best Value Espresso Machine
Espresso machine Reviews #4: Brewing up to great taste with splendid reviews from espresso machine users is the best value DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker. Brighten up your day with a cup of great tasting espresso/ cuppucino / latte from this DeLonghi espresso machine that will make you crave for more. Features 1000 W heater with built-in self-priming pump to deliver 15 bar pressure to create wonderful crema that you expect quick and easy. Comes in 2-in-1 filter for either ESE pods or ground coffee usage. With adjustable jet frother to steam or froth milk, enjoy the convenience of cuppuccino or latte anytime. In 35-ounce water tank capacity. At just below $100, every home should have one.
Best Espresso Machine (Pod)
Espresso Machine Reviews #5: Breaking new grounds with excellent espresso machine reviews from owners is the best rated Nespresso C100T Essenza Single-Serve Automatic Espresso Machine. Features unique coffee capsules extraction system with 1200 W heater and ThermoBlock heating system that delivers 19 bar pressure to create smooth and delicious crema for complete enjoyment. Automatic ejection of used capsules. Comes with 12 different great-tasting Nespresso capsules for comparison. In 34-ounces water container capacity.
Resources: Espresso Machine (Wikipedia)