Best Espresso Machines

About Espresso Machines

Save money on expensive coffee shops and invent your own drink creations with a home espresso machine. Espresso machines brew coffee to offer a more intense flavor and bigger caffeine hit than the average cup. Espresso is distinctive for its foamy top, and is the basis for other coffee drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes. An espresso machine can be a costly investment, but if you’re committed to drinking high quality coffee every day, it might be a good option for you.

First, you will need to decide what type of boiler you want your espresso machine to have. Single boiler styles have just one boiler, with two thermostats, to brew the espresso and produce steam. A heat exchanger style stays at steam temperature and can flash heat water to 200 degrees; these espresso machines provide dry steam and hot water at all times, and allow you to steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously. A double boiler espresso machine also allows you to steam milk at the same time as you brew your coffee, but in this case it’s done on two separate boilers. Double boiler styles typically offer the most consistent temperatures. Espresso machines come in varying levels of work required, with four main types:

• Manual espresso machines allow you to have full control over the coffee, but require some practice to get it just right.
• Semi-automatic espresso machines use an electric pump, which is easier than a manual style, but still give you a great deal of control over the final result.
• Fully automatic espresso machines not only pump electronically, but also automatically measure the water used in making the espresso; these are best for people who are not very picky about their espresso.
• Super-automatic espresso machines take it one step further, only requiring you to pour in your coffee grounds and turn on the machine. These machines are by far the fastest and most efficient.

Your choice of boiler type and level of automation really ultimately depends on how concerned you are with the flavor of your espresso. If you are a beginner, or just like to drink lots of coffee throughout the day without excessive concern over the taste, an automatic espresso machine is probably suitable. If you want room to experiment or lots of control over the flavor, more boilers and more manual control can help you create the perfect shot.

Breville is one of the most popular brands of espresso machines on the market, offering a semi-automatic style that is widely considered to surpass many coffee shops in quality. Better known for single servings of regular coffee, Keurig also offers a brewer that works with espresso pods; the options are somewhat limited so this is best suited to people who aren’t as concerned with experimentation.