If you are about to select your first or a new espresso machine, here are a few valuable tips that will help you make an informed decision before you make a purchase.
Espresso machines are definitely becoming a favorite appliance in every home. Espresso coffee machine sales represent a small 4% of all coffee makers sold each year, but that number should be on the rise, now that Starbucks has been shutting down a remarkable number of its local shops. Espresso coffee is among the top favorites of coffee drinkers. Its rich, potent and robust flavor, plus the shorter time it takes to brew has appealed to many.
Which Espresso Machine Should I Buy?
Choosing among well-like models can get a bit heady. Whatever model you select, see to it that it comes with a sturdy construction to handle the complex process of heat and steam build-ups that are needed to formulate espressos and cappuccinos. A well-built home espresso machine will cost around $200 for a trusted brand. If you prefer to go for high end, the best and trusted models come up to about a thousand dollars or even higher.
4 Different Espresso Machine Models
Espresso machines fall into four main types: manual, semi-automatic, automatic and fully automatic. All four types deliver fantastic coffee, but as you step up from manual to fully automatic, there's lesser need to involve yourself in the preparation phase. That's usually the case in just about anything - when tasks become easier to accomplish, the cost goes up. Some of the high-end automatic machines grind, measure, tamp, brew, serve and clean up at the touch of a button. These are great for home or office.
Steam
Steam is highly essential for espresso coffee preparation. It is responsible for the wholesale bronze bushing required pressure to force water through the espresso granules. The steam feature is one important aspect you need to assess when looking for espresso machines. Lower end models can be a risky investment since durability and steam efficiency can be indeterminate. Smaller models also speak of a lack of sufficient space that is essential to steam pressure build-up. Steaming milk can also be an issue for some machines. The basic, low-priced espresso machines may not have steaming functions. If they do then the pressure may be so low that even making one good cappuccino is a major job. On these low-end models there are no real controls on temperature or pressure and steam build up might be a problem.
The boiler of the espresso machine heats up the water until it produces steam, and the pressure increases so that it pushes the hot water through the coffee grounds. In pump-type espresso units, an electrically driven pump pushes hot water into a holding receptable where it blends with coffee.
A cheaper alternative would be the manual pump espresso machines. These pumps require lots of experimentation to arrive at a perfect procedure. You have to determine the correct amount of water and explore on the exact length of brewing.
Full-Automatic Espresso Coffee Machines
Very recently, there has been a growing demand for fully automatic espresso machines. Even with their increasing popularity, some feel that an automatic espresso machine eliminates that personal touch from making their espresso. But plus side is that automatic espresso machines warrant more consistent coffee.
Automatic espresso machines eliminate waste. They also eliminate the need for training, which results to lesser costs for coffee shop owners. These machines make perfect espresso coffee, cappuccinos and lattes with a single push on a button and the settings can be altered with adjustable controls and display monitors. Many of the automatic machines may also have a hot water feature that can be used for hot chocolate or tea. Automatic machines also drastically reduce preparation time which, on a commercial scale, will help increase efficiency and hopefully result to more profit.
Super automatic espresso machines or bean-to-cup versions do everything from start to finish. A single press on a button starts off with grinding the coffee beans, pressing the grounds down, brewing the right amount, steaming and frothing the mik, and finally flushing out the sediments into a holding receptacle.
Espresso Machine Pricing
Espresso machine prices tend to double every decade, so if you can make the investment now, go ahead. Go for reliable manufacturers who attach a solid warranty on their products. Prices range from a small $30 for personal manual models to a whopping $6000 for commercial grade fully-automatic machines. Reliability and long life usually come at a price, and if you want a home espresso machine that will grow old with you, be prepared to pay a hefty cost for one. On the other hand, if you are buying one for your office or your coffee shop, go for the heavy-duty commercial models that come with full barista training and support services with the package. One great thing about these traditional espresso machines is that it is built with no major moving parts which means there's lesser chance of things going wrong.
Hopefully, this article has given you valuable information about the espresso coffee machine.
