Choose The Best Type of Espresso Maker

Take a look at the Best Selling Espresso Maker machines!

With today’s increasing popularity of coffee and especially espresso drinks there are many options as to brands, models and types of espresso makers. When choosing the type whether it is manual, semi-automatic, super-automatic or single serve there are three basic things to consider. The best espresso maker for you will likely be very different from your friends or neighbors. Since everyone has a different set of priorities the three major issues below should be listed in order or your own degree of importance.

1) Budget. The amount of money available for the purchase is often time the most limiting factor and may even rule certain types of espresso machines out. The following are some general price ranges of the four types of espresso machines covered here.

A) Manual-lever type, $700.00-$1500.00

B) Semi-automatic, $100.00-$2500.00

C) Super-automatic, $500.00-$3000.00

D) Single-serve, $100.00-$700.00

Note: If your budget does not allow for the type your heart is set on you may want to consider a refurbished machine or even internet shopping such as Craig’s List.

2) Frequency and ease of use. The number of drinks and the frequency of making them is a factor that should not be overlooked. Below will be a brief overview of the different characteristics of each type of machine.

A) Manual-lever type. This machine offers the most control and when the operator is dialed in provides the best possible shot. It also is the slowest in the processing of drinks with a very high learning curve. Pulling multiple shots several times a day would be tiring and really not recommended.

B) Semi-automatic. This machines process is quicker than the manual, can make multiple drinks in a reasonable amount of time and still gives the operator control. The grinding and tamping are done externally and the time and quantity of the shot can be controlled as well. The learning curve is moderate to low.

C) Super-automatic. Depending on the price level of the machine chosen the super-automatic performs most if not all the functions at the push of a button. Some models even do some self-cleaning. This machine is definitely the most convenient and quickest of these first three which all use freshly ground coffee. The coffee is ground and tamped internally and these machines typically have more programming features than the semi-automatic espresso makers. Once the programming is done the learning curve is pretty much over.

D) Single-serve. Like the Super-automatic the single-serve machine is very quick and effortless and definitely built for speed and convenience. This machine also has a very low learning curve once the few programming steps are taken. Although these machines produce good drinks the quality does suffer a little mainly because the coffee is pre-ground and stored in the capsule.

3) Drink Quality. The quality of the espresso drink for espresso makers at home is a critical part of the equation. Each of the four different types of machines provides different levels of quality. To achieve that quality more or less effort and or dollars are required. Below is how the four types of espresso machines shore up.

A) The manual-lever type espresso maker will ultimately provide the best possible shot. Having said that, it must be noted that there is a lot of home work, practice and experimentation to be done to develop that perfect shot. The learning curve is high but so are the rewards.

B) The semi-automatic espresso maker can run a close second to the manual machine depending on the level purchased. The big difference is the ease of use and the consistency provided by taking some of the human element away. With the semi-automatic machine the pump controls and delivers very constant pressure which is critical for the shot.

C) The super-automatic espresso maker would fall into third place quality wise. With every plus there is usually a minus. In this case all the automatic functions which make things so quick and convenient take away the control to the most important factors. These machines do make some great drinks and are a fine choice for those not interested in being involved it he process.

D) Single-serve espresso makers have really developed and provide the perfect solution for those wanting complete simplicity but the quality of the drinks do sacrifice to some degree. This machine, mainly because of the coffee being in capsules and not freshly ground cannot compete with the other three.

This may not be the answer to all your questions but hopefully provides a basis for you to start from. Only you can decide whether quality, convenience or budget should be the determining factors in your purchasing decision. Take some time and give it some thought so that your first decision will be a good one.

Take a look at the Best Selling Espresso Maker machines!

Source by Ron Frey
Choose The Best Type of Espresso Maker