The Abosolute 10 Greatest Tips for
Purchasing a Home Espresso Machine
Choosing the right home espresso machine
can be a difficult task but with some
basic knowledge and wisdom of how a
coffee and espresso maker works, how
much they cost, and specific features
you get for the money, selecting the
right option is easy. One point is
clear. If you are spending money at a
coffee shop at least 3-4 times per week
the payoff on a home espresso machine is
well worth the investment:
Let?s do the math:
1. Average cost for a coffee specialty
drink such as an espresso or cappuccino:
%3.50
2. Number of trips to the Coffee Shop
per year: 52 weeks * 4 visits per week
= 208 yearly visits
3. Yearly Cost: %3.50 espresso drink
cost * 208 yearly visits = %728 Annually
For %728, one can purchase a
full-featured super automatic espresso
machine. Ok, now that you see that an
home espresso machines is good
investment, let talk about some tips on
how to buy one:
1. Decide what type of espresso drinks
you like. Do you like a cappuccino or
mocha or just a straight shot of
espresso? How about a regular cup of
coffee? The choices for home espresso
machines will vary greatly. Most super
automatic espresso coffee machines can
brew you a strong cup of coffee just
like you find at the coffee houses as
well as the espresso drinks. Perhaps
you would like to choose between regular
coffee and decaf in which case a bypass
doser on the home espresso machine is a
good option. Choose between a super
automatic, semi automatic, or automatic
home espresso machines. The most
popular type of espresso machine is a
super automatic espresso machines.
2. Cost. While many people like to
have all of the bells and whistles,
buying a quality espresso machine is
much like buying a car. Do you need
heated seats if you live in Arizona?
Same principle. Decide on what type of
drinks you like, find a machine with
those features and set a budget. The
most common question we get is how much
do I have to spend for a quality
machine? If you are spending %750 –
%1,000 on a fine brand super automatic
such as Saeco or Gaggia, you will be
purchasing a quality home espresso
machine with standard features suitable
for most people. If you want the
highest quality espresso drinks, a semi
automatic espresso machine such as a
Rancilio or Pasquini are priced in the
%700 to %1,500 range. Semi-automatic
espresso machines are a bit more work
but results are outstanding. All
excellent choices.
3. Popular Espresso Features. Milk
based drinks ? If you love the lattes,
mochas, and cappuccino?s make sure you
buy a machine with two boilers or dual
heating elements. Using a single boiler
is ok for standard espresso drinks but a
dual boiler will produce the fastest
steam. This is typically a feature that
separates the cheap %100 – %200 espresso
machines from the quality home espresso
machines.
4. Adjustable water volume and coffee
dose – Some machines will only have the
ability to adjust the water so the more
water you have the weaker the cup.
Having both an adjustable doser and
water volume gives you the most control.
Excellent features to have especially
if want a standard cup of coffee.
5. Digital or Analog (dials) ? There is
much debate on which is better to have.
This comes down to a personal choice.
With digital machines, your options are
greater and you can really get dialed in
on the coffee / water ratio. You also
get statistics on your home espresso
machine and most digital espresso
machines will tell you when to clean it.
Another key feature digital machines
typically have is the ability to
regulate when the machine is on or off.
6. Other important features:
Look for a large water reservoir
typically over 40 ounces.
Cup height adjustment ? make sure your
cup will fit. Most espresso cups are 4
? 6 inches.
Water filter ? espresso machines with a
water filter will produce better coffee
and keep you machine in better
condition. Water filters are highly
recommended.
Bean hopper size ? Get a machine with a
minimum or 8 ounces. You do not want to
be filling the bean hopper every day.
Cup Warmer ? Coffee maintains its best
flavor when poured into a heated cup.
Grinder Settings ? Make sure the
espresso machines have at least 3
grinder settings. This is essential for
dialing in the right grind.
Heat up time ? you do not want to be
waiting over 5 minutes for an espresso
machine to heat up. A good machine will
be ready for a second cup of espresso is
just under 1-2 minutes after the initial
heat-up.
7. Size and Construction ? Make sure
you have adequate counter space for the
home espresso machine. These espresso
machines are generally larger than a
typical coffee pot so make sure you
measure. Also, having a movable base
will allow you to pull the machine out
to fill it with water and beans.
Almost all of the super automatic home
espresso machines body?s are made of
heavy duty plastic or stainless steel.
The inside boilers are either stainless
steel or aluminum. Often people make
the mistake of thinking the plastic is
not as durable but in reality, it is.
It is what is on the inside that counts.
A stainless steel boiler will offer
years of service if properly maintained.
The espresso machines of today feature
sleek, modern designs. If you are
purchasing a semi-automatic espresso
machine, consider stainless steel
because of all of the interaction with
the machine. If you choose a super
automatic, a plastic design with
stainless steel or aluminum boilers is
sufficient.
8. Proper Cleaning and maintenance ?
The number one problem with home
espresso machines is scale build-up. If
you own a quality machine, regular
descaling and back flushing is not
recommended, it?s required. What I mean
is that if you want to maintain your
warranty, you must complete these
maintenance items. It takes about 15
minutes each month but will keep your
machine operating for years. Don?t let
your machine sit idle for a long time
with water loaded as the minerals in the
water can cause issues in the boilers
and metal components.
9. Water and Coffee ? Buying quality
coffee and using filtered water will
provide the ultimate coffee experience.
Many espresso machines have built in
water filters such as the Aqua Prima
Water Filter. If you use tap water and
cheap brand name coffee don?t waste your
money on a quality espresso machine.
Fine coffee and filtered water
contribute significantly to the quality
of the brew. Use a coffee such as
Lavazza or Gaggia especially made for a
higher end coffee espresso machine.
10. Choosing where to buy a home
espresso machine ? You can buy these
machines from many of the major stores
but the issue is support and buying
guidance. You simply cannot call the
?red dot? store or ?overstock? stores
and expect to find someone that is
knowledgeable about quality espresso
coffee machines. Try calling one of the
major chains for support and they will
refer you to the manufacturer. The
truth is that your retailer should be
able to answer most questions and get
you technical support if you need it.
You are not going to get the level of
support from a big chain store or large
e-tailer.
Today?s home espresso machines are
sophisticated machines. Buy the machine
from a reputable online retailer who
specializes in espresso machines or
coffee makers. Retail stores that
specialize in espresso and coffee
machines have knowledgeable staff that
can assist you with questions, problems,
tips, and service. And guess what, the
prices in the espresso coffee machine
specialty stores are typically less
because of the volume of machines they
sell.
Choose a store that has a Better
Business Bureau accreditation so you can
be sure you are buying from a reputable
dealer. Beware of stores that do not
specialize in coffee and espresso
machines. Where is the best place to
find the best cup of coffee or espresso?
It is your own kitchen of course.
Happy shopping.
Markus Yannies, espresso expert,
recommends the gaggia platinum swing and
quality saeco espresso machines
View a Quality coffee and espresso maker
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Choosing the right home espresso machine can be a difficult
task but with some basic knowledge and wisdom of how a
coffee and espresso maker works, how much they cost, and
specific features you get for the money, selecting the right
option is easy.
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