How to Buy an Espresso Machine

I have made this lens to introduce the different Espresso Machines available and help you to narrow your search for choosing the perfect Espresso Machine for your needs.

Buying Espresso Machines

There are an endless number of espresso machines to choose from, and dozens of brand names. To lessen this complexity, approach the problem kind of like a scientist. List out all the options you can choose from, and use this list to help you make the smartest buy. Here is a list of stuff to consider when purchasing an espresso machine:

Price

You can pay anywhere between $16 to $2,000 for an espresso machine. You have to decide the price you are comfortable paying. In general, more money results in less plastic, less work, more metal, better quality, more support, and more controls.

Consider how much you spend purchasing coffee from coffee shops. purchasing a good quality espresso machine could be well worth it if you go out for coffee every day.

Machine Variety

Espresso machines come in dozens of varieties. Steam Machines are the least expensive, but take the most skill on your part. Semi-Automatics take work on your part, but they control the brewing pressure and volume. An Automatic requires you to grind, dose and tamp the coffee, but then it does the rest. A Super-Automatic does everything for you, and it costs more. Another choice is Pod Coffee, which permits you to use one espresso machine to make tea, coffee, hot chocolate or espresso. Finally, there is a Lever Machine, which takes the most skill, but also has the best show and the most control.

Design

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so this decision is completely up to you. Better design ordinarily costs more, and after a point, it does not add-up to higher quality. Also keep in mind that size is an important design consideration.

Reviews

Online rating sites provide reviews from consumers who have purchased the products. They give honest and unbiased information and opinions on the products.

Technical Specifications

Be sure your espresso machine has, at the very least 9 bars of pressure, and that it has either ABS plastic or a metal housing. If you want to make a lot of espresso, get a 7-12 ounce boiler. If you make 1-2 cups a day, look for a 3-5oz boiler. Also, Be sure the grinder is rated well -no grinder, no espresso. These are the most significant things to look for technically.

Where To Shop

I propose you start browsing on the web, then research specific models in stores, and then shop on the web again for price. Use the list above to help you narrow your search. Then use shopping and rating sites to find the models that look best for you.

After you know what you want, go browse at retail stores. With espresso machines it really helps to check out the machine directly, and to feel it. Jot down the price they have at the store for the machines you like, and then shop for price on the web.

Good luck!

New Link List

Espresso Maker Reviews & Ratings: Compare Espresso Makers at Wize: Espresso Maker shopping made simple. Read unbiased Expert and User reviews. Get Answers to your Espresso Makers Questions. Compare Prices and Save.
Espresso - CoffeeResearch.org: Instructions for making perfect espresso and information about the best coffee beans.
Espresso - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Espresso or caffè espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing very hot (but not boiling) water under high pressure through coffee that has ...