Espresso Machine Reviews: The Different Types Of Espresso Makers
Espresso lovers are on a spectrum ranging from those who like it occasionally to those who can't make it through the day without it. Owning your own espresso machine is no longer for the espresso obsessed. Nowadays, anyone can own one but it takes practice to make a fine cup of espresso in the comfort of your own home.
Knowing where you're at on the spectrum determines which machine you should buy. Today, more than 200 models of espresso machines available for consumers to choose from. Keep in mind that it's an investment, an upgrade, giving you a chance to design and personalize your morning.
Some questions to consider are how easy is it to clean? Can the average person replace parts on it without much frustration? How about something as simple as how easy is it to use on a daily basis?
The taste of your espresso correlates with the freshness. While you can pack your brown bag lunch the night before, you most certainly can't make your espresso then too. It's something you'll have to be able to tackle in the wee hours of the morning, before you've had your caffeine, while trying to get your caffeine.
With that said, here is an overview of the different types of espresso machines you may see when shopping for yours.
Steam Espresso Machines
True Espresso Lovers Avoid These "Steam Machines"
Steam espresso machines are the worst choice of all. They are definitely the cheapest and most basic but that doesn't make it a good choice. These stove top makers can't generate the minimum pressure required to make true espresso. Instead, you're left with what some people may consider "faux espresso".
A small boiling chamber heats the water. The steam then forces the water into the area where the coffee grounds are waiting. It is the pressure from the steam meeting the coffee grounds that produces the beverage.
If you do go with a steam unit, only use the first half of the espresso that comes out. The rest should be poured into a separate container and tossed because it isn't of any quality. Because this type of machine uses boiling water for heat, it becomes very easy to burn the coffee grounds and your hands. The necessary control and mastery of temperature just isn't available.
When making espresso, pressure is key. True espresso requires at least nine atmospheres of pressure or 130 pounds per square inch. The steam espresso machine can only produce, on average, one to three atmospheres of pressure.
While it will only set you back about $30 - $50, you will be left with strong coffee or very weak espresso.
A small boiling chamber heats the water. The steam then forces the water into the area where the coffee grounds are waiting. It is the pressure from the steam meeting the coffee grounds that produces the beverage.
If you do go with a steam unit, only use the first half of the espresso that comes out. The rest should be poured into a separate container and tossed because it isn't of any quality. Because this type of machine uses boiling water for heat, it becomes very easy to burn the coffee grounds and your hands. The necessary control and mastery of temperature just isn't available.
When making espresso, pressure is key. True espresso requires at least nine atmospheres of pressure or 130 pounds per square inch. The steam espresso machine can only produce, on average, one to three atmospheres of pressure.
While it will only set you back about $30 - $50, you will be left with strong coffee or very weak espresso.
Pump Espresso Machines
Pump espresso machines are seen as the best of all types, endorsed by espresso lovers everywhere. As opposed to the steam machine, these models heat the water in a sealed reservoir and then force that water through the pre-ground espresso beans at approximately 15 atmospheres of pressure.
Pump machines have the precise temperature control and the needed pressure to make the espresso you desire.
Although they're bigger in size, messier, expensive and more difficult to use than steam, the espresso they make is of a higher quality than any you would get from a steam type.
The goal is to produce a dark, rich, foamy espresso with flavorful oils and to do that, you need pressure. A pump can give you the pressure needed and it doesn't have to come from your hand or arm like with a lever machine.
Venturing into the pump arena brings optional accessories, such as built-in holders, grinders, and milk frothers.
Pump machines have the precise temperature control and the needed pressure to make the espresso you desire.
Although they're bigger in size, messier, expensive and more difficult to use than steam, the espresso they make is of a higher quality than any you would get from a steam type.
The goal is to produce a dark, rich, foamy espresso with flavorful oils and to do that, you need pressure. A pump can give you the pressure needed and it doesn't have to come from your hand or arm like with a lever machine.
Venturing into the pump arena brings optional accessories, such as built-in holders, grinders, and milk frothers.
2 Types Of Pump Espresso Machines
When shopping, you'll encounter two types of pump machines.
The first type takes the water from a pressurized tank and transfers it into a boiler chamber where it is heated. The heated water then meets the grounds with plenty of pressure.
The second type of pump machine uses a thermal block. The thermal block acts as fast acting heat exchanger where water is moved from the holder to a hot metal block. After being heated to the precise temperature in the block, it goes through the showerhead, where it is forced through the grounds, making an incredible little beverage.
Don't be frightened by the price, which can range from $200-$1,500 and beyond.
The first type takes the water from a pressurized tank and transfers it into a boiler chamber where it is heated. The heated water then meets the grounds with plenty of pressure.
The second type of pump machine uses a thermal block. The thermal block acts as fast acting heat exchanger where water is moved from the holder to a hot metal block. After being heated to the precise temperature in the block, it goes through the showerhead, where it is forced through the grounds, making an incredible little beverage.
Don't be frightened by the price, which can range from $200-$1,500 and beyond.
Espresso Pods and Capsules Machines
More recently, machines that use capsules or pods have been hitting the shelves. These are very convenient but you have to be careful because manufacturers make the pods to be brand specific.
If you don't like what's coming out of the pods, you're in a bind. The user is not able to alter much according to personal preference because this type is made for simplicity. If you're looking to just touch the tip of what's available in the espresso world, these can be a good starter machine.
With the pods and caps, you also risk losing some of the freshness and unlimited variety that comes with using ground coffee. Some manufacturers are realizing this and designing machines that use both regular grounds and pods interchangeably. Unless you purchase one of these though, you are basically at the mercy of the manufacturer for selection and variety.
If you don't like what's coming out of the pods, you're in a bind. The user is not able to alter much according to personal preference because this type is made for simplicity. If you're looking to just touch the tip of what's available in the espresso world, these can be a good starter machine.
With the pods and caps, you also risk losing some of the freshness and unlimited variety that comes with using ground coffee. Some manufacturers are realizing this and designing machines that use both regular grounds and pods interchangeably. Unless you purchase one of these though, you are basically at the mercy of the manufacturer for selection and variety.
Lever Operated Espresso Makers
This type of espresso machine lasts a long time but is very complex and hard to use. Prices range from $300-$1200. Manual machines are just like they sound - they have a lever that the user pulls with their own strength, exerting pressure on the grounds. They take a lot of time and patience because controlling the water temperature is up to the user just as the amount of pressure is user specific.
Totally Automated Espresso Makers
The Best Espresso Maker For Coffee House Quality Coffee
These machines are some of the newest available. The user simply has to put the whole coffee beans, water and milk into the right areas of the machine, press a button and wait. They are the simplest of all and give the user lots of control as far as how fine to grind and temperature of the water. The cost is anywhere from $500-$2,000 and up.
In your quest for a flawless espresso machine, remember that there will always be a difference between a machine made for home use and a commercial one that can set you back $15,000. For the price and design, an affordable espresso machine can certainly provide a pleasurable cup of espresso in your very own kitchen.
In your quest for a flawless espresso machine, remember that there will always be a difference between a machine made for home use and a commercial one that can set you back $15,000. For the price and design, an affordable espresso machine can certainly provide a pleasurable cup of espresso in your very own kitchen.
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