How do you make your espresso ?
Espresso machines exist in different models, all of them can be categorized into about 5 different types.
If you are a person looking to start a coffee shop, you should read this eBook about several mistakes made by starting coffee shop owners.
The stovetop espresso
Also know as "moka pot" or "macchinetta"
The machine has 3 chambers, with water in the bottom one and coffee landing into the top one after brewing.
They produce a dark coffee but usually lack the pressure to create a foam.
The Original "MOKA" stovetop espresso maker
Buy a stovetop espresso maker
Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker
Amazon Price: (as of 09/07/2008)
Bialetti Cappuccino and Latte Set
Amazon Price: $42.20 (as of 09/07/2008)
Bialetti Brikka 4-Cup Stovetop Percolator
Amazon Price: $44.99 (as of 09/07/2008)
Bialetti Mukka Express Cappuccino Maker
Amazon Price: (as of 09/07/2008)
Bialetti Class Black Espresso Maker
Amazon Price: (as of 09/07/2008)
Steam powered espresso machines
However, they are alot bigger in size and are not that popular because of that.
Identical to the stovetop models, they usually don't produce enough pressure to create a foam.
A steam espresso maker
Buy a steam powered espresso machine
Lello 1375 Ariete Cafe Prestige Coffee Maker
Amazon Price: $145.13 (as of 09/07/2008)
DeLonghi EC5 Steam-Driven 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, Black
Amazon Price: $38.99 (as of 09/07/2008)
Mr. Coffee ECM20 Steam Espresso Maker
Amazon Price: $38.43 (as of 09/07/2008)
The piston driven espresso machine
A piece of history for you to have
A piston driven machine is still an excellent way of making an espresso. Coffee brewed by this type comes with a nice foam. Operating one of these however is not an easy task and requires some muscles in the arms.
The model is usually only used as decoration or mild use, and coffeehouses will usually stick to another model.
A manual lever piston-driven espresso machine
Buy piston-driven espresso machines
La Pavoni EPBB-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Black Base
Amazon Price: $674.93 (as of 09/07/2008)
La Pavoni EPG-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Brass
Amazon Price: $1,450.63 (as of 09/07/2008)
Pump-driven espresso machine
When a pump does the work
This is the most popular model, both for home use and commercial use.
Different models either have a water reservoir or are directly connected to the plumbing of the establishment.
Pumps do the work in this model
Buy a pump-driven model
Hamilton Beach 40729 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with Pod Holder
Amazon Price: $84.48 (as of 09/07/2008)
Krups XP4030 Pump Espresso Machine, Black
Amazon Price: $147.61 (as of 09/07/2008)
DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker
Amazon Price: $128.67 (as of 09/07/2008)
Super Automatic Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets - 200Tablets, Urnex Cafiza
Amazon Price: $20.95 (as of 09/07/2008)
Breville BES400XL Ikon 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Machine
Amazon Price: $299.95 (as of 09/07/2008)
