Expresso Machines: Great for Italian Espresso and Cappuccinos

So you're looking at expresso machines (for making espresso coffee)? This article provides an introduction to these angels (or beasts?) of espresso makers.

Why do I say that? Because with espresso makers like these, you can either learn how to make espresso (heavenly and perfect) or give up in frustration and let your coffee machine just become an expensive toy that sits moldering in the bottom of the kitchen store room.

It's important to be clear about what kind of expresso machine you are buying, why you are buying it, what you can expect from it, and what you need to put into making a decent espresso coffee, because if it's not a single cup espresso machine, it will require some work!

What is an Expresso Machine?

Brasilia Espresso Maker: Purelycoffeebeans

An expresso machine is a particular type of coffee machine used to produce the traditional Italian coffee beverage we call espresso.

There are several types of machines commonly available: the steam-powered, the piston-powered, and the pump-powered.

There is also the commonly used "moka pot" that makes a reasonable espresso-style coffee, though some espresso afficionado feel that the extra temperature and insufficient pressure impair the quality of the final result. To read about the moka pot, click here.

Why are you buying an expresso maker?

There are many reasons why you might consider purchasing an expresso maker: desire for better coffee, better tasting expresso, Starbucks is too far away, addicted to the fuller flavor of expresso,...

Before you buy one of these machines, you would be wise to consider the limitations of Expresso Makers. There are some important things to consider:

How you grind

To get a better cup of coffee, you might simply choose a better quality bean, burr coffee grinders (manual or automatic); and your coffee will improve greatly, whatever type of coffee you drink.

Not Every Model

Given the number, price and range of capabilities, you may find that some models of expresso makers out there just don't make great coffee. It's a fact, especially for the cheaper expresso makers that use steam rather than pressure to make the shot of coffee.

Only Espresso

If you drink different kinds of coffee, not just espresso, then you'll still need to make other coffee in other coffee makers. Expresso makers really just make espresso coffee. Medium roasts and light roasts just don't do well in expresso makers.

Cleaning Regime

Most expresso makers have their own cleaning regimen that you have to follow. It's definitely more work to clean your maker than rinsing a French press! In the morning when you're rushing to work, you may not find it so convenient.

Cost vs. Quality

If you love expresso, the purchase of an expresso maker may seem like a bargain; but if you're not so fussed about this dark drink, then you will discover less expensive coffee makers may make a fine coffee at a considerably cheaper price point. The expresso machines, esp. the better quality models, are not cheap.

How does it work?

Expresso machines are built from a basic tank for holding water, a pumping unit, a hot-water boiler and a head unit that includes the portafilter for holding the espresso grounds needed to brew the espresso. There are many different models and brands on the market but they fall into several categories, so you should be able to find an espresso maker that its your kitchen, your lifestyle and your budget.

Steam-Driven Expresso Machines

There are many stores online and offline where an affordable steam-driven espresso maker can be found. You will see prices in the $70~100 range. These steam-driven espresso makers require steam pressure to brew the espresso, but they only create about 3 bars of pressure.

If you are an espresso lover, you may find that the water is overheated and actually scalds the grounds of coffee, bleaching some of the flavor that should be in your cup. While not equivalent to the quality you'd expect in a coffee bar, you may find that it is fine. If not, look for another model, brand or manufacturer. You may also have to spend more money.

Piston Expresso Machines

The piston expresso machine, originally from Italy, was developed by the found of Gaggia, Achille Gaggia. It uses a lever which is manually operated by the barista. The 'pulling a shot' generates sufficient pressure (usually between 8 and 10 bar) to push the hot water through the expresso coffee.

There are two types of piston-based machines: the manual piston in which the barista pushes the water through the expresso coffee; and thespring piston which is charged by the barista, but released automatically once sufficient pressure is generated.

Pump Expresso Makers

Pump espresso makers provide the best results. Why? Simply, you require about the equivalent of about 9~10 bars of pressure to produce a decent shot of espresso. Most of the pump espresso makers produce more than sufficient pressure to make a good espresso shot. In fact, some may be overkill!

Different Types of Expresso Makers

You will find espresso machines that operate in one of four modes: manual, semi-automatic, automatic and finally, super automatic. For many reasons, espresso makers are becoming increasingly automated. But take a look yourself at the following types of machines:

Manual espresso makers provide a handle (or 'lever') which the barista (ie. you!) has to pull. This action produces the shot of espresso, but these machines need practice before you can reliably pull a good shot of espresso.

Semi-automatic espresso makers are quite common in the house, you simply spoon in the coffee yourself, and you hit the button to brew the coffee. These machines feature automated pumps that regulate the amount of pressure needed, temperature controls that maintain the best brewing temperatures, and manual switches to turn on and off the pump. You choose when to turn the pump on and  off - hence the moniker "semi-automatic". The semi-automatics can also allow the barista to choose whether to adjust the timing of the shot, and may be ideal for when you need to let the shot take a little more time.

Automatics are exactly that: automatic. They don't need any particular skills and most are easily programmable to make whatever form of espresso you need. However, for optimal extraction, you may choose to use the machine in semi-automatic mode. Seeing how the grounds 'take' the water is a better gauge of the coffee 'condition' than simply timing the process.

At the top of the range, you will find the super automatics, which are the most costly to purchase: they come with a built-in coffee bean grinder, so you simply pour in the beans. You don't even need a tablespoon to measure the beans. It will grind the coffee beans, tamp down the coffee grounds properly, and then produce an espresso shot. There is even a waste-disposal box which it automatically expels the used coffee. Some machines can heat and add the milk for your cappuccino, too!

You'll have to give your coffee tastes, your kitchen and your budget some careful consideration before you purchase any espresso machine. Also you may find that not every type of machine is available at every price point thus complicating your decision making.

Things to consider

If you care about usability, then you'll need to think about such things as:

• the size of cups you need to use;
• whether some features are just for 'appearance' - cup trays, milk frothers, etc.;
• material choice may be important to you, too, though I definitely prefer more solid constructions as it may reflect the overall quality of the components;
• buttons vs. switches - often over time electronic buttons become worn, less responsive, and may break;
• consider ease of repairs -if you buy an expensive machine and plan to use it for a longtime, you'll need to consider where, how and how expensive it is to get your machine fixed.

After purchase

You may need to refine your purchase of coffee beans and try different expresso beans to get the best tasting coffee in your cup. This may help improve the actual expresso.

Also, make sure that you clean your machine in the manufacturer's recommended way and frequency. This will help to keep the coffee at optimal quality.

While the cost of an expresso maker can be prohibitive, it is a worthwhile expense if you enjoy this kind of coffee. Just make sure that you buy an espresso maker that makes a decent cup of coffee!

And Finally...

Wherever you are, remember "Only Coffee Beans Make Great Coffee"! And enjoy that cup of coffee!

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