Espresso Machine Reviews

Arming Yourself with Knowledge

Research by reading espresso machine reviews is one step in search of the best espresso machine for home brewing bliss. Each espresso machine choice is perfect for someone who is searching. The thing is with so many choices you’ve got to read the espresso machine reviews to find the one that will suit your home espresso brewing needs. We’re here to arm you with information for a successful espresso machine hunt.

The reviews here are blunt. They show the good and the ugly, or if you prefer more tactful wording:  the Pros and the Cons.

When an espresso machine has recurring complaints about a feature, we let you know. It might be a deal breaker for you. Or it might not matter in the slightest. Regardless, we feel that the more knowledge you have to base your purchasing decision on, the happier you’ll be with your final choice.

If you are just starting reading espresso machine reviews, you may not be aware of how many types of espresso machines there are to choose from.

Before Choosing Your Espresso Machine

Many people let their wallets do the talking since some espresso machines can be quite pricey, while others are more interested in the end product, understanding that if the flavor is not great it may be the fault of the machine.

Features are another aspect of purchasing an espresso machine that should not be overlooked. Because it is those features that some believe contribute to the best tasting espresso around.

After you have determined what is most important to you in your perfect espresso machine, you will also have to decide the type of machine is the best espresso machine for you.

Types of Espresso Machines

Here is a list of categories of machine types you will be looking at during your research of espresso machine reviews.

Manual Espresso Machine

For the individual who enjoys hands-on brewing, this one may get your attention. This machine requires the barista to press hot water through the coffee granules by using a lever. The barista is also responsible for making sure the coffee is ground correctly, and tamped into the portafilter. You just have to remember that there is a technique to using the lever with the right amount of speed and force and with the right timing. It may be a good idea to have some experience with semi-automatic espresso machines before trying your skill with the manual.

Semi-automatic Espresso Machine

It is less complicated to get started with a semi-automatic espresso machine because the internal pump brings the water from the boiler and then forces it through the ground coffee. All that is required from the user is to grind the coffee beans and tamp those grounds into the portafilter, then push the button turning on the machine. Once the espresso is brewed into a dark creamy liquid, you again push the button to turn off the brewing action.

Automatic Espresso Machine

This type of machine is much like the semi-automatic machines, but all you have to do is set it one time and it will brew your espresso and then shut off. Again, all you have to do is grind the beans, tamp the grounds into the portafilter and clean up after you use it. You will also find that some of these machines can also be set to use as a semi-automatic machine as well.

Super Automatic Espresso Machine

This one will do it all, grind the beans, tamp them in, heat the water and forces that water through at the ideal pressure, and then discards the grounds into the waste box on the inside of the unit. While they are the most convenient of the espresso machines, they are also more expensive than the others.

Steam Espresso Machine

The truly serious espresso aficionado will have nothing to do with steam espresso machines. There is not enough pressure created by the steam to produce quality espresso. Another reason is that steam is too hot to brew the coffee, which results in coffee that is over-extracted and bitter to the taste. This is the cheapest of the espresso machines, and may suit your pocket book and tastes if you typically use it for milk-based drinks like cappuccino or latte.

Stovetop Espresso Maker

Although they do brew under pressure and can create crema stovetop espresso makers are not truly comparable to today's contemporary espresso machines in terms of the espresso brew produced. That being said, stovetop espresso making does have its diehard fans.

As you can tell, based on the variety of types of espresso machines, reading espresso machine reviews is very much a useful way to narrow down the field of choices.

Choosing the right Espresso Machine for you

With the information provided above, you now have a better understanding of the different types of espresso machines. The next step is to determine which of these types is best suited for your needs.

While the stovetop espresso makers and the steam espresso machines are not for the true espresso lovers, but they may work well for those who enjoy strong coffee drinks.

The novice espresso brewer should think twice before purchasing the manual machines because there is more involved in brewing good espresso than just grinding beans and forcing hot water through them.

This is something that can wait until you develop your techniques, but if you are up for a challenge, and don’t mind the frustration of a number of not so good shots of espresso, once you get it right you will be glad you took the risk.

The concept of semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines are quite similar, and they will be treated the same during discussions, and referred to as semi-automatic machines.

With all of this said, we are left with just two types of espresso machines, the semi-automatic and the super automatic machines, and that begs the question: Are you looking for a super automatic espresso machine or not?

Bean to Cup Espresso Machines

Pros

• Convenience: When you purchase higher end models you will be able to pre-program different drinks into the machine and just touch the button to produce a cup.
• Ease of use: Even your guests will be able to operate this type of machine.
• Consistent Drinks: Your machine will produce consistent espresso shots right from the moment you install it. With the semi-automatic machines many of your first shots will be near or completely beyond drinking.
• Time Economy: Using a super automatic espresso machine will leave you with much more time for other things.

Cons

• Reliable: Due to extra features, super automatic machines are more likely to undergo problems than the semi-automatic types.
• Brewing Process Controls: The finest possible espresso shots do not come from the super automatic machines.
• Overall Cost: When compared with semi-automatic machines, super automatic espresso machines generally cost more.

When your are reading the espresso machine reviews if you are still having trouble deciding which type of espresso machine to purchase, you may want to go with the ESE pods or ground coffee. Beginning with the pods and then progressing to your own coffee may be the solution.

Espresso Machine Price Point Breakdown

While your reading your espresso machine reviews if you are looking at espresso makers strictly from a wallet impact, here's the breakdown:

• stove top: $20 US plus or minus range
• steam driven: $40 USD plus or minus range
• pump, not steam driven: $100-150 USD
• mid range: $175-350 USD
• serious: $400-800 USD
• hardcore: thousands and thousands of USD

Article tips include: coffee bean storage, how to use an espresso tamper and grinding coffee beans.

Reviews include: Breville Barista Express, De'Longhi EC155, De'Longhi ESAM3300, La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola, La Pavoni PC-16 and Rancilio Siliva Espresso.