Buying a Coffee Espresso Machine

Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee that’s created by forcing high pressure water through finely ground coffee beans. The end result is a rich, creamy cup of espresso that is full of flavor and body.

There are a variety of machines that can brew espresso, ranging from simple manual espresso machines to high-end super-automatic machines that do all the work for you. It’s important to understand the difference between these different types of machines, and what features they include, to ensure you’re getting the right machine for your home or business.

The most basic manual espresso machines use a single shot of water to brew about a 1-2 ounce cup of espresso. Some also feature tools that allow users to control key factors, like pressure and water temperature.

Many super-automatic machines are equipped with a built-in grinder that grinds fresh coffee for every drink, which eliminates the need for a separate one. Some even have an integrated frothing wand that enables you to create steamed milk and milk froth for popular espresso-based beverages.

Semi-automatic espresso machines require a little more skill to tamp, grind and extract the coffee before pulling shots. They’re a good choice for those looking to hone their barista skills or those who want to try making drinks at home before committing to a more expensive, automatic machine.

Regardless of your level, it’s important to keep up with maintenance and cleaning so that you can enjoy the best quality espresso possible. This involves wiping residue from brew head and frothing wand, washing filters, portafilters and wand tips, and occasionally descaling and back flushing.