How to Buy Espresso Machines

There are over 200 home espresso makers on the market today. They range in price from $50 to over $2000. When shopping for a home espresso maker, certain features must be considered. These features will determine the price that you are willing to spend on the machine.

Two models of home espresso makers are on the market today. The first is the steam-driven machine and the second is the pump-driven machine. The first thing you should know is that you will not get a good shot of espresso from a steam-driven machine. The reason is that steam-driven espresso machines heat the water above 195 degrees F, which is considered optimal for espresso brewing. Also, steam forces the water through the grounds at one to three bars of pressure—far less than the recommended amount. To achieve a perfect shot of espresso, a pump-driven machine is a necessity.

Pump-driven machines heat water in a sealed reservoir. The machine then forces the water through the ground espresso beans at 9 atmospheres of pressure. These machines, however, are bigger, messier, and more expensive than steam-driven machines. For those who love espresso, however, steam-driven machines are not an option.

Features to Look for in Pump-driven Espresso Machines

Most experts say that $200 is the starting point for any good espresso machine because machines under that amount lack features that are necessary for a good cup of espresso. Those features include:

a heavy brass boiler,
a 3.2-quart reservoir,
a built-in tamper, and
a drip tray that raises and lowers for different cup sizes and a cup-warming tray

Most models $200 and over will have each of these features. Other features must be taken into consideration as well. Keep these features in mind when searching for a home espresso machine.

Industry guidelines must be adhered to by the machine. These guidelines are 1.5 ounces of water that is heated to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. The water is forced through seven grams of finely ground espresso at no less than nine atmospheres of pressure in twenty to twenty-five seconds. The result will be an espresso shot with a quarter inch of creama.

Components must be durable. Component made from light plastic will not last as long as those made from metal or heavy plastic. Also, boilers made of brass are better than thermal blocks. Aluminum portafilters don't hold heat as well and are less durable.

The steam wand for frothing should work well, should be movable, and should clean easily.

The more power the machine has, the better it is. The best machines are those that heat quickly and generate enough steam so that it brews and froths at the same time.