You will find a number of options available while checking for an espresso machine but what works well for you might not work for the others. Thus, before buying one, you should be clear about your requirements. Here is a list of factors that you should check out for:
Table of Contents
1. Types:
There are three main types of espresso coffee machines available in the market: Automatic/Semi-Automatic, Super Automatic, and Capsule Espresso machines. Many users prefer using automatic and semi-automatic machines. We have explained all the types of espresso machines after these factors.
2. Boilers:
The setup of boilers in the espresso machine determines how is the water heated, stored, and then used for different parts of the coffee maker. There are 3 types of boilers that are used in espresso machines:
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Single Boiler:
An espresso machine with a single boiler has just one boiler with a single source of hot water.
An espresso machine performs 2 main functions: creates espresso and steam milk. Thus, in an espresso machine with a single boiler, the machine can’t heat the milk and make espresso simultaneously. You will have to wait for the boiler to finish the first task and then start the second task.
If you need an espresso machine to make only one or two cups of coffee at a time or if you prefer drinking only black coffee, a single boiler machine will serve your purpose perfectly.
However, this does not mean that these machines are not an adequate option. Instead, if you are a beginner, buying a low-end single-boiler espresso machine can be very helpful.
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Dual Boiler:
In a dual boiler espresso machine, there are two boilers. This means that there are two sources of hot water: one source to brew coffee and the other to steam milk. You can find dual boilers in commercial espresso machines. These machines offer a good amount of control along with consistency.
Using a dual boiler espresso machine allows you to change the temperature at which the brew is boiling so that you can control the process as per your convenience.
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Heat Exchanger:
Heat exchanger espresso machines have a small pipe of a specific length that runs through a single boiler. As the water (in room temperature) passes through the pipe, the water starts heating until it reaches the set brew temperature and is then pumped through the portafilter. There are both positive and negative pointers for the heat exchange espresso machines.
As the water is heated when it is passing through the pipe rather than the boiler itself, there is a variation in the water temperature from the start till the end of the brewing cycle.
Initially, when the water starts flowing, it is very hot, but by the time it reaches the end of the shot, the temperature cools down significantly. This leads to an uneven and unpredictable extraction of the coffee.
The advantage of the heat exchange espresso machine is that the water that is going to be used for brewing will be temperature-optimized. Also, since the steam and the brewing water come from different outlets, both tasks can be performed at the same time.
Some users prefer using heat exchanger machines over dual boilers as the water that is used for brewing does not come in direct contact with the boiler element. Thus, it does not sit in the boiler for a longer time.
3. Steam vs. Pump Espresso Machines:
All the espresso machines use either steam or pump technique to create pressure. An adequate pressure (i.e. 9 BARS of pressure) is very important to achieve tasty and rich shots of the espresso coffee along with an enhanced aroma. We have explained them in detail below.
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Electric Steam Brewers:
These types of brewers use steam pressure that is generated mostly by an internal boiler. Water is first boiled in a sealed tank. This creates steam pressure which pushes the boiling-hot water through a bed of finely ground coffee (it is typically packed within a portafilter). From here, the brew streams directly to your cup or coffee pot that is placed below until the brewing process is finished.
However, the Electric Steam Brewers are not really capable of making a true cup of espresso as the steam can create only 1.5 BARS of pressure. This is very lesser than the required pressure of 9 BARs which is required to get properly extracted coffee with enough foam.
This machine also makes the water temperature hotter than the required temperature range. This, in turn, results in bitter taste with higher acidity levels. These brewers come at an affordable price.
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Pump Espresso Machines:
The pump espresso machines feature a superior design as they come equipped with different systems for achieving the required pressure and for controlling the temperature of the water. Hence, these machines not only generate the required pressure but also maintain ideal water temperature for a balanced and rich extraction.
The pump espresso machines generate pressure for brewing using an electric pump that can easily produce 9 BARs (or more) of pressure. This helps in producing flavored extractions along with thick and rich crema.
You will need a pump to let the water flow through the machine if your coffee maker does not have a lever. Most of the espresso machines either have a vibration pump or a rotary pump.
A rotary pump comprises of two main parts – a motor (that is large in size) and the pump (that is relatively smaller). A vibration pump, on the other hand, does not have multiple parts and is small in size.
You will find a rotary pump in most of the commercial espresso machines as these pumps are more reliable. Vibration pumps are generally designed for smaller espresso machines that are used at home.
4. Capacity:
Capacity is a very important factor that you should consider before buying an espresso machine. Selecting the capacity depends on the number of members in your family. If you live in a joint family with 8-10 members, you should look for a machine that can make at least 8-10 cups of coffee at one go. However, if you need only 2-3 cups of coffee, you can look for a small and compact unit.
5. Built-in Coffee Grinder:
The flavor of the freshly-ground coffee is just amazing. Thus, buying a machine with a grinder can be a convenient and space-saving option. It is a great feature for those who don’t want to buy coffee grinder separately or for those who have a very limited countertop space available.
Generally, you will find an in-built grinder in super and fully automated machines. If you want the espresso machine to weigh the appropriate amount of beans required, grind, and then move it to the allocated space, you will have to definitely pay extra money for this feature.
You can save a lot of money by buying a machine that comes without a grinder. However, in this scenario, you will have to buy a coffee grinder separately as the taste of the pre-grounded espresso is not the same as the freshly ground coffee beans.
6. Frothing Wand:
Frothing wand is a very common feature in most of the espresso machines. But, if you like those types of espresso that require steamed milk, you must make sure that the unit that you are going to buy comes with a frothing wand.
All the super-automatic espresso machines offer a frothing feature to make cappuccino or latte. Some super automatic machines even come with an automatic frothing feature that allows you to mix milk and coffee at a time by pushing a button.
7. Water Filter:
The quality of the water also has an impact on the flavor of the espresso. An espresso maker that comes with a built-in water filter makes sure that the additional flavor of the water does not affect the overall flavor of the espresso. Buying an espresso maker with a water filter can be a wise option as it removes chlorine, bad taste, and strange odor from the water completely.
8. Cup Warmer:
A cup warmer is a nice additional feature. If you want to keep your coffee cup to be warm so that the espresso remains warm for a long time, you can look for a machine with this feature.
9. Display:
Espresso machines have displays that are helpful in keeping you informed whether the machine needs any sort of maintenance or not. Whenever the water tank is empty or if there are no more coffee beans left, the display notifies you accordingly. It also tells you when to clean the machine or empty the ground bin. Buying a machine with a display is helpful in the long run.
10. Programmable Settings:
Once you understand the type of coffee that you like the best, you can program the espresso machine accordingly. This will save you from the efforts of changing the setting every time. Some espresso machines even allow you to program the settings for multiple people so that it is easier for everyone to get the perfect coffee always.
Some coffee makers let you schedule the brewing program. There is a timer that ensures that the coffee will fresh, hot, and ready whenever you need it.
11. Auto Shut-Off:
If you often forget to turn off the appliances at your home, you can buy an espresso maker with an auto shut-off feature.
12. Drip Tray:
Drip tray is a removable section where you keep your cup to get the coffee. This tray catches any leftover dripping after removing the cup.
You can remove the drip tray, empty it, clean, and then put it back at its place. Thus, you will not have to take the entire espresso maker to the sink to clean it. Some espresso machines even allow you to remove the drip tray so that you can fit a taller mug or cup beneath the portafilter.
13. Size:
The size of a few espresso machines can be quite big. If you have limited space in the kitchen, you might find it difficult to accommodate a big machine. Most of the larger models of espresso makers allow you to make two shots of espresso at once. They even have some amazing additional features that make up for the huge size.
However, before buying one, check the available space where you are planning to keep it, and then choose accordingly.
14. Design, Appearance, and Finish:
You will find different types of espresso machines in different shapes, sizes, and designs these days. You can buy a machine that looks good aesthetically and that goes along with the other appliances in your kitchen.
Some espresso machines have a special compartment that can be used to keep the cord so that the kitchen counter looks neat and clean. The modern machines come in a stainless steel or chrome finish. You can even choose them. Or, if you wish to brighten up the kitchen, you can go for bold colors like red. Most of the brands offer several finish and color options so that you can buy the machine as per your choice.
15. Durability:
Almost all the high-end models of espresso machines come with a limited warranty. You can figure out the durability on the basis of this warranty period. Along with this, you can get an idea of how good the product is by check the reputation of the brand and the reviews of the users.
The type of material that is used to make the espresso machine also plays a major role in deciding the durability factor. The machines made using metal tend to last longer. They are also helpful in maintaining heat in an efficient way.
The highly automated machines that have multiple electric parts usually require more maintenance or repairs than the manual espresso machines.
16. Maintenance:
All the espresso machines require basic maintenance. Common maintenance work includes descaling, washing the portafilters, etc. For hassle-free operation, you should clean the espresso maker regularly. It also helps in increasing the durability and lifespan of the machine.
Some espresso machines offer an auto-clean feature. Even these machines require some type of maintenance.
Since the design of espresso machines vary from brand to brand, you should ensure that you are buying a machine that is easy to clean and maintain. It should be easy to assemble and disassemble the machine. Keep the