Are you wondering what makes a good espresso machine? No more worries. I’ve got you covered!
There are hundreds of espresso machines in the market. So, deciding which one works best for you is no easy feat.
But where there’s a will, there’s a way! Read on!
By Lilian.
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5 Essentials of A Good At-Home Espresso Machine
It Brews Your Favorite Coffee Just How You Like It
Enough said. A good machine makes what it should do – make excellent coffee!
It’s Easy to Use
Choose a machine that’s easy to use. Many people who choose complicated espresso machines end up having to go for an easy to use model.
Why? Because they weren’t able to use the previous model as often as they wished.
You’ll find fully-automatic, semi-automatic and manual espresso machines.
Pick one that you find convenient for you. Using an espresso machine should not be a daily rocket science lesson!
4 Coffee Gear & Coffee Recommendations
- Breville Barista Pro – An excellent manual espresso machine for home use
- Philips 3200 Series Espresso Machine – Easy-to-use fully automatic coffee machine for small office or home use
- Rancilio Egro ONE Touch – High capacity fully automatic commercial coffee machine for professional use
- Koa Coffee – Premium hand-picked Hawaiian coffee. Have you tried American coffee yet?
It Meets Your Individual Coffee Preferences
Before picking an espresso machine, consider the drinks you’ll be preparing. Different machines are made to promote different flavors.
Ask yourself, will I be preparing lattes and cappuccinos with a straight shot espresso flavor, or one that’s not very prominent?
Choose a machine that’s designed for such flavors.
Machines with more bars generally make better espressos.
On that note, let’s introduce the concept of pressure bars in espresso machines.
It’s Easy to Store
Choose a machine that fits in your space and allows you to use it within the storage space with little or no constraints.
You can use a tape measure to be sure about the space you have, then use the measurement as a guide as you shop.
It’s Within Your Budget
Why spend all your lifetime savings on a single at-home espresso machine? I mean, if it were for setting up a coffee shop, it would make a little more sense.
Fortunately, at under $1000 and under $600, you should find an at-home model that’ll serve you well.
However, if you want machines with higher quality, tons of additional features and great durability, you’ll definitely spend more!
It Has The Features You Need
The more additional features an espresso machine has, the better.
But let me add: more often than not, the higher the price.
The most popular extra features include water filters, cup warmers, an in-built grinder and a frothing wand.
Others even allow you to have multiple programmable settings to cater for the individual preferences of multiple family members!
How Many Bars Does the Ideal Espresso Machine Have?
According to Majesty Coffee, a popular coffee gadget’s retailer, the number of bars determines how rich and flavorful the espresso shots will be.
Generally, a minimum 3.5 bars machine is considered fine for at-home use. The higher the better.
The shots with a 3.5-bar machine will not be as rich/flavorful as those from a machine with 6 bars, but they’re fine for your occasional cappuccino.
For commercial purposes, an espresso machine should mostly be 9 bars.
However, it goes without saying that a good espresso doesn’t solely depend on pressure.
The quality of the beans and the grind play a very key role.
What’s the Best Time to Buy an Espresso Machine?
Richard Nail, the founder of Time to Buying, is an expert on the best times to buy different products to get the best deals.
According to him, summertime is always the best time to order that espresso machine.
During the winter, people will take more coffee to keep the cold away. So, the demand for espresso machines will also be higher, and so will the prices!
In summer, you can look out for amazing summer sales/discounts on various websites!
You’ll be sure to find machines within your budget!
Last but not least, even if you’re a coffee beginner, don’t shy away from getting an espresso machine. Read on!
Can I Find Affordable Beginner Espresso Machines?
Yes! There are lots of budget-friendly espresso machines.
But the rule of the thumb is that you get what you pay for.
You’ll find an espresso machine even under $100 while others go for $2,000+.
Mostly, the brand and additional features determine the price.
But obviously, a fully-automatic machine with a frothing wand, in-built grinder and a heating system will be more expensive than a basic espresso machine.
It all depends on your budget.
Photos by Marta Dzedyshko and Wow_Pho
