Espresso Machine Buying Guide
Here you will find a guide on the different types of espresso machines to help you decide which one is best for you. There is an overview of the manual lever type, semi-automatic, automatic, and super automatic espresso machine. All are capable of producing good espresso, but each one has its own unique features.
Manual Lever Espresso Machine
The manual lever machine was the first machine capable of producing the 8 to 9 atmospheres of pressure needed to extract the kind of espresso we enjoy today. These machines offer a beautiful old world style and craftsmanship with the ability to produce the best tasting espresso. However this type of espresso machine requires the most skill to use and will take some practice to get it right. The espresso is brewed by pulling the lever which causes the piston to force the hot water through the compacted ground coffee in the portafilter. You are in complete control of the speed at which the espresso is extracted. For all your practice and patience you will be rewarded with a superb espresso. These machines also have steam wands and the ability to produce steam for milk frothing. This type of machine is recommended for the true espresso enthusiast that demands the best taste and is willing to put the time in to get it.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
This is probably the most common type of espresso machine found in homes today. These machines use an electric pump that is turned on and off by a switch on the machine. After the machine has heated up to the proper temperature (which is usually indicated by a light on the machine), the user will turn the switch on to activate the pump and then turn the switch off when the desired amount of espresso has been brewed. This type of machine is easier to use because the brewing process is controlled by the one switch. These machines also have a separate water reservoir that is helpful when producing several drinks at ounce or if you need hot water for teas or cafe americano’s. They also feature a steam wand for frothing milk to make those cappuccinos and lattes. These machines can produce an excellent espresso, but you will need to have the right grind and tamp pressure to achieve it. For a guide on how to achieve this at home see our article on making espresso.
Automatic or Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
These machines are essentially the same as a semi-automatic espresso machine. The difference is that these machines can be set or programmed to automatically stop brewing when the desired volume of espresso has been achieved. The user will only need to activate the switch once, which will activate the pump and the brewing process. After the volume of liquid that has been programmed is reached the machine automatically stops the pump. This is the type of machine often found in cafes or restaurants. This can allow the user to perform other tasks while the machine is brewing the espresso. Your espresso may be more consistent with an automatic machine because the volume of water being used will always be the same. However you will still need to have a good consistent grind and tamp pressure.
Super Automatic Espresso Machine
As the name may imply these machines do pretty much everything automatically, except of course grow the coffee beans needed to make the espresso. You will be required to fill the machine with water and coffee beans and possibly program a button or two. After that simply turn the machine on and after it has heated up simply push the button. The machine will grind the coffee, tamp the coffee, activate the pump and brew the pre-programmed amount of espresso, and dump the used coffee grounds into an internal dump box.
The grinder has different grind settings so you may need to brew a few shots before you get the grind setting right. After that it will brew a consistent shot of espresso with just a push of a button. The grind setting may need to be adjusted again if a different coffee bean is used, depending on the roast of the bean.
These machines are also equipped with a steam wand for frothing milk or dispensing hot water and some even come with an automatic frothing attachment. Some super-automatics have a bypass doser that allows the user to bypass the coffee grinder and use pre-ground coffee. This can be helpful if you need to make one decaf.
Cleaning and maintenance is very easy also. Most machines will have a self cleaning cycle and will even alert the user when cleaning is needed. These machines are great for the person who wants a good espresso quickly with very little effort.
Check out our quality line of espresso machines.
