Best Espresso Machine Reviews Guide 2015

Here is a practical guide of tips for buying the best espresso machine tailored especially for your own needs and which will also fit your budget and quality concerns in 2015.

There are a multitude of espresso machines out there on the open market.  The right Espresso machine for you will mostly depend on how much money you want to spend and what features you would like and require.  Here are some important pieces of information to consider when buying an Espresso machine:

What Makes a Good Cup?

First, we need to consider what makes a good cup of tasty and satisfying Espresso.  True espresso quality is dependent on steam pressure, temperature, coffee quality, grind, dose, water quality and the skill involved in its preparation.  Of course, also important in the quality of the Espresso is the machine that makes it.  Espresso machines come in many different varieties, brands and models that range in price from very cheap machines starting at $50 and very expensive imported machines costing around $10,000.  When it comes to the golden rule of buying anything these days, the old adage “You get what you pay for” definitely comes into play.

What Type of Machine?

When considering the purchase of a new Espresso machine, two other factors also come into play.  There are two types of machines.  One is the pump-driven machine and the other is the pressure or steam driven machine.  Of the pump- driven espresso machines you also have a choice of either a semi-automatic or an automatic machine.  The semi-automatic machines are perfect for the espresso connoisseur.  However, they take a longer time for brewing and more effort in producing a cup of espresso as you have control over every subtlety that goes into making the perfect cup of espresso. The upside to all this is that you get the best-quality and taste out of the machine.

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

For semi-automatic espresso machines, the water temperature and pressure are automated to produce that perfect cup of espresso.  The user is also able to adjust the pump, the steam and water flow for a customised taste.  There is no built-in grinder so you must fill the portafilter with ground coffee and tamp the grounds yourself.

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Super-Automatic/Automatic Espresso Machines

The super-automatic or automatic espresso machines are great if you don’t have the time or if you find no need to fine-tune a particular taste for your espresso.   The automatic espresso machines are perfect if you just want a great tasting cup of espresso and enjoy the ease of making it.   Almost all of the brewing steps are automatic and feature a built-in coffee grinder, automatic tamping and also extracts the espresso shot automatically.  If you connect the machine to a water line, it will fill automatically as well which is a great plus. If not, you can always add water manually. A push of the button will dispense high quality Espresso or Latte in minutes. Higher-end models have the ability to froth and dispense milk in order to give you the option for Lattes and other fine coffee-like drinks.

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Different Brands and Models

Once you have decided on the purpose for your espresso machine (i.e., office or home use), the type of machine you want and your budget, it is time to research the different brands of your choice.  You should compare the various features on similar brands and models so that you can determine the best value. Here are some features to take into consideration as you compare different brands and models:

• Pressure bar: High quality espresso machines include a pressure bar so that you can monitor the internal pressure. It is important to note that Pump-drive machines have more parts than steam machines and most contain parts that need to be hand washed.
• Water source: Look for one with a removable water reservoir. If you use it often, like in the office pantry or for entertaining your friends, look for one with a large reservoir or the ability to connect to a water line.
• Portafilter: Thick, stainless steel portafilters usually indicate better quality. In short, the heavier the portafilter, the better quality machine. You should look for ones with pod adapters allowing you to use pre-packaged espresso pods instead of ground coffee. Also, take a look at the number of sprouts the machine has.  Simple machines usually have only one sprout while the more advanced machines have two.  In most cases, however, you should only need one sprout for your purposes.
• Steam wand: Swivelling steam wands are usually an indicator of higher quality machines. Some wands are adjustable so you can change the consistency of the milk and some are even equipped with special adapters to produce the frothing milk for cappuccinos.

Safety Features

You should also consider safety features when purchasing a new espresso machine.  There is always the possibility of scalding, burns or fire with an espresso machine.  Since heating elements do not change colour or texture when they are hot, you can consider the following safety features:

• Purchase a machine with an on and off indicator light.
• Choose one that comes with a polarised plug – A polarised plug has one prong larger than the other so that you can only plug it one way.
• Get short electrical cords to keep the access cord away from children.

Warranty and Support

Finally, when considering the purchase of a new espresso machine, you should also take a look at the warranty and support for the unit you choose.  Most brands and manufacturers come with a standard one year warranty which covers any manufacturer defects.  You should also check to see if they offer traditional phone and/or e-mail support.  Most companies these days can perform tech support via Facebook or other social media platforms.

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