Espresso Machines
The hottest appliance for kitchens today is the home espresso machine.  Once restricted to coffee shops and restaurants, espresso machines are now popular kitchen accessories for people who want a real caffeine fix first thing in the morning. There are several different kinds, offering varying levels of user control over the different steps of brewing espresso. No matter which type you choose, there is a good one on the market for you. Know your budget before you start shopping, however; the top-of-the-line features can cost quite a lot, and some models can cost $2000 or more.
Ever wonder about why espresso machines are so noisy? What's going on in there that makes a little cup of coffee take so much effort? Basically, espresso machines work by forcing near-boiling water through densely packed, finely ground coffee at high pressure. Check out HowStuffWorks.com for a detailed explanation.
To help you get your buzz-machine search started, here are some highly recommended espresso makers.
Quick Pick
There are a lot of variables in buying an espresso machine. With three major kinds available and a wide price and durability range, it's hard to pick just a few. There are many review sites to choose from; these picks are compiled from ConsumerSearch.com, Amazon.com, Epinions.com and WholeLatteLove.com.
| Everybody Loves Silvia |
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Silvia -- no model number, just Silvia -- is made by Rancilio. It is generally regarded as the "best in show" espresso machine. See below for "best in group" winners. At $500, she's about mid-range on price.
She's a semi-automatic, which means you'll need a separate grinder and you need to know about tamping and such. Miss Silvia, as she is frequently called, might need a little "getting to know you" time, but once you two are well acquainted, she might easily become your best friend!
She might not be as pretty as Francis Francis!, but with her sturdy construction and professional-grade parts, she'll never do you wrong. You might want to consider pairing her with Rocky, a champ of a coffee grinder. |
| Best in Group |
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Super Automatics |
Automatic/Semi-Automatic |
Manual - La Pavoni ($500 to $800) is the go-to brand; there aren't that many choices.
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Video Reviews
Basic Options
Stovetop Espresso
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- Stovetop machines are an older more traditional way of making espresso.
- Riddled with problems:
- Hard to maintain temperature, so they can burn the coffee.
- Pressure never gets high enough for proper espresso brewing.
- Nevertheless, stovetop-style machines still have their fans. They may not make a great cup of espresso, but some will make espresso good enough for a cappuccino.
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Manual Pump Lever
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- Manual pump machines can make a good espresso.
- The first way of getting pressure high enough to properly extract the coffee.
- Requires considerable finesse to get the timing right (don't want the pull to be too long or too short).
- Once you get it, these machines will produce great espresso.
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Semi-Automatic and Automatics
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- Semi-automatic and automatic machines are fairly similar.
- Use a pump to standardize the pressure through the coffee grounds.
- This standardization is key to consistent espresso.
- Automatic machines also control how much water is used, virtually guaranteeing flawless espresso every time with very little work on your part.
- Still require you to measure and tamp the grounds.
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Super-Automatics
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- Super-automatics are the foolproof way to make perfect espresso every time.
- Instead of requiring you to measure out a scoopful of grounds, you simply add whole beans to the machine.
- When you want a cup of coffee, the machine will grind exactly the right amount for you.
- All you need to do is keep it full of filtered water and beans, clean out the grounds when the machine is full, and occasionally clean the other parts of the machine.
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Important Features - Steamer
- Like cappuccino and other espresso drinks? Better make sure your espresso machine has a steamer attachment for steaming and foaming milk.
- Durable Components
- Metal or heavy plastic is better than light plastic.
- Boiler systems are better than thermal coils.
- Brass portafilters are better than aluminum -- more durable and retain heat longer.
- When a review says "built like a tank," it's usually meant as a compliment.
- Pump-Driven
- Far better than steam driven, which doesn't always hold heat evenly.
- Also better than piston-lever models, which can be hard to use.
- Industry Guidelines
- According to ConsumerSearch.com, "The best espresso machines meet industry guidelines for espresso preparation is 1.5 ounces of water heated to 195 degrees Fahrenheit, forced through seven grams of finely ground espresso at no less than nine atmospheres of pressure (130 PSI) within 20 to 25 seconds. This results in a shot topped with approximately one-quarter inch of crema."
Other Features- Cup-warming surface.
- Detachable reservoir.
- Removable drip tray.
- Look for features that will assist in easy cleaning, especially removable parts.
Information About Fully Automatics
| Gaggia Titanium |
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The Gaggia Titanium is a super automatic expresso maker that grinds, tamps and brews expresso beverages automatically. It is available in two finishes - a silver finish ASB and stainless steel. The Titanium costs about $1300 new, more if you want it in stainless steel. Not many reviews are available, but the handful on Amazon.com are generally very positive. On the other hand, several users at Epinions.com had problems with the machine, and users on both sites report that the manual is difficult to decipher. Check out the Gaggia product page for more information. |
| Capresso |
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The Jura/Capresso machines are fully automatic and make good coffee -- better than some other fully automatics. These machines are a bit complex, with many buttons and require periodic cleaning. The prices range upwards of $1000, but if you want great espresso and coffee at the touch of a button, these are a good choice.Amazon.com and ConsumerSearch.com both like Capresso machines as well. Most machines on Amazon got four or five stars, and certain models "combine quality with convenience" according to Consumer Search. If you've lost your manual you can find an online copy here. |
| Saeco Incanto Sirius |
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The Saeco Incanto Sirius is a relative newcomer in the super-automatic market. It hasn't had time to amass the numbers of great reviews that make Sylvia such a heavy hitter, but don't be surprised if you see this one at the top of some "Recommended" lists in the near future. - The Sirius, along with its sister product the Rondo, are the only espresso machines to feature a ceramic (as opposed to a metal) grinder. Ceramic is inert and won't affect the flavor of your beans.
- In addition to the grinder, the Sirius boasts all the important features you'd expect in a $1500 machine. It has many programmable modes, a steamer wand, a cup warmer, heats up fast, looks great and, most importantly, makes great coffee. At that price, the Sirius won't win any "best buy" awards, but it will certainly appeal to the high-end consumer.
- The typical complaints about this machine were that the manual is difficult if not indecipherable; it takes a long time to heat the warming plate; the steam wand is too short for a pitcher of milk; and the other appliances were jealous.
- For home use only; although the parts are excellent, it's simply not large enough for a commercial setting.
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Related Products
External Links- WholeLatteLove.com: One of the many coffee-obsessed websites; this will take you to their espresso machine section.
- CoffeeGeek.com: Another coffee site; they have a section just for consumer espresso machines.
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Shopping Directory
Capresso C100 Cappuccino Machine
