What To Look For In a Home Espresso Machine?

Answer 1

These days, many traditional coffee drinkers are switching the preference to espresso. Whether creating custom drinks like lattes and mochas or just having a straight shot, the convenience of being able to brew espresso at the home or office is becoming popular. Before spending the money, however, there are a few considerations to make regarding what kind of performance is needed.

Quantity

How much espresso is going to be brewed at one time is important. For the home, a double-shot machine is probably enough. An espresso machine for the office might need to brew more at once if there will be multiple people making their drinks at the same time. The water capacity is important as well, determining how often the machine will need to be refilled.

How Automated?

Espresso machines come in a variety of automated styles, from a completely manual machine to fully automatic. The manual has the ability to make a truly amazing shot but requires much more skill and an external grinder. Semi-automatics still require grinding but have an on-off switch for the water, making it a little easier to brew. Fully-automatic machines control the water flow for you. Super-automatics do everything, from grinding to brewing, and require no particular skills to use.

Size

The size of a machine is important if it needs to be stored away or if there is limited counter space for it to rest on. Machines with more features tend to be larger, but quality compact machines can be found as well.

Cost

Each of the options should be weighed carefully and those that seem superfluous can be disregarded. Home espresso machines can cost as little as $30 and go sharply upward from there. If the machine is only being used for a morning shot, then a cheaper machine will do fine. To those looking to entertain or expecting high volume usage, then the quality and durability of the machine must be taken into serious consideration.

Other Considerations

There are a few other things to think about before making a purchase. The time that each shot takes to brew may be important to machines that need to service many people. Ease of cleaning is important, as to keep coffee tasting its best the machine should be cleaned at least once a day, depending on usage. Grinders are a separate expense if they are not built into the machine itself.

Brewing a good shot of espresso requires skill, even with a home machine. Luckily, much of the work can be done automatically if one is willing to spend a little more money.