Best Home Espresso Machines

The capacity of the water reservoir

Espresso machine makers cater to different variety of consumers. Some that live in a family, some that live alone. Those who consume one-two cups of espresso a day. Or those who drink around five to six cups. To fulfill different requirements, espresso machines come with different capacities of reservoirs. 

A small reservoir means somewhere around 24-ounce capacity. A bigger one is around 70 ounces. You need to make sure, that you choose a machine that fits your consumption criteria. A small reservoir means a compact sized machine, fit for single or maximum double use. A big reservoir means a big machine, fit for multiple uses. 

Pod vs beans vs ground coffee

Are you someone who prefers fresh grounded beans with every cup? Then you need to make sure that you chose a machine that comes with a grinder. Be it a built-in type or a separate machine. Though you must be aware that these types are the most expensive ones. A burr grinder needs adequate pressure to extract good quality ground. For that, the makers will charge you more than a usual espresso machine without a grinder.

If you are someone that prefers a coffee pod, then your life is a bit easy. Most espresso machines come with pod usage. You just need to put in the coffee pod in the basket and geta fresh cup instantly. But you must note that most of the pods are non-reusable. Often, these are expensive and incur a lot of wastage. The Nespresso coffee pods are compatible with only Nespresso espresso machines. While the Keuring coffee pods are compatible with K-cup espresso machines. So you need to be careful about which espresso pod machine fits your budget.

The easiest way is to prefer grounded coffee for your espresso machine. You need to justify your choice of grounds to the portafilter. As easy as it sounds, not many espresso machines use grounded beans. Very few of them, mostly manual ones use grounded coffee beans. This feature can be found in the cheapest espresso machines.

Automatic/Semi/Manual

Espresso machines come in three different forms. Let us look at the automatic version first. This version allows you to be a boss. Turn on the machine and press the required buttons. Now you can sit and wait for your brew. The pre-programmed espresso machines are the i-know-it-all types. You might be a novice. Somebody who doesn’t like to get involved in technicalities. Or someone who values his/her time. These types are usually high in technology and thus higher priced. So if you can shell out more, opt for this one.

The second version would be the semi-automatic machines. These also come with pre-programmed buttons. However, the good news is these can be customizable. Also, not everything is controlled by the makers. You have the option of doing things your way. These are the most popular types. If you have a medium budget and a sense of doing things your way, you can choose semi-automatic types.

If you are low on budget but still want an espresso maker, you still have an option. The manual espresso machines are usually the cheapest. They come with compatible shapes and sizes. You might not expect the perfect cup but is sure to put your taste buds at ease. Plus, it gives you the liberty to control your brew, your way. 

Durability

Espresso machines often break due to various reasons. Some of these might not be made with the best of material. A good quality machine would require low maintenance. Usually, the stainless steel ones set an example. While other plastic machines are more prone to damage. 

Good quality also means a good price. Those with stainless steel bodies have hefty prices. These do last long but burn a hole in your pocket. While the less-sturdy ones are made up of plastic and are cheaper. If you are someone who can take good care of your espresso giver than you can opt for plastic machines. 

Maintenance

Like all machines, espresso machines also require a great amount of cleaning. Often people complain of a sour taste after repeated use of the machine. With repeated use, the machine develops deposits such as calcium and magnesium. Every time the coffee is made, these residues act as a taste-distorter. For this, espresso machines need descaling regularly.

Some high-end machines come with reminders. Some of them might have a blinking button to remind you that your machine needs descaling. While some also have an intuitive descaling system. So you need not make efforts, the machine cleans own its own.

If you opt for a machine with the steamer, then you are up to more work. Milk residues in the steamer often clog the pores. This not only gives a sour taste but wouldn’t allow adequate steam to flow from the steamer/frother. You need to make sure that the steamer is cleaned after use, every time. 

Technology-wise

How fast do you want your device to get started? Do you expect in less than a minute or are you fine to wait for longer? Some high tech espresso machines have a thermo-coil heating system in them. This makes the machine start-up early and ensures a quick brew. 

Another important feature is temperature control. A good brew requires a certain amount of temperature. Exceeding the desired temperature could burn the coffee and give it a sour taste. While a lower temperature wouldn’t extract the optimum flavor of the grounded beans. To avoid this error, a technology called PID is being used. This ensures that the machine remains at a constant/desired temperature and prevents any fluctuations. If you are keen on a perfect velvety smooth brew, you must keep in mind the temperature. 

Pressure

A minimum of 9 bar pressure is required for the perfect extraction of an espresso shot. The bars measure the amount of pressure with which water flows through the grounds. Less than 9 bar pressure would mean a not-so-optimum extraction. It will also mean that the machine will take a long time to create a brew. Mostly the manual machines belong to this category.

Higher pressure would mean quick extraction. The higher the pressure, the less time it takes to get that perfect cup.

Looks or design

Not everybody has the same idea of a perfect look. Some would go for bulky looking, commercial type machines. While some others want sleek, modest ones. An espresso machine must not only work well but look good too. It must compliment your kitchen interiors. 

A sleek looking machine would not only look great but fit perfectly on the countertop. Gone are the days for heavy looking machinery. The new era craves for modest-looking, minimal machines.

With or without a milk frother

Do you think black when you think of coffee? Then you can have a simple espresso machine. One that comes without a milk frother. These types will make you an espresso or lungo at most. If you think you need an occasional latte or cappuccino, you must have a steamer. 

A steamer or milk frother doesn’t require great expertise. Some of these are manual, will some frothed milk automatically. The most common one is the former category. With regular use, you learn how to make the perfect consistency of the milk for latte art. An espresso machine with a steamer is always better than having one without it. 

Budget

You want to buy an espresso machine for two, particularly important reasons. The first one is to escape the need of visiting a cafe for your favorite drink. To avoid standing in queues. Often facing disappointment when you don’t get the desired taste. So you want to be a barista yourself. Become independently responsible for your coffee. But another pressing issue is to save money.

Visiting a cafe now and then takes a lot out of your pocket. You spend more money than required. So you must be looking for budget-friendly coffee machines that can help you save money. Keeping in mind these two needs, you must choose a machine that satiates your desires. But shouldn’t make a hole in your pocket.